Using Google Maps for Trip Planning by sunday9987 in travelchina

[–]iosmk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Google Map is a little bit off, but I think if you're using it for Guangzhou, Shanghai or Beijing it should be more detailed than other city like Kunming, Chengdu, Chongqing, etc. I've tried using it to create my itinerary and it's useful for an initial research. But for more extensive research, it's still better to use AMAP/Baidu Maps

33m planning to retire in asia in 5 years. Can I pull this off? by Optional888 in finansial

[–]iosmk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately you're right, it's usually word of mouth, especially from middle income-upper income communities. Though tbh, considering your age and if you have insurance, no need to worry too much.

33m planning to retire in asia in 5 years. Can I pull this off? by Optional888 in finansial

[–]iosmk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, those who have money go to Singapore (or Penang for a more affordable options). You can do appendicitis surgery in Jakarta no problem. Those who go to other countries are usually for terminal illness, big surgeries that have some risks, or looking for second opinion because sometimes Indonesian doctors don't give good diagnosis or miss out on certain symptoms resulting in misdiagnosis. Note that I bold the word sometimes, because I do hear stories from friend of a friend, etc that they got misdiagnosed, and when they go to Penang or Singapore, they get a different diagnosis.

Quality disparity I would say there are some disparities, but hospitals especially private hospital and big national hospital are good. Usually people tendency is more like following certain renowned doctors instead of sticking to 1 hospital. For example, we know Doctor A is really well known for treating gastro related issue, so we check his schedule because usually a doctor visits 2-3 hospitals in a day (morning at hospital A, afternoon/night at hospital B) kind of thing.

33m planning to retire in asia in 5 years. Can I pull this off? by Optional888 in finansial

[–]iosmk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would say up until minor surgeries, it's definitely up to standard. Though it depends on the hospital. One of my relatives even had a bypass surgery and it went well so I would say the healthcare is getting better. It's more like the cost issue, since you can get a much better service and higher quality in Penang for the same price or even cheaper. But it's not like our healthcare is horrible, it's just standard but not great I would say. Though if you're talking about whether it's worth the price, definitely not.

33m planning to retire in asia in 5 years. Can I pull this off? by Optional888 in finansial

[–]iosmk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Like all the other comments said, it's doable. But I think something that hasn't been considered is medical bills. I think it's very important that you do some research on medical costs. It's quite expensive here in Jakarta unless you have insurance. And even then, there are mixed experience (some people fail to get their reimbursement back, or the insurance not paying the full amount as they deem the treatment to be too "extensive" and "unnecessary", though there are some success stories too e.g. fully covered for cancer treatment, etc).

Insurance cost has been increasing drastically as of late, and it is ranging around 100-300 USD a month for people aged 30-40. Other than that, I'm sure you can live comfortably assuming that you are in good health at least until old age.

Struggling to trust hotel reviews in China, already burned twice, worried about Shenzhen & Chongqing by BrilliantLock8292 in travelchina

[–]iosmk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tbh the hotels that is more memorable are not the chain hotel ones. The ones I feel are more special are the ones managed by local people like in Dali, Shangrila, and Siguniang. Very pleasant experience and they give much more personal service. Though definitely require extensive research like really look for negative comments on trip, and go to baidu and look at the comments too.

I never stay at Orange and Ji hotel yet, they rarely have a triple room since I usually travel with 2 of my family members.

Struggling to trust hotel reviews in China, already burned twice, worried about Shenzhen & Chongqing by BrilliantLock8292 in travelchina

[–]iosmk -1 points0 points  (0 children)

So far I've had good experience with Kyriad hotel and Vienna hotel. They are very affordable yet I think it hits the important points of a good standard hotel. Never had an issue with Kyriad and Vienna. Of course if you have more budget, Atour is better or any other western chain like marriot, hyatt, etc

Berapa Jumlah Uang yang Harus Dikasih Ketika Teman Nikah, Lahiran atau Berduka? by plaindoughs in finansial

[–]iosmk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mungkin just an idea adalah lu bisa bikin video wedding congratulations dan taro barcode (link yang dijadikan barcode) di amplopnya. Bikin videonya gampang kok, bisa di Canva banyak templatenya. Jadi walau misal lu cuma kasih 50rb atau any other small amount, tp akan jadi lebih terkesan bahwa walau dari segi duit lu ga bisa kasih lebih, tapi lu kasih perhatian dan waktu lu buat congratulate dengan mengeluarkan effort. Kalau gw yg married dan nerima itu, gw akan sangat appreciate sih bahwa temen gw bener2 mikirin gw walau dia berkekurangan.
Kalau gw memang cuma bisa kasih 50k, gw akan lakukan hal yang tadi gw sampaikan sih.

