[Fortis]

Hey GE.

Damn, I just typed a huge post but it appears I didn't hit send. I will compile my thoughts on the city in a bit.

I'll keep it on the topics of places I've visited, the girls, apartments and the hotels. Also, thanks for helping me out last week. It was greatly appreciated. I will say that GE definitely knows his stuff when it comes to this city and I wouldn't be surprised if he knows a lot about the other cities he has visited.

[Fortis]

edit: delete.

[Fortis]

Apartment hunting Con't.

So I hit up GE's old apartment agent and asked her if she knew anyone I could ask to help me. Turns out she's willing to help me because I'm a friend of GEs and a foreigner in a strange land. She showed up about 30 minutes late to the meeting, but she apologised ahead of time for being late and told me she would work for free tonight. I was a bit miffed about her being late, but I let it slide because she has skills I need--it might also be prudent to befriend her given her bilingual status and relative youth.

She made some calls and spoke in angry mandarin to voices on the other end of the line. She seems like she knows how to get what she wants and, by extension, what I want. Chinese Tiger lady for sure. It's impressive because she can't really be any taller than 5 feet.

As I promised GE, I won't try and game this chick and I will be on my best, courteous foreigner behaviour. Ha. Nah, she's not really a looker, but her english is great and she has connections. I gave her the apartment specs i wanted and she's making calls for me. I really appreciate it a great deal. Don't get me wrong; I'm paying her, but it's nice to have someone competent on my side.



The other agent I was working with has been blowing up my phone with new deals, but I'm really over it. She's dead set on putting me 6 stops away (including a transfer) from my job. That's that shit I don't like!

Funny moments:

We were sitting down together in KFC talking about specs and this asian dude walks past and gives her the dirtiest look I've seen in china. She scowled back at him and we had a good laugh. I asked her why the dudes stare so much.

She said it was because I almost look like I could be some sort of asian, but the dudes aren't sure, so they just figure I'm not asian and don't like me being near a chinese girl. I find that sort of funny given that she and I had no chemistry and are strictly doing business together.

I figure I'll use this thread in lieu of starting my own SZ thread. I imagine that having too many different threads about a single city could be inefficient.

Take aways for apartment hunting newbs in SZ:

Know what you want.

I don't give a shit about a view, balcony, living room or all those other things. I want a spot in a decent side of town close to my place of work with a decent bathroom and kitchen.

Stand your ground because you have to pay for and live in the place. So don't settle for a place you don't like unless you must.

Get someone who is a translator or agent to help you out.

Visit the apartment and test the appliances and such. I've heard horror stories about people buying a place, then sitting on a couch and finding out that it's broken after they shelled out all that cash. It's an old trick, but you want to be careful. Some of these landlords think they can get over on you because you're foreign.

That's all for now. I'm turning in early for the night. Walking around all day has me feeling enervated. I just wanna shower, chug down some water and pass out. I can't wait until I'm done with this apartment nonsense.

[Global Entry]

edit: I dropped this post while Fortis was posting his update above....good to hear he's made progress. I hope you'll pay her for the day she showed up late - its a function of their work that they cannot just leave if there is a problem and its not much money, so perhaps consider that. Especially if she's doing a good job. Please tell her I said hi.

Soho has been open for a while and is a well-known spot, as a mostly Chinese club with some occasional foreigners. Its not a expat club to be sure.

I've stayed in the Holiday Inn Express in Luohu (if you're talking about the one near DongMen Commercial Plaza and is located on a small bent side street off of a main road, Bao'an). That's a good location for Luohu clubbing as well as day game (just head down to Dong Men).

Most of the fights I've heard about are between foreigners, not with Chinese. Chinese in Shenzhen prefer not to fight, though northerners who are living there might be different, and there are Triad guys who come in from HK. Don't screw around with them.

Strangely, I think you're likely to get more overt racism from girls, which results from them being judged for having a black boyfriend. That would be tempered by the fact that you're American, not from Africa, and that you're fair skinned. On the other hand, Chinese guys are obsessed by American basketball (well many of the younger guys are anyway) and while the assumption is racist, they may have a very positive reaction to you as a result. Just as a white American, some guys who couldn't say much else in English would say "Kobe Bryant" and "Leblon" (that's how it sounds) to me.

My apt gal isn't (or wasn't) an agent. She was just working as a translator for me - I am sure you can find someone to provide the same service. If you're stuck, I'll find someone else. I still have a decent network and that kind of thing isn't terribly difficult to arrange.

Western apartments with normal bathrooms cost a premium - I don't think I'd be happy living in most Chinese-style apartments. I paid around 1000 USD a month for my place though. You might consider, given the teacher's salary, taking a western roommate and splitting a place so you get more value (normal bathroom (no bathtub tho), balcony, more modern set-up, cleaner). Nanshan does tend to be cheaper than Futian, but Shenzhen prices for a place to live anywhere near the center are more akin to Manila, and not BