

zhangfu
English expat in China
Forum posts
53
Contacts
5
About me
English
Lives in Guangzhou
Registration: 28 May 2013
Activity


Is CNY 64,000 per month (before taxes) a good salary in Guangzhou ? by aaaachoooo
Hello everyone ! This is my first post here. I've never lived in China, and tbh, I have not much clue about life in china. I have been offered a role with a pay of approx 120K USD per year in Guangzhou. And am trying to figure out the monetary ...

For that salary I think I would want to know a lot about the job, company and visa situation. Cynical? Who me? ;) Read More


Would my husband find work? by ScotNZ
My husband, 2 year old son and I currently live in New Zealand (in husbands home town). My husband has a recent diploma in Mechanical Engineering, with around 13 years work experience in a similar field. Our main question is, would he be able to ...

@vannrox provided a concise reply to your post but I would also add the following points. China is not short of skilled workers in all fields and I think it is generally accepted that companies (which must be registered to employ foreigners) will ... Read More


Interesting customs and traditions in China by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living outside of our home country requires us to adapt to a new culture and different traditions. What are some of the cultural specifics in China? What are some of the traditional beliefs and cultural practices that you have ...

Not to mention some pretty foul food concoctions :( (to help with breast milk?) It amazes me how the Chinese love everything to do with new technology except medicine and health issues. First port of call is always ancient remedies, potions and ... Read More


Moving/working in Kunming, preparations by Heather888
Hello :) I am currently gathering information about Kunming and teaching. This is going to be a long post, if you have the patience, I thank you in advance. I am learning Mandarin and taking college courses in general education/teaching. I want ...

A good source for jobs, advice and information can be found here; http://www.eslcafe.com/ and here: http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/china/ and the forum here (very useful) ... Read More


How to make friends in Guangzhou by expat.com
We have been talking about loneliness when you are abroad, let's now talk about how to make friends (locals or expatriates) when you're living in Guangzhou :top: Which are your best tips to meet people and to make friends in Guangzhou?? Thanks in ...

I would recommend checking out gzstuff.com This is a social media site for expats and locals. There are many groups for varying interests and activities and news of events happening in the city. Also private and business ads and a chat function. Read More


How to make friends in Guangzhou by expat.com
We have been talking about loneliness when you are abroad, let's now talk about how to make friends (locals or expatriates) when you're living in Guangzhou :top: Which are your best tips to meet people and to make friends in Guangzhou?? Thanks in ...

A useful social media site for Guangzhou is gzstuff.com. Here you will find many interest groups for expats and locals. Has a live chat facility. Rebel Rebel is a British owned cafe/bar with live music and a local meeting point for expats and ... Read More


Customer care in China by Priscilla
Hello everyone, The way customer services are handled can greatly affect your views on certain brands, products, companies or stores. As a consumer, it is important to get familiar with local practices regarding client assistance in China and try ...

I'm in agreement with previous posters. The service provided does not come close to that expected in the west but seems to be fine with Chinese customers. When I comment to my Chinese wife about being ignored or rude behaviour she replies ... Read More


Keeping up with the news in China by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in China provides countless occasions to browse local newspapers, listen to local radio stations or watch local TV shows. As everywhere else in the world, local media play a key role in informing the public. What are the ...

Further to my previous post; Here in Guangzhou we can pick up Pearl TV (part time English) from Hong Kong. Their news programmes can be a little more enlightening but are obviously transmitted with a delay, as when a sensitive topic is touched on ... Read More


Keeping up with the news in China by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in China provides countless occasions to browse local newspapers, listen to local radio stations or watch local TV shows. As everywhere else in the world, local media play a key role in informing the public. What are the ...

Sadly most of the media in China is state sponsored (controlled) so most of the news is basically propaganda. There are some Chinese blogs which give a more rational view on local news. For international news I log onto online news sites of UK/US ... Read More


Your new local habits in China by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in China is a great way to immerse in a new culture and lifestyle. Have you embraced local customs since you've lived in China? If so, which one(s)? Did local customs change the way you see things, appreciate life or ...

As I live with my Chinese wife here in China I have had to embrace many new customs. Perhaps one of the strangest is washing the pottery and chopsticks with tea before eating in a restaurant. Chinese is a very difficult language to learn but I have ... Read More


I am from Europe, Greece and I want to move in China Shenzhen by kon45
Hi there friends! Any European or Greek that knows the laws about moving and stay in China for good? I'm going for one month in two weeks and considering to stay there... Thanks anyways!

Unless things have changed you need to find employment with an organisation registered to employ foreigners. You will be provided with a Z visa which will be replaced with a working/residence visa after you arrive. This visa is only valid with that ... Read More


Business etiquette in China by Julien
Hello everybody, As you know, professional habits may differ from one country to another. In order to help newly arrived expats better understand their new professional environment in China, we warmly encourage you to share information and ...

Whilst I agree with everything mentioned so far I would suggest learning something about the etiquette of business, especially eating out. Even such things as the exchange of business cards which should be held with both hands. At a meal there will ... Read More


Short Term Accomodation by C.A.Edwards
Hello! I was wondering if you could help me? I'm going to be working in Guangzhou for two months over summer and I'm in need of a place to rest my head at night. What's the best way of finding accommodation over in China? Are there ...

You might be able to find an apartment share but usually they want longer term. HERE might be a good place to look. Alternatively you could try negotiating with one of the many hotel chains such as 7 Days inn. They have hotels all over GZ. Some have ... Read More


Tips and advice to thrive in China by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to China? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...

I my early days in China I quite liked the idea of hongbao (red envelope gifting). It is traditional to give money in a red envelope when attending weddings, visiting children or older family members. However, I soon discovered that this is not ... Read More


Tips and advice to thrive in China by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to China? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...

#Tip4- Please accept the fact that not at all overly curious people are ill meaning. PoojaYes I agree, it is not unusual for people to ask what we in the west would consider to be rather personal questions. In addition to where are you from, they ... Read More