Job Discussion Forums

[muttley]

I know there is a thread about the negatives about living in Shenzhen, but can any China-forum posters, especially those folks currently living & working in SZ, shed light on any positives or their experiences about SZ?

Has the cost of living diminished over the past year and is renting an apartment become or less expensive?

[powerrose]

I live in Shekou right now part-time (I work fairly far away and have the option to stay at my work during the week). I think it's great!

A bit before this I was a JET in the ultimate boonies, so I have a very guilty pleasure in all the Western comforts here, from Dunkin Donuts to good Italian, to Wal-mart and Ikea. Yes, I'm a sellout, but whatever.....

I have heard that Shenzhen is really dirty compared to the rest of China, and I hope that's true, because it's pretty grungy here. But, I don't really notice it anymore, so it's not too bad.

It's not authentic China by any means, but life here can be really, really comfortable. It's expensive compared to China, but I came from New York, so it's like paradise to me. HK is right there, and Macau. The expats here are skewed to more the professional/wealthy/older/family types.

Anyway, PM me if you have specific questions....

[powerrose]

Ah, I forgot to answer your apartment question:
I've heard that the cost is going down. The amount of apartments being built here is insane and to some degree, its finally caught up to itself. I know a lot of people who have places for around 2,000, or sharing a 4,000 place. I think you can go much lower too, depending on your comfort level....

The utilities are wicked high, like 400 rmb per month at my place. Food is very cheap if you eat a wide range of delicious Chinese. Taxis start at 10RMB. I can do groceries for around 100RMB for the week....

[thefuzz]

Something positive about Shenzhen...let me see...close to Hong Kong so you can get the hell outta here double-quick.

Really, there is nothing to like about this place.

100 RMB for groceries for the week? What do you eat?

And, yeah, Shenzhen is still mighty expensive...but so is Shanghai and Beijing so that's really not a negative, although I find that job wise and salary wise Shanghai and Beijing have more to offer.

Oh, yeah, and it's dirty. Really dirty.

And the lack of culture of any kind.

[muttley]

Thanks for your feedback guys.

I didn't realise it was a "really dirty" city? That's a new one to me

How about the folks? They're not as "stuck up" as Shanghaiese I've been told. What's your experience with the "locals"? I realise they are from all corners of China.

[thefuzz]

[Zero]

[muttley]

Whoa there! Fair point about about stereotypying Shanghai - certainly not what I intended. Point is I've been offered a position in SZ and not in SH but would certainly consider doing so should an opportunity arise.

Similarly, I understand Zero's comment about generalisations.

Really, I'm just getting some sense of Shenhzen from those in the know.

Thanks powerrose for your balanced opinion.

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

[thefuzz]

[rc81]

[waxwing]