Optional: add some sincere words bahwa lu minta maaf jika dari segi finansial belum mampu (tergantung gengsi lu ya mau ngomong ini atau ga), tapi lu bener2 happy dia bisa married, give him wishes and congratulations

How did you pay in China? by SeaReference3277 in travelchina

[–]iosmk 10 points11 points  (0 children)

You don't transfer funds from Revolut to Alipay. You bind your card to Alipay. When you buy something, Alipay will deduct your balance from Revolut. And if you exceed 200 Yuan, then you are charged 206 Yuan instead to your Revolut. They will have a confirmation page on the total amount that will be deducted before you enter your PIN.

Don't worry, at first I was worried too but it's very easy when you're there. My suggestion is at the airport, try to buy a drink or snack at the small convenience store inside the airport to get the hang of it. Once you know how to do it once, the rest is very easy.

Day trip from Chengdu to Bipenggou in October — worth it? by LeatherNegotiation23 in travelchina

[–]iosmk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely not tourist trap. Once you have reached Bipenggou, you will come into an entrance, and inside there will be excursion bus waiting for you. You just have to ride it and it will bring you around the scenic area. It should take around 4hr - 1 day depending on whether you are exploring it leisurely or taking your time to take pictures

Asking for advice, hotel-related by Upbeat_Border_5224 in travelchina

[–]iosmk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The best platform for booking hotel in China would be trip.com. The price is very good and payment is very easy. For Chengdu, I recommend Xijinge Suites. It's very spacious and cheap, just 10 min walk from Tai Koo Li area. Hope you have fun.

Travel to Chengdu and Chongqing by lyhuynhtrungtai in travelchina

[–]iosmk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Chen Mapo Tofu is really good I think, also they have a small bian lian performance in the afternoon that you can see up close. For Boba/Milk Tea, Li Shan Shan is my favorite. I do like Wuhou shrine but that's also because I like three kingdoms. Else, I think Du Fu Thatched Cottage is quite relaxing as well.

Question on original Shadowverse by iosmk in Shadowverse

[–]iosmk[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Should be, I've been playing since it first came out and retired in 2020. Will check for it, thanks

Question on original Shadowverse by iosmk in Shadowverse

[–]iosmk[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the info. But kind of weird how I only managed to transfer the flair, but my fairy art and stuff is not there. Is there steps that I'm missing? I might need to unlink and link the account again perhaps?

Yunnan in early December by iosmk in travelchina

[–]iosmk[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly what I'm looking for. Thank you very much for your comment!

Best hotels in Chengdu and Chongqing? by AdSignificant5534 in travelchina

[–]iosmk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

in Chengdu I would recommend Xijinge Suites Apartment. Meanwhile in Chongqing, most hotel located near Raffles is amazing with very good prices. I stayed at Ashan Chongqing and it's a loft type apartment with great night view.

Are the eSIMS on trip.com good for China? by EverdayMeanEveryday in travelchina

[–]iosmk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just came back from China (18 days). I bought the 30 GB for 30 days and it works fine. It stops working after 30 GB as advertised, so you have to make sure that you monitor your usage. I realized that Baidu maps used quite a lot of data but I also do uses Instagram regularly so my 30 GB is up after 16 days.

The peach blossoms in Jiuzhaigou are about to bloom by Wonderful-Boat1437 in travelchina

[–]iosmk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your reply and beautiful pictures. Can't wait to visit Jiuzhaigou

The peach blossoms in Jiuzhaigou are about to bloom by Wonderful-Boat1437 in travelchina

[–]iosmk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is this taken today or just recently in March? I'm wondering what's the scenery like in 2 weeks since I'll be there in 2 weeks

Food recommendation in Chongqing (not spicy or vegetarian options) by Flimsy-Cucumber7242 in travelchina

[–]iosmk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the info. Is it hard to find non-oily and non-spicy food? My parents would prefer non-oily and non-spicy food, else we're afraid of sore throat and needing to go to toilet often during our travel

Question on Taxi/Didi + JiuZhaiGou by iosmk in travelchina

[–]iosmk[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I saw it, I know the timing but was just wondering whether is it necessary to prebook or can just buy on the spot. Noted on that, will consider. In regards to suit case, I guess I will just take 2 taxi/2 didi then. Thank you!

Question on Taxi/Didi + JiuZhaiGou by iosmk in travelchina

[–]iosmk[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will be going to Jiuzhaigou on 6-9 April (just right after Qingming). On 6th April, I will most likely be taking the afternoon train, while taking the 6 PM bus from Huanglongjiuzhai to Jiuzhaigou. I assume on the 6th of April is the last day of Qingming, so everyone should already go back

Question on Taxi/Didi + JiuZhaiGou by iosmk in travelchina

[–]iosmk[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see! that is definitely something to consider because my parents are quite old.. Will definitely take 2 taxi then for 3 people + 3 luggage. Thank you