So You’ve Decided to Move to China....What Next?
SWIS Shenzhen Orientation Episode #E2
Today we welcomed Tuula Webb & Matthew Manfredi on SWIS ROC Radio for the second in our orientation podcasts.
The focus of this podcast in the first part of the show was housing; we looked at the advantages/disadvantages of both living on/off campus.
To live off campus, we recommend that new staff be aware of the costs involved in getting an apartment.
You will need cash upfront to pay;
So typically to rent a 9000 RMB apartment (typically a 90sqm 2 bedroom) you would need 31,500 up front to move ($4556) A 3 bedroom (140sqm+) can be anything from 12,000-17,000 RMB.
We will send you on WeChat agents which can help you find accommodation. Thomas is a reputable agent in Shekou who may staff have used and his WeChat ID is; shekourent
Housing Hidden Costs;
Management Fee (between 300-600 per month depending on size of apartment)
Faipao (need for reimbursement from school) - The cost is typically 4% of Rent to get the Faipao ( 360RMB per month on a 9000 rental)
Electricity/water/gas (typically about 300 per month)
Internet (1800 -2000 per year - Some apartments have bad internet/some are very good)
Banking
We talk about banking in the second part of the show. This is a process that is not overly liked by expat staff in general as it takes time. You need documents from HR and Finance each time you go to do this; I generally go to the bank once a year at most for this reason and am creative with this process. However, if you have bills at home to pay each month then we suggested that you leave cash in your account at home to cover these for the first couple of months.
Get WeChat Wallet set up as soon as you get your bank account set up is our top tip!
Voice Messages/Questions/Feedback
Finally, we deal with a number of animal questions from incoming staff. Thank you David Platt and Angela Morris for sending in voice messages on Anchor and you are the worth recipients of a 100RMB Voucher each from Le 5 Chefs Shekou. Laura Michelle Loran added a comment on Podomatic and also receives a voucher! Well done to the three of you! Thank You Claudio for the vouchers! David and Angela, we will try and find you information and send on WeChat.
On next week’s show Phenix at Xpats Bar Seaworld will provide 3 Vouchers for another three members of staff. Thank You Phenix.
We’ll then be knocking on Craig Wildman’s Door at McCawleys Seaworld to see if we can get some vouchers….
We hope you enjoy the show!
SWIS ROC RADIO
Listen, Like, Learn
#swisShenzhen #swisROCradio #swisroc #swisrocs
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/swisshenzhen/message
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free