I'm moving to Shanghai!

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cjyueh

Newbie

Joined: Feb 07, 2005
Posts: 1

Status: Offline

Posted: Feb 07, 2005 - 04:46 AM
Post subject: I'm moving to Shanghai!

I just got offered a job in Shanghai and would like to know the typical starting salary for an architecture intern before formally accepting the offer. And, how are living expenses? I will be freshly graduated from university, so I have an incredibly modest lifestyle in the US currently. Also, how are taxes and insurance dealt with in China?

Magnolia
Board Biatch

Joined: June 01, 2004
Posts: 31098

Posted: Feb 07, 2005 - 09:25 AM

I am thinking of a few friends who were architects (interns and associates) here ... the salaries were RMB10000 per month upwards. In some cases, the apartment rentals were included as part of the package and at other times, they were not. Prices really range, from RMB2000 to RMBthe-sky-is-the-limit.

Living expenses completely vary as to how you live. Basic necessities are not expensive, but if you want Western meals, bars, items, expect to pay a lot more than you may be accustomed to paying. Electricity, water, gas, etc are not too pricey.

Taxes ... the China portion of your taxes should be automatically withdrawn from your salary. You don't have to file or anything. You will still have to pay US taxes, but it is nominal. Can find an experienced tax consultant here or just have everything sent back to the US and prepared there. If you are making less than USD70K - USD90K (i can never remember which way they changed it) then that part of your salary is not taxable.

Insurance - you will want the company to offer you insurance if at all possible. International insurance plans are available, but they will cost upwards of USD2000 per year. Maybe less depending on the plan.

Make sure you reveiw the contract very well and that everything is spelled out. One friend had a horror story regarding the firm that she worked for.

Also, find out what kind of visa they will be getting you. Ideally, you want a Z visa. Make sure that the firm will provide it for you, and pay for the necessary medical checks and fees.

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