Korean Job Discussion Forums

Taiwantroll · Joined: 10 Sep 2006

I just checked the conversion rates and it has finally happened. If I moved to Taiwan to work I would now make the same amount that I make here. And the cost of living in Taiwan is considerably cheaper. Now the only thing keeping me here is the vacation time. If I can find a Taiwan school to match my current vacation time then thats it. I wouldn't be able to find a convincing reason to stay.

Hmmm

Do you think the won will ever get better?

Taiwantroll

sojourner1 · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 3:43 pm Post subject:

Well, the Won is still posting at 1188 to the USD this morning. I bet if you go to a bank, you're going to get something slightly over 1200 as you never get the rates posted by FX markets as the banks get their spread after that.

The won value is showing no signs of improving. I think it's just going to get worse not to rain on your parade.

I_Am_The_Kiwi · Joined: 10 Jun 2008

i think in the very short term it will drop again.

couple months ago when SK sold a bunch of USD the WON got better, and quick, though it didnt last.

Theyre planning on doing it again. So if you got money to send home, wait a couple weeks.

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2008/10/123_31950.html

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

I just went to currency converter. I'm now making exactly 25% less base salary than I was two years ago on this date.

Jandar · Joined: 11 Jun 2008

The price of KIAs and Hyundais should become more affordable.

I mean if that's the car you want to drive.

yingwenlaoshi · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Location: ... location, location!

Salaries don't seem to be budging much in Taiwan; although I haven't checked them in a while. Best of memory, they were still paying 60,000 NT/month. That's almost 2.3 million won. Free accomodation is not a thing on Formosa and bonuses are miniscule in comparison if there are any (not a thing there, either - any bonuses I've seen are for attendance or performance bases, and who's to prove that? - = BS). Taiwan doesn't have optimal teaching schedules in comparison. Good luck finding a 2-9pm job or anything of the like. You can also pretty much forget about having your flight paid for.

Taxes are higher, too. Starting out, it's 20% for your first six months. After six months, it's 6%. Averages out to 13%.

In many cases, you'll find yourself in a position where you're working something like a 4 or 5 to 9 shift, this academy being your sponsor, where you might want to supplement your income. Supplementing your income means teaching kindy or privates. Lots of running around. And KINDY.

It's not to that point yet. You can, however, find jobs that pay really well. Not so easy to find those. They expect more out of you in Taiwan than they do in Korea.