Job Discussion Forums

[Drizzt]

Hi everyone...

So I'm in Shanxi now, but I'll be in Shanghai soon. I want to know, I've pondered buying the cheap little motorbikes for 3K RMB, but if I plan to stay for several years, I'm now considering buying a cheap car, maybe a QQ...I've seen prices as low as 30,000 for them here. I'm wondering how much would a used one cost in reasonable condition in Shanghai? And how much does it cost to get an international drivers license? Is it worth the hassle?

Also, who already here has a vehicle in China and how has the experience treated you?

[Drizzt]

Sorry! I meant to post this in "off-topic"

[tofuman]

Sounds like an absolutely stupid idea. Anyone who wants a payday can bump you and then attempt to shake you down. Then there is the possibility of a real accident in which you or another person might be injured. Totally bad idea.

Granted, I'm speaking from my observations in a city of several million out in the provinces, but if the traffic in the cities where you are is like this, you would probably not be asking this question.

[cj750]

If you do the proper paper work and have insurance...all should go well..I have been driving in the PRC for 4 years and have had no serious trouble with just one hit and that was a scooter towhich she hit me and my insurance reconized the problem of the foreigner and paid 80% of her claim ..the hosp. bill and no more..they handled the deal and all...
Driving here in China will open many doors to discovery and make for a better life in which you are not limited by the restrictions of the sidewalk..or bus or train for that matter.....you can go where others cannot...however I would warn against the scooter as their wheels are small and easy to fall in those manhole openings left by treasure hunters looking for scrap iron...

[tofuman]

cj, I certainly hear what you are saying, but I would never attempt to drive where I live. Another foreign fellow here feels the same way and he owns a car. Is there any semblance of order to the traffic in Dalian?

I dread going anywhere in China, even too great a distance on my bike. When I first arrived here and my FAO did not want me to go anywhere, he said, "You can look around our city." What's to see," said I. "It's just a big, dirty, city."

18 months later, I still feel the same way. Out of town, trucks pass other cars going around blind corners and right of way, even going the wrong way, is determined by the size of the vehicle. Once in a large bus, the driver seemed to enjoy running other people out of the way until he finally had to back down when confronted by a HUGE vehicle hauling construction equipment. I suppose it was a loss of face for him but the only way I can explain the recklessness of the driving is the Chinese love of gambling. And the little value they place on other people's lives propels them to take risk without regard to anything but their luck.

I'll stay home, thanks.

I have heard of a mathematical field called chaos theory which I thought might explains things here. I must admit that I don't see many accidents though. Anyway, I would not attempt driving here but I congratulate you on your good fortune.

[Jolly]

[bendan]

Just a licence plate is worth 40,000 in Shanghai, so you won't be driving there cheap.

I've driven a little here in China and I have to say it's massively more stressful than driving back home, although there are certain roads or areas that can be OK. From seeing Beijing and Shanghai, I think driving in those two would be not too bad. cj750 is right that driving opens up a lot more opportunities to see things. Just check out how much it's going to cost you *in total* not just the price of the car.

[Drizzt]

Ok, thanks a lot for the feedback guys...especially since I was unaware the cost of the plat is 40,000 RMB--omg!

I guess maybe I will be on a bicycle if it costs that much just to be able to drive...

[cj750]

Although I am in Beijing now I was in Dalian and Dalian is one of the safer towns that I have lived in for riding a bike (they actually obey traffic laws there)..the cliff roads are the best and sometimes I would see a suit on a BMW spending his off hours enjoying his costly machine...
Driving in China is not the same that is sure ..but with a little practice and gettin the feel you should have no problem..I have driven in 13 countries and this is not the worst....and sometimes it will get to you as to the carelessness. of the dirver..try New Orleans for eample as it has little money in public accounts the traffic department can no longer fix all the street signal lights that have broken ...cross walks are fun
Shanghai is expensive but if your comapany sponsors the tags you can get one...dont take the face price as the one that you have to pay as there are a few ways to accomplish this in China but as to where you are the cost are more in line...remember the cost of a car is a lot more than the cost of a bike...and the big bikes are limited but may be making headway into China...CJs ar the only big bike that is in the computer now at the DMV (for lack of a better word)..what ever you do ..get a proper licence and tag as well as pay your road tax and insurance....beware of police that can get a licence for less than 200RMB as they my go around the requirements but when the central goverment checks they will invalidate thiose licences and will not notify you of their actions until you are in court..rmember in China it is to everyone to look out for yourself and dont beleave what youhear from one official or Chinese clerk...ask several and compair with your friends or on a web board...the cost of libality is going up in China and you should protect yourself..check out the Driver licence thread....