Job Discussion Forums

[Montie]

Hi,

I have been offered a job in Dalian. Accommodation is not included but I would get an accommodation allowance of RMB 1700 a month. I would like an apartment preferably near a beach. Would this cover it?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Montie

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

I have heard Dalian can be a bit more expensive than other Chinese cities because there are a lot of Korean. I don't see the relation, as Koreans are pretty tight wit money.

Also, I would look for a position that gives you an apartment-- most do.


Good luck Montie.

[MyTurnNow]

Yes, Dalian can be a bit more expensive than other cities in the region....it's more prosperous than other cities in the region. It's been close to 2 years since I've lived there, but I'll be very surprised if 1700 will get you beachfront or beach view. Those properties come at a big premium, just as they do everywhere else in the world.

Also bear in mind that the "beach" areas of Dalian are quite remote from the heart of the city. They're way out in the Special Development Zone and are a surprisingly long trip from downtown. There IS shoreline closer in to town, but most of it is reserved for docks etc. and is closed to the public (as in heavily armed guards). What little is accessible is not easy to get to, and probably not what you have in mind. These shores are rocky, not sandy, and not a terribly comfortable swim even if you can forget how nasty the water may be. The classic sandy beaches there are largely artificial constructs with the sand carried in from elsewhere.

Dalian is a WONDERFUL town (if you're among the small minority lucky enough to find a good employer there), and there's much more to it than beaches. I suggest getting a nice place in town with your 1700, and visiting the beach when you have the time during the few months it's really warm enough to be there.

I for one have come to prefer the apartment allowance to a school-provided apartment. Yes, you'll have to deal with your landlord when you need repairs, but you'll also have a lot more privacy and a lot more choice about getting what you really want. You also give your employer a bit less control over you, and please believe me when I tell you that this is a wonderful thing here.
You will have to pay out a long lease in China (at least 3 months, usually more like 6 months) and deposits, in order to get your own apartment. I've found that almost all "decent" schools will loan you the money to pay out the lease, and then deduct it monthly from your salary and allowance. Negotiate this with your employer!

MT