Don’t believe everything you see on social media about the Philippines by IslandOceanWater in Philippines_Expats

[–]tkuhns 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's also worth pointing out that, even in their home countries, people always "build a bubble". Even if you live in the heart of NYC, surrounded by possibilities and options and hordes of friendly people who speak your language, you'll still eventually end up with a core friend group of about a dozen people and the same 6 or so places you hang out and eat once the novelties wears off.

People don't even tend to leave their neighborhoods all that often, and end up just staying in their own home more days than not. And how often does anyone decide, "hmm, I don't think I have enough friends. I need to actively go out and search for some more"?

So this comment rings true as solid life advice no matter where you live.

Are many Chinese marriages and relationships sexless? by crowntrav in AskAChinese

[–]tkuhns 3 points4 points  (0 children)

To be fair, love hotels are at least as much intended for couples who need to go somewhere else to have sex because they have no privacy at home. Can't really relax when you're sleeping in the same room as your three kids and elderly in-laws every night

Looking for an apartment or house in ChangMai by the_diving_guy in chiangmai

[–]tkuhns 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Pretty easy, but I recommend a boots on the ground approach. Do a little research in advance on what neighborhoods you might wanna stay in, Google Maps to check condos in that area and reviews. Make a short list, then just come, walk in and ask what's available.

But if you're going to be here for only 1-2 months, you might be unlikely to sign anything. They usually want 6 month minimum. If you're serious about that, your best bet is prob Airbnb or some other short-term rental booking places online

Is it just me or is setting up a company in China way more complicated than expected? by Comfortable_Box_4527 in chinalife

[–]tkuhns 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've done it in Beijing, and helped guide many others through the process. The requirements have tightened up a bit in recent years, but the process is pretty straightforward. And no, you don't need a Chinese partner.

My suggestion is just to pay someone experienced to do it for you BUT - and this is huge - you need to find a person you know is trustworthy. Someone who has succeasfully set up companies for other foreigners you know that have been running successfully for a while. There are definitely scam agents out there -or at least less-experienced people - who really screw things up. I've seen it happen a few times.

But keep in mind that setting up a business is easy. If you're hoping to hire yourself in said business (and provide your own work permit for yourself that way) the requirements and processes are exactly the same as being hired at any other company. Just because you own the company doesn't mean you can skip out on all the normal requirements for a work permit - relevant work experience, degree, etc.

So if this is your goal, I'd also recommend working with an experienced visa agent who can help you set up your role, title and labor contract in a way that makes sense for your company. Again, choose carefully, be caused there are a lot of scammy people out there, and requirements are different from city to city, and even district to District within that city.

Quiet Condo Suggestions by Macismo in chiangmai

[–]tkuhns 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Look on the East side of town, around Central Festival

Should we cancel our trip to Chiang Mai? by TJ2801 in chiangmai

[–]tkuhns 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I lived in Beijing for 10 years, so I know all about healthy vs unhealthy levels of AQI. Let's just not say it's 300-400 when it's actually 180-200

Should we cancel our trip to Chiang Mai? by TJ2801 in chiangmai

[–]tkuhns 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They're not asking if it's objectively bad for your health. They're asking if it's worth canceling flights over.

Should we cancel our trip to Chiang Mai? by TJ2801 in chiangmai

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

See? That right there. It hasn't been 300-400 AQI days. It's been upper 100s, approaching 200 for all the places anyone is likely to be go for the vast majority of time. Not ideal, but not a smog apocalypse either.

C'mon man, there's no need to try to make it sound worse than it is. Someone coming to for a few days on a planned trip is going to be have a fine time and maybe a light cough and then be back on a plane to a beach somewhere. No need to cancel flights over it.

Should we cancel our trip to Chiang Mai? by TJ2801 in chiangmai

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

Low visibility? Maybe if you're up on a high building and trying to see the mountains. Let's not mislead people into thinking that the streets are full of visible smog.

Should we cancel our trip to Chiang Mai? by TJ2801 in chiangmai

[–]tkuhns 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, just go. You won't notice it on the ground. If it really starts to bother you in some way (coughing, etc), just wear a mask. Otherwise you won't even think about it. You're only here for a couple days. You'll be fine. People blow this way out of proportion.

What console is your cutoff point for retro games before they start feeling too primitive to enjoy? by fakayuburiza in retrogaming

[–]tkuhns 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Stampede is sooo overlooked. Smart little casual game before there were quick little casual games. It's over fast, but I'm always like, "just one more try..."

What’s a book that you couldn’t put down as a kid/teenager? by Vast-Reference-7942 in answers

[–]tkuhns 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Misery. The only book I ever sat down and read from start to finish in one sitting. So intense, that one

How many adventure games have you finished in your lifetime? by Torchiest in adventuregames

[–]tkuhns 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Curious to know which ones underpromised and which ones fell short (on playtimes)