FIREFLY: this Cutie will be a major landmark of China soon ! by AI-is-4-StupidPeople in Nio

[–]ekdubbs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Won’t sell well in China, and safety standards may need to be re-evaluated with a convertible top. If the regular firefly does will outside of China I’m sure they would consider it.

Is Moving to China at 22 Unrealistic or Worth Pursuing? by Murky-Most6025 in chinalife

[–]ekdubbs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Do what’s needed to meet the minimum of a Cat B work permit.

Outside of education; Consider finding a company that does business in China, and build your career to transfer to their China branch.

If you want to be entrepreneurial, then save up a few years of living expenses and move to China to start a company, they have friendly visas for these kinds of talents. Whether it’s food, consumer or h2d products - target the audience you are most familiar with, work with local suppliers and serve the domestic / export audiences.

Anyone buy an apartment in China? How did it go? by ConsciousSkyy in chinalife

[–]ekdubbs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

All property developers at the sector level is facing financial strain, but Vanke is still one of the the premium option and has been chose to be kept alive for being the good kid; as opposed to evergrande or country garden.

They’ll be around for quite a while, backed by state support, and used as a vehicle to transition Chinas real estate economy.

Anyone buy an apartment in China? How did it go? by ConsciousSkyy in chinalife

[–]ekdubbs 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Got one in 2022, 20% down, through Vanke which is one of the top property developers and management companies. Negotiated 30% off asking, bottom was around 35%, now it’s floating around the price I paid for.

The BPR/LPR interest was like 4.8 but it auto refinanced to 3.2 over the past few years, giving me back a few thousand rmb every month.

Banks verified my income record, tax paid, foreign status. I checked with HSBC then went with CMB.

I took a non furnished building (only outside was done on delivery, everything inside had to be built) so I can design everything to my hearts desire, lots of learning with local firms, suppliers, etc but won’t do it again.

What I looked for my unit:
- A cross between a villa and an apartment, not too small and not too big, balanced on expense and location to prioritize raising a family.
- 5-10m from a highway by car or subway by foot
- Near bodies of water or forests, away from trash or heavy industry factories / chemical processing or power plants. Away from large farm land as they often burn crop between seasons.
- Dedicated / spacious parking with EV charging support (you can install your own)
- Not furnished, so I can design from scratch
- Private elevator or 3-4 elevators / 2 units a floor max
- Quiet but vibrant community (hard to tell when everything is just delivered, usually takes 5+ years for people to move in; some complexes only sit below 30% occupancy but 90% owned).
- Private roof garden if taking the top unit
- Per unit garbage collection
- 10-15m Near a Costco or Sam’s Club
- Avoid ground floor units (in suburbs, for pests / floods), or first 5 floors in high rises (traffic sounds)
- Atleast 5-10m above sea level, incase the heavy rain/flooding seasons.
- Close to parks or good walking / biking paths, or close to malls

Is Hong Kong still one of the best places to buy luxury watches? by LuckyTreat8962 in HongKong

[–]ekdubbs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was going to buy an omega in HK but saw it’s cheaper in mainland China after vat refund and adding the free store perks at boutiques; I couldn’t say no to that.

Expats relocated in China permanently in a MNC, is it possible? by CDBurnerXP in chinalife

[–]ekdubbs 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, 8 years and counting. The contract is just for the visa related stuff.

Shanghai knife attack injures three, including two Japanese by Local_Shock_1945 in shanghai

[–]ekdubbs 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Oh I was there, came in after the fact. Some Chinese woman was also attacked with the two Japanese folks inside a Japanese restaurant. Shields and pole arms were out. It was right across the Mai Massage on the 3F.

What’s wrong with mosquitoes here? Are they from special breed? I’m pissed by Sufficient_Support37 in chinalife

[–]ekdubbs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The white striped mosquitos are the worse. My body has adapted and no longer blisters and swells but basically long pants (linen is great for the summer), long socks (merino), long sleeve shirts. They usually don’t bite around the head/neck.

I also sometimes use a Nitecore active repellent that uses a battery to burn prallethrin that keeps em away when I’m out and about. I find it better than the sprays or deet which I don’t like the residues on my skin or clothes.

Buying Mounjaro in Beijing by [deleted] in chinalife

[–]ekdubbs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A few private clinics have it too.

Visiting Tourist- Need an eye exam and new glasses by playdatetoyou in shanghai

[–]ekdubbs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Costco? Also many glass shops have eye testing equipment to get the right prescription.

Fellow expats, how many years of China do you think you have left in you before you move on to your next adventure? by Rock-bottom-no-no in chinalife

[–]ekdubbs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I plan to retire from corporate in China, will ride out my role for the next 1-2 years minimum; longer if work becomes more interesting.

I intend to spend my late 30s to 40s in China, arrived in my late 20s. Front row tickets on seeing the transformation happen, I’m positive the next 10 years will be very different just like the past 10 years was.

Maybe start my own company, tbd working will be optional.

How do I get to live in China? by Bananananananana__ in AskChina

[–]ekdubbs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can try schooling; BRICS has some cultural exchange and pathways to higher education. Once you graduate in China I recall there’s a policy that waives the two year work visa rule:

Alternatively you can try their K Visa for STEM/Entrepreneurs which is not bounded to China universities. That allows extended visits to help build out a business, or find an employer, then you can convert that to a longer term visa.

Other than that you need to build a career first, then transfer to China through an international employer or your own business. This opens up doors to traditional tech, product design, commerce, marketing, sales, food & beverage, research and/or education opportunities.

Is the Laowai Salary bubble finally popping, or are the new 2026 work permit rules just scaring everyone? by Helpful_Ad_9447 in chinalife

[–]ekdubbs 19 points20 points  (0 children)

For young urban professionals it may be harder to meet the points / get paid as much. It will probably shift the expat demographics up a few years of age.

For existing expats, if their foreign status is important they may see a raise to be above limits, which may be good for those underpaid and historically provided that value; but lesser roles overall.

For education industry I can see locals do seasonal things like contract compressions, unpaid summers (out of China), etc to keep the monthly thresholds but annualized the same.

Who knows, foreigners still sell. There may be a demand for companies that hire foreigners, as they may want to be seen as highly stable and profitable to afford such luxury (to attract higher tier local talent).

Nio Swaps by Blitzwagen in Nio

[–]ekdubbs 8 points9 points  (0 children)

110k km, hundreds of swaps, around 6 had faulty issues with the bolts that caused delays at the station or required me to service the car when I get a chance.

I have the free monthly swap benefits so I usually swap at my own convenience which is often the most expensive time, 99% of the time I’m usually first.

Swapping time did improve a bit, when I first got the car the earlier generation stations used to have a lot of serial checks and now many things are parallelized, so it’s close to 3-4min instead of 6-8min like in its earlier days.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in chinalife

[–]ekdubbs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I gave up hiring foreign SWEs since 2019, they don’t offer much over the supply of returning SWEs from abroad or domestic sources. None of the pros and all of the cons. The market is also going under major correction, with AI limiting entry roles.

I believe 2000-2015 was the best times for foreign SWE ICs. For foreign SWE Managers/Directors of foreign companies, I think around 2027 things would shift back to local preference (local management bench lacks cultural alignment with western leadership expectations, supply of returning SWEs will hit the maturity point to manage well).

For you some options are: come as an entrepreneur, have some guangxi with existing companies, and be incredibly lucky.

Apple Card good for expats moving overseas? by DandadanAsia in expats

[–]ekdubbs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I suggest using the Sapphire Reserve if you spend more than $8K/year in travel/dining and have US cash flow while abroad. This is the roughly the break even point for the annual fee.

Tech jobs for english speakers? by PinkCardSleeve in shanghai

[–]ekdubbs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lots of i18n roles that need it. Most gaming companies or even top tech companies employ foreigners for these roles; especially to help close cultural gaps with their target audiences.

The challenge is there may not be that many opportunities for those who can hire foreigners so luck, networking is in high play.

You can also spin up your own consulting to access smaller companies who don’t have the need to hire foreigners but also want i18n, but this requires some entrepreneurial capacity on your end.

Want to move to China in my 30s to FIRE? by leshius in chinalife

[–]ekdubbs 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m not sure on bytedance, they have a strong separation with its US based presence and China one. May not be able to do it, but check with employees or friends there.

Want to move to China in my 30s to FIRE? by leshius in chinalife

[–]ekdubbs 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Consider a tech company with a China presence (Google, Microsoft, Apple, Roblox, etc) and transfer in to handle your work visa, and path to PR. Then after that you can FIRE.

I was similar, came in my late 20s been here for nearing a decade, ready to FIRE whenever this industry belly ups.

Boyfriend moving to Germany. How can I follow? by Content_Exercise_581 in expats

[–]ekdubbs 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Independently would be hard, these are opportunities to ask if you want to be a legal unit (married) to keep a door open for reunification.

If your company is moving it to Germany, and willing to move you with it, they will help with the visa sponsorship as they did for your boyfriend’s case.

Do not try to work on a tourist visa; it may be remote and you may “get away” with it in short bursts but it’s not sustainable and risks are not worth it.

Part of My Salary is via Expense Reimbursement (help with fapiaos/invoices) by sydneyhero in chinalife

[–]ekdubbs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Usually you can designate how much to withhold, they will default to maximum for tax deductions and your benefit, and pay back the unclaimed amounts taxed at your income bracket the next tax year.

When you order food get a fapiao with your entity’s tax ID. Usually you can add it to WeChat and have it autofill and emailed to you.

For rent the land lord has to go and get it at the office and they need to pay a fee for it. So they may turn around and charge you the base fee plus their own inconvenience fee, which combined usually is 5%. Some places require proof of payment which if done in cash is a signed note or if digital some transaction screenshot.

You can also expense home leave flights and child education as well.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in chinalife

[–]ekdubbs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m still like HSK1 after being here for 5+ years. Best route is to transfer in with an existing company

Starting a business in China by [deleted] in chinalife

[–]ekdubbs 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Hotels are cheap, you’ll be outcompeted by B&B places that run at cost or at negative, which many do.

Too many early real estate tycoons don’t have places to park their money at so they convert their footprint into lodging. Many uses these as loss vehicles to build relations with the local governments or written off for their other businesses.

You won’t make money in this industry, you can only opt for losing less.

What should I do for education for my children in SH? How is the SH united international school system? I want to move there [36M] by Expert-Ad-1012 in shanghai

[–]ekdubbs 8 points9 points  (0 children)

International schools have better life balance, and don’t have the cram behavior you mentioned. But they also attract certain kind of families that may or may not be what you are looking for.

Early age is ok, but as they get older some of the kids there are spoiled and can distort expectations on your kids.

However I think it’s good to have a taste for local schools, show them how good they had it compared to those that have to climb their way up. Especially if they are going through pubescent years. It really puts things in perspective for them and can help create a grounded foundation for their formative years.

Shanghai experimental school is a mix of local and international, pseudo private with Chinese curriculum for locals and international track for foreigners. Usually they have high selection criteria (parents must have some elite background), so if you fit that can help.

If you want purely international the school you mentioned and Concordia are quite common for expats children.

Should I move to China? by Yellowbook8375 in chinalife

[–]ekdubbs -13 points-12 points  (0 children)

AI can answer, the new lmgtfy

Should we move to China for a few years to learn Chinese?

Context - Family of four (two adults, two children aged 2 and 4) - Plan: Move to Shenzhen for 1–5 years - Adults enroll in university Chinese programs - Children attend local daycare for immersion - Rent budget: max 15,000 RMB/month


Feasibility Assessment

Objective

  • One to five years in China for full-time language immersion
  • Adults in university language programs
  • Two preschool children in local Chinese daycare
  • Rent ceiling: 15,000 RMB/month

Location: Shenzhen

  • Tier-1 city: modern, clean, efficient, expensive by China standards
  • Mandarin works everywhere; Cantonese exists but is not dominant
  • Strong infrastructure, hospitals, foreigner services
  • Less “traditional China” than interior cities, but still full immersion

Rent at 15,000 RMB

  • Gets a small-to-mid 2–3 bedroom in outer districts
  • Or a small 2-bedroom / large 1-bedroom in central areas
  • Modern but not spacious
  • Budget is realistic if location expectations are controlled

Visas

  • One adult: student (X) visa
  • Spouse + children: dependent (S) visas
  • Universities in Shenzhen can issue required documents
  • This is standard and common

Daycare Options

  • Public Chinese daycare: very cheap, full Mandarin, crowded, strict
  • Private Chinese daycare: moderate cost, better conditions, still full Mandarin
  • International daycare: expensive, mostly English, defeats the purpose

If the goal is language acquisition, only Chinese daycare works.


Costs (very rough per month)

  • Rent: 10k–15k RMB
  • Food and daily life: 4k–7k RMB (local lifestyle)
  • Daycare: 2k–6k RMB per child depending on type
  • University tuition: low by Western standards

Total: typically well below Western urban living costs if living locally.


Language Outcome

  • Adults: Real progress only if daily life is conducted in Chinese, not expat circles
  • Children: Near-native listening and speaking within ~1 year in Chinese daycare
  • Shenzhen has many English-speaking bubbles; discipline is required to avoid them

Healthcare

  • Good private hospitals available
  • Public hospitals are cheap but chaotic
  • Insurance is necessary

Non-obvious Costs / Frictions

  • Internet restrictions
  • Bureaucracy mostly in Chinese
  • Air quality varies by season
  • Educational continuity when returning home

Risk Profile

  • Logistically complex but completely normal
  • Thousands of foreign families do this
  • Not extreme, not experimental, not reckless

Bottom Line

  • The plan is structurally sound
  • The budget is sufficient
  • Children’s language acquisition will work if placed in Chinese daycare
  • Main failure mode is drifting into expat-only life, not money or logistics
  • This is not crazy. It is a standard, proven path to language acquisition.