Job Discussion Forums

[svaldezi]

Hello when you accepted a job in china and went. How much money did you take with you? I realize that more is probably always better. However I was just curious what your experience was please?

[Lack]

I took about $1200 equivalent (about 8000 quai) when I went to China. But I was in a third tier city, so this was way more than I needed.

[Non Sequitur]

As I've always had accom waiting I have taken about RMB 6K but if I had to find an apartment I'd want 20K minimum.

[The Great North]

If you come legal on a Z visa, $2,000 should be enough to get you set up with an apartment as you have to pay 3 months rent and 1 month security deposit in advance.

If you come without a Z visa then bring about $4,000 with you to cover the the extra cost of your fine and air fare back home in case you get busted - about a 50/50 chance these days. The cops don't take credit cards and don't expect your credit cards from back home to work in all the banks here.

[fpshangzhou]

I brought $2000 after airfare, visa was paid. It was plenty as I didn't have to pay rent. That was for a 2nd tier city.

I guess it depends on what your spending habits are and the city you will be staying in. If it's a tier 1 city, I would bring a minimal of $3000 as they tend to be more expensive and offer many things to do.


Cheers,

Aaron

[Markness]

I came with about 500 dollars.

Now, I can't handle the amount of money I have.. muhahaha! ... <I wish>



But seriously, I made it with 500 bucks and my school covered my apartment so I was okay. Without them covering my apartment costs I would have been in a world of hurt. For apartments you need to pay 3 months of rent and key deposit and renters fee (if you use one). It adds up to being approximately 4-5 months of rent. So, if you get a typical studio apartment that will run you about 1500 yuan (250 dollars). 250 x 5 = 1750+survival money (300ish for the month), so approximately 2000 dollars will have you being safe while coming (if your school doesn't pay for your apartment). Other folk who weren't so fortunate made their stays at hostels while they were searching for an apartment.

[D-M]

Ive always brought 5000 RMB and had my credit card in case of a fly home emergency. But this has always been for jobs that supply accomodation. It always been more than enough, and I generally DONT spend all the 5000.

It is worth being aware of the fact that it may be some time before you receive a full months salary though. I suffer from awful jetlag so have tended not to start work for a full two weeks. Obviously that is two weeks without pay. My regular employer also prefers to not throw people in at the deep end, and so I have opted for a reduced schedule for a couple of weeks too ... this is also reflected in my first salary. Add in the payday scheduling and it is quite possible that a full wage may arrive more than 2 months after starting.