Job Discussion Forums

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

ive been on the island for a few days now - being drenched in taipei - and im looking to take the train down to taichung to start looking for a job.

problem is, i cant find a listing for hostels anywhere. ive looked at as many esl websites as i could, as well as the forums, and couldnt find a thing.

any help would be appreciated. thanks.

Dr_Zoidberg · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 3:43 am Post subject:

I don't know if there are any hostels in Taichung. However, there are a number of cheap hotels near the train station.

BTW, it rains in Taichung, too. Smile

Have you checked out the job postings on www.tealit.com ?

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

Dr_Zoidberg · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 11:14 am Post subject:

You might try posting on www.forumosa.com

The long-term residents of Taichung City (I'm in the county) may know if there are any hostels.

Also, Taichung is a big place, it would take you hours to walk anywhere. I suggest you rent a scooter to help you get around town. There are scooter rental places near the train station.

sbettinson · Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Posts: 81 Location: Taichung

I live in Taichung.

There are plenty of hotels near the train station, but I think from experience the best one for cleanliness and price is the Fuh Chun Hotel which is directly opposite the front of Taichung train station on the corner. Stayed there myself a couple of times. You will see a Global Village school straight in front of you and it is to the left of that. It's very clearly marked with a large sign. Rooms are about $600 - $800 a night if I remember right, with a small discount for long stays.

The ladies who run it are great - they like to give you cookies, chips, fruit and bottles of soda as little extras. Very lovely people.

Once in Taichung, you can easily use this as a base to look around and find work and a permanent place to live.

Should it be full, there are a couple of hotels next to the Fuh Chun, so you won't be stuck for somewhere to rest your head.

The train station area is a little grubby compared to other parts of Taichung, so don't be put off too much when you arrive. Head upto the "Little Europe" area where the western hangouts can be found. Try and get a copy of Compass Magazine, too as this has a lovely little map inside where you can find all the places to meet other foreigners and information about Taichung itself.

Good luck.

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

thanks for your help, guys.

i gotta say, though, after seeing the scooterfolk in taipei im a bit apprehensive at renting a scooter - especially since ive never even ridden on one before. id rather not die my first week here.

also, if anyone in taichung wants to get a pint one of these days, ive got first round.

Dr_Zoidberg · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 3:37 am Post subject:

Let me know when you're coming down.

matchstick_man · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 244 Location: Taiwan

There used to be a couple of hostels off hua mei lu. One has disappeared completely. I've only stayed in the hotels that sbettinson mentioned.

You will want a scooter in Taichung. Figuring out the bus system takes as long as learning to read Chinese.

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

fuh chun seems to be worth it for only 620 a night. i thought it was going to be a hostel, not an actual hotel.

also, how is it possible that taichung seems crazier than taipei?

BigWally · Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2007 1:01 pm Post subject:

branbuddy · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 20 Location: Czech Republic

Thought I would bump this topic.

Finally, I have decided to come to Taichung. I am sending in my visa application tomorrow.

I visited Taichung a couple of months ago to check it out and talk to a few people about things and every single person (Western and Taiwanese) seemed to be so happy there!

I stayed in the Fuh Chun Hotel as suggested by sbettinson. I don't know if I got a bad room or something but the next day when we left we were covered head to toe with little red bug bites! There were a major amount of bugs everywhere (coffee pot, window area, floor, you name it). Is this normal? The ladies there were super nice though.=)

I am just wondering if there is another hotel that has a less chance of bugs as I am coming back the beginning of October.

Also, a few posters mention to rent a scooter. We tried to rent a scooter next to the train station. They said they required an ARC. I thought I could just go and rent one. Is this usually the case? Where can I rent a scooter without an ARC (while I'm looking for jobs)?

I think that's about it. Thanks for any help provided! Maybe I'll see you around.

branbuddy

englishmaster · Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 118

When I lived in Taichung, there was a handy volume for foreign residents called _Taichung Unlocked_ that listed all the city's services, including residential hotels, etc., A-Z. You could buy it at many expat venues, which are listed in Compass Magazine, the city's expat rag.

I lived in an apartment in Taichung, so I never stayed in any hotels. Seems as though other posters have helped you out there, however.

branbuddy · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 20 Location: Czech Republic

Thanks for that information. I'll look into that!

branbuddy

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

most visiting foreigners here just sleep on other foreigners couches.

my buddys roommate just moved to shang hai, so if you guys need a place ASAP lemme know. he might do a short term thing.