Survival Guide to Life in China for New Teachers 2023 Edition
Survival Guide to Life in China for New Teachers 2023 Edition
How Far Will My Money Go:
Below is a list of prices in Chinese RMB (¥9.2 = £1; the Exchange rate is fluctuating over time).
A typical meal in a local, independent restaurant can cost anywhere from ¥90 – ¥150. This depends on the types and amounts of dishes ordered. At nicer restaurants and, often, at Western-style restaurants, a typical meal will cost between RMB ¥200 – ¥400.
Utilities (water, gas, electric) usually total about RMB ¥250-¥350/month (shared with roommates) Bus ticket: RMB ¥3 – ¥7 Subway: RMB ¥3 – ¥7 (cards can be purchased at selective subway stations) Can of soda: RMB ¥3 Bottle of soda: RMB ¥3.5 Taxi: RMB ¥12 (for the first 3 km & ¥3 RMB per additional km).
What Should I Be Careful Of:
DANGER!
Black taxis in China, especially in the capital (Beijing) are a serious issue, and drivers target foreigners at the end of their night out. Overcharging by over 500% percent on average compared to DIDI/local taxi prices. They will target your phone and quickly sell it to criminal gangs before you have time to react, it will be sold on.
Always ensure you have enough battery on your phone to order a DIDI. This can be downloaded both in China and before you arrive. Battery chargers are available in bars for a small charge (1¥ per half an hour charge).
Be careful of beggars targeting you as you leave bars/pubs/clubs. Again, they are looking to steal your phone and work in cahoots with the thieves, highlighted above.
Residence Permit:
You must register at your local Police Station within 24 hours of your arrival on Chinese soil. This is a key requirement, and the Chinese authorities won’t take any excuses. If you arrive and stay at a hotel, ensure the hotel will be registering you. Foreigner Residence Permit In China 2023: Full Guide | HROne
Recommended Bars/Restaurants:
Beijing:
Paddy O’Sheas Bar & Restaurant:
A great place to meet fellow ex-pats and become part of a community. Matthew (Owner) Catherine (Pub Manager) and their team will take care of you, and this will become your home from home. It’s also the number ONE sports bar in China. Paddy O’Shea’s | the Beijinger
Nashville Bar & Restaurant:
An excellent place for live music – every night. Adam and his team will meet all your needs. Nashville Bar and Restaurant (乡谣) | the Beijinger
Groovy Schiller’s Bar & Restaurant
If you looking for a traditional British-style pub, this is the place for you. John and his team look to ensure you feel like you’re back in England. Groovy Schiller’s (大明西餐厅) | the Beijinger
The Swan with Two Necks
This is bar up in the Shunyi area of Beijing and a massive expat ‘go to’ place for ALL teachers teaching/living in the international schools’ area. This is within a five miles radius of all schools. Jackie and his team will look after you. This is a great place to meet fellow teachers and watch the latest premier league games (football). I recommend trying the barbecue burger off their Western menu. THE SWAN WITH TWO NECKS, Beijing – Restaurant Reviews & Photos – Tripadvisor
Shanghai:
The Blarney Stone
This bar comes highly recommended by a good friend of mine based in Shanghai. Excellent for watching sports and the food is good quality. Blarney Stone – Bar, Sports Bars, Irish, Shanghai | SmartShanghai
Shenzhen:
George & Dragon Pub:
Maggie and her team offer live music and excellent quality food and a good laugh with fellow expats. This is like a traditional pub you would find in the UK.
Hangzhou:
Wade’s Bar & Grill:
Wade and his team will always look after your every need. Excellent food available all day. This is a great place to watch all sports. WADE’S BAR &GRILL, Hangzhou – Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number – Tripadvisor
Haikou:
Roxy’s Bar & Grill:
Jake and his team will look after your every need. Roxy is currently ranked within the top 10 places to dine/drink in the Haikou area. I recommend trying their burgers on offer. Roxy’s Haikou – TropicalHainan.com
*All these places offer a high-quality food selection and are very safe places to enjoy your evening’s shenanigans.
Sports Clubs:
There are teams for everyone to join. Anything from Running, Football, Darts, Cricket, Hiking Clubs to join. We also sponsor the Beijing Ducks Rugby Club. Beijing Ducks Rugby Union Club | Beijing, China
Enquire within…
Useful Teaching Websites: Primary Resources: English: KS2 Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation – Northwood Community Primary School A2 Key preparation | Cambridge English