Job Discussion Forums

carleenmarie · Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Philadelphia

I'm planning on coming over probably around mid February, and am wondering how much cash I need in the bank when I say bon voyage. I don't have a job lined up just yet, but I figure it will be of the pretty standard newbie variety. What's the bare minimum vs. what I should bring in an ideal world?

atiff · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Posts: 66

It depends a bit on what you'd class as "the bare minimum"; what you would be comfortable with putting up with. For me, that would mean enough to get into a shared apartment and two months living costs (which would be about NT$60,000, give or take - assuming NT$20,000 for apartment deposit, NT$10,000 per month rent and NT$10,000 a month basic living costs). This would be possible, but not the most comfortable. It should put you in a nice, secure position to tide you over until you find a reasonable job (ie, you don't have the take the first one, you can take your time a bit).

Ideally, you should bring over more than that. Note that some TECO offices are stricter than others on the amount of money you need to bring over compared to the length of your stay, if you are coming on a visitor's visa. Those that do check seem to use a rough benchmark of about US$1,500 per month of stay.

carleenmarie · Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Philadelphia

To be honest, I was kind of figuring I'd have a job lined up pre-departure. I know that conventional ESL Cafe wisdom says you have a better shot at negotiating the best contract if you wait until you get there, but I want my flight paid for and I'd rather have it all lined up before the plane touches down.

I also hope to find a job with an apartment paid for, or at least a decent housing stipend.

I was originally planning on South Korea for the aforementioned reasons, but I've heard that you can work out a similar deal in Taiwan, and the more laid back, less xenophobic culture appeals to me. Is those reasonable requirements for Taiwan or should I start reconsidering Korea?

I was figuring I'd save about $2000 USD to take with me. Typically, will I get paid 1 month after my start date or could it be 1 1/2- 2 months? If it's much longer than 1 month w/out pay then I will def. need to save some more money. I figure it's tough enough to uproot your life and head to Asia- having cash to go out and explore will help ease the culture shock at least.

BigWally · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 3:24 am Post subject:

carleenmarie · Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Philadelphia

Thanks for the advice. Korea is looking better and better.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

Ha, Korea looks good until you arrive. Especially if you wind up in a bad location and are bored out of your mind.

craigzy · Joined: 20 Mar 2006 Posts: 87 Location: taichung

if youre coming to taiwan, $2500US is a good amount to bring just in case anything unforseen happens. remember to get your 60-day visa before coming to the island so you dont have to make a run to hong kong or macau.

also, and this is just from people ive talked to so take from it what you will, other than the money, korea supposedly sucks. again, thats just what ive heard, though, so wutev.

pest2 · Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Posts: 170

AQUA MARINA · Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 9:54 am Post subject:

You could always ask your school to pay you cash at least for the first month. I find waiting for a whole month untill you get paid is tight.

It's safer to have a credit card as back up for emergency cash. Bring at least 2,500-3,000 CAD. That is 3 months worth to be comfortable.