Birth Announcement

Thanks for the compliment. We ARE happy people!

By the way, for a wider range of opinions, you might want to sign up for Shenzhen Stuff (see link at left) and post your question in the Forums.

James at The Buzz

Always the toughest of questions. I guess it depends on what kind of life you want?

I've heard of foreigners making it on 4,000-5,000 renminbi a month. I lived a pretty good life on 7,000. But of course life is more interesting now that I make more.

But I'm a teacher. If you talk to the business types, they'll tell you that 40,000 is a starting point! This is really shocking when you learn that many Chinese people living here make 2,000 a month or even less.

A few points:

Cheap, Chinese-style apartment: 3,000 or more for two bedrooms

Businessman's apartment in a high-rise: 5,000 minimum (furnished)

Meal in a Chinese noodle shop: WAY under 20 renminbi

Meal in a good Italian restaurant: 50+

Bus from one end of Shenzhen to another: 7 renminbi

Same ride in a taxi: 50+

So you see, it really depends on how you want to live.

I hope this helps a little.

James at The Buzz

The BUZZ will do its best to introduce you to The Wonders of Shenzhen.

Meanwhile, have a look at my friend's site at Shenzhen Stuff to get a sense of what the expat community has to offer.

Let us know when you arrive! 

James at The Buzz