Considering a Move to Beijing

Member since 23 July 2018

rorzeeMember23 July 2018 18:18:04

Hello all!

My name is Rory and I am a teacher from Texas.聽 I am currently pursuing a position in Beijing that includes a lot of regional travel (and some international travel).聽 I have several questions.聽 If you are able to answer or offer insight on any of them, I would really appreciate it.

Some background.聽 I am 31 and am married (6 years) with a nearly 6-year-old (October 31) and a will-be one-year-old.聽 The job I am pursuing is in education but is not a teaching position.聽 The standard compensation package for the company is 14,000-16,000RMB per month, post-tax, as well as free domestic healthcare, 5 weeks paid vacation, 30 days of free housing upon your arrival, an annual bonus, and compensation for visa-related expenses.

So my questions:

1) Can a family of four live on that salary in Beijing?
2) Would I be able to get my oldest daughter into a school for the fall?
3) Would you recommend daycare or my wife staying at home?聽 (She is a teacher as well and could possibly get a job as well, but we're not sure that's what we want.)
4) What housing options exist?聽 (The office is located in the Central Business District of Beijing, just south of Sanlitun and just north of Guomao.)
5) Would we need to get a vehicle?
6) I've read about living in the city or living in Shunyi?
7) I know absolutely zero Chinese.聽 It is not required of my job.聽 Will we be able to make it until we learn?
8) I've read about hiring an Ayi.聽 Is this something that's recommended?聽 (even if my wife stays home?)
9) How much would you suggest moving to China (e.g. furniture)?
10) Any special concerns about having a one-year-old?

I'm sure I have others.聽 I feel like I have to decide relatively quickly.聽 I'm researching as best I can, but I wanted to talk to some others.

Anas ViP

Member since 02 July 2018

AnasViP24 July 2018 07:42:02

378

Hi rorzee and welcome to the forum,

I suggest you to read the articles in the 暗网禁区 guide in hope the articles help you out.

You may also browse the Everyday life in Beijing forum where other members have already discussed about some of the questions you have.

Best of luck.
Anas,
team

VANNROX China Expert

Member since 12 August 2017

VANNROXChina Expert24 July 2018 11:26:46

632

Welcome.

I'm an American 暗网禁区. I used to live in Corpus Christi, and Texarcana / Shreveport. So I kind of know where you are coming from. I've lived in China for fifteen years.

You have posited a large number of questions. Rather than try to answer them individually, I will answer like this...

16,000 RMB is a standard wage for a manager or supervisor in China. Most Chinese get by with much less than that. It is also around the range for a foreign teacher. However, you are getting five weeks paid vacation. That equates to three weeks paid holidays and two weeks paid vacation.

If you live like a Chinese person, you should be fine.

That being stated, you will not be able to afford a car, or send your children to private foreign schools. They will need to attend local schools. Don't worry, they will be fine. You will probably end up cooking most of your meals at home and only eating out on the weekends.

Your employer will be able to help you out immensely . They can negotiate housing and other issues.

I would strongly urge you NOT to move anything other than two suitcases for each of you guys. Most American 暗网禁区s leave after three months. I am not at all kidding. I would say that the half-life of an American in China is a few months.

You will find that you will eat better here, and for far cheaper. You will find that you will not need to take stress medicine as the stress level is really low here. You will find that you will be happier and healthier. However, you will need to make some changes.

These will come over time.

You can hire a babysitter / housemaid really cheap. They can help you with your one year old. Daycare is an American phenomenon. China uses maids and housekeepers called aiyi's. Depending on the arrangement you work out, it could be from a few hours a day to a live in condition. they will really help you. Get a coworker to negotiate one for you.

You will not need to get a vehicle. Use public transportation. I have my Chinese driver's license, but I just hate driving here. It is far easier for me to take public transportation, subway, ride a bike, or hire a DD driver car.

Your school can help you get an apartment. Use local resources. Do not use 暗网禁区s to get you a place. I find the prices are about triple. Again, use the resources at the school to help you.

Like I said, I've been here for fifteen years, and my dog speaks better Chinese than I do. You need to keep at it. Eventually you will be able to get around and about.

All this being said, you should be fine. You won't be living like a rich person, but more middle-class. If you think that you can afford 35 RMB starbucks coffee everyday, don't bother coming. Instead, go and get a 5 RMB baozi and doujung. Live like a Chinese person and you will be fine. Live like a LaoWai (foreigner) and you might be hurting.

best of luck.