[raman_69]

Hi Folks,

Me from India and got an job to work in Shenzhen with a company as Manager. Since, I never been to China or Shenzhen, I appreciate if you could help me on finding the following information. My family consists of myself, wife, and two kids (10 and 7 years old). We are vegetarians (dont eat meat, fish, etc).

1. Cost of living in Shenzhen (for accomodation of two bedroom apartment, gas, electricity, food, transport, english medium school).
2. What is the best place to live in Shenzhen
3. Are there english medium Schools available for my kids
4. What should be a decent salary, where a person can save around 1000 US $ equivalent).

So many questions, but I can only look at the forum for help.

Raman

[Sazzy]

Everyone I know who works in Shenzhen lives in Hong Kong and commutes. I think it would be better for your family living in HK - better schools etc

[fioneyiu]

yup,
i agree that you are better to find a school for your children in Hong Konh.

[raman_69]

Thanks folks,

I am still considering the opportunity. Is it convenient to travel to HK daily for kids? also is it easy to get necessary visa/permit to travel to HK for thekids for the school. Howe much teh schools cost in HK for 10 year and 7 year old kids.

[jayinhongkong]

Raman....it is not practical for your kids to commute to Shenzhen. It might be better for your family to stay in Hong Kong and for you to commute back and forth. I'm Indian, Hong Kong born -- you're family will be better off in Hong Kong -- you can get a cheap apartment in Shenzhen in case you have to spend the night, and you can even get decent hotel rooms for cheap...it will be hard to get vegetarian food, though, there's meat in almost everything in China...

[jayinhongkong]

oh yeah....you would need $5-6000 US a month :P

[raman_69]

Hi Jayinhongkong,

Thanks for the information. How much should it cost to live in HK instead of living in Shenzhen. My company is based on Shenzhen. Do I need a separate visa for living in Shenzhen and another for working in Shenzhen?

How much rent i should pay for a two bedroom apartment in HK. I know it depends upon the area. but any rough idea would be of great help.

What about indian groceries and other stuff? are they available in HK?

Thanks, Raman

[emperorau]

Living in Shenzhen is more cheaper than HK. In terms of transportation in Shenzhen. Food wise is cheaper too. But since your family eats only Veggie then HK is the best. Or you can cook the Veggie yourself then. Just buy groceries. Indian groceries is better bought in HK.
What passport do you have first? You should ask your company regarding the issue. It cost a lot to put your
children in an international school in HK. But it depends how long you plan to stay in China. Ask your company if they offer schools for your children to study in Shenzhen. You will need a work visa in Shenzhen. How about your husband?

I think you should ask your company before going.

It all depends where in HK you will be renting. You will be looking at expat prices which is much more expensive than Shenzhen.

[jayinhongkong]

Tsim Sha Tsui might be the best bet at first, there are a lot of Indians in the area and Chung King Mansions and the surrounding area has plenty of Indian residents and stores selling Indian groceries (atta, achar, masalas, etc) but they will be much more expensive than they are in India. You can get almost anything you want from India in Chung King! There are also large mandirs in TST...your kids will probably feel more comfortable there, too.

As far as I know, you only need a work visa in China, you don't need a seperate visa to work there. I know plenty of people DO work in China on tourist visas, though....

[KnowItAll]

Err ... fair number of Indian families in Shenzhen.

Raman, the best option would be to go ahead and check things out before moving your family.