Job Discussion Forums

[MixtecaMike]

Hello again, I am very seriously planning on coming to Taiwan at the end of January or else early February. Although I am married, I will be coming alone. My goal is to save enough money up to bring the family over or if Taiwan is not the place for a family then maybe Korea. Anyway, Taiwan will almost certainly be my starting point.

I would like to hear your (experienced) opinions on where I should head for, if my primary initial goal is financial. So, I am 41, Australian citizen, born in NZ, have a BA in Linguistics a CTEFLA and eight years experience at levels from 5 year-olds to adults in Guatemala and Mexico. I don't drink or smoke and I am not going to need "female-companionship." I can eat just about anything and I don't yearn for the company of other expats. I am not averse to their company either, but being the only "gringo" in town would not be a new experience for me. Neither hot not cold weather bothers me much, although I don't really like earthquakes I am more than used to them.

Oh, I speak Spanish well, if there is any demand for that in Taiwan.

I don't speak any Chinese (except ni hao) but hope to learn a little before I leave.

Anyway, feel free to comment,

Cheers from Mexico

[brian]

I expect that you will get a variety of answers to this question, each with their own merits.

I live in Taipei and will of course recommend here - please excuse my bias. The downsides to being in Taipei are that it is no doubt more expensive than other areas in Taiwan, but still much cheaper than back home. It is a convenient city and gives you the ability to choose to spend a night out with other expats or the locals - which can be a nice ability to have as time progresses.

Kaoshiung would probably be my second choice, followed by Taichung and then Tainan. I personally wouldnt recommend country areas for anyone who is newly arrived in Taiwan, but some individuals may love these areas.

As far as wages, there is a lot of talk about which city pays the most. My conclusion on the subject is that they are all pretty much equal. Taking into account the higher costs of living in Taipei this may prove to be somewhat of a disadvantage, however the availability of work in this city more than makes up for this.

As you will have kids arriving in the future I think that you will find Taipei most suitable for a family. Sure you could head south and then come back to Taipei if and when they arrive but it might be beneficial to establish yourself in the city that you will end upliving in.

Well let's see what the others have to say - but Taipei gets my vote!

[Pop Fly]

What I wrote here may be of some interest.

[MixtecaMike]

Thanks Brian and Popfly.

How much more expensive is rent in Taipei than in other parts of the country? For example, here in Mexico rent in the capital is 2-4 times more than where I am now a prisoner. I guess if there is more to do in Taipei there are more places to spend, but for the basics is there much difference in price?

It looks like living on the outskirts of Taipei and commuting is also a possibility, is it necessary to have your own transport for this?

Any other opinions?

[dan allan]

Hi Mike;

I have a similar history/6years in Latin America mainly Mexico DF.
I'm in Guangzhou and may go to Taiwan. If you want send me PM and we can do some networking.

What is the exchange rate to the US$?

Sincerely,

Dan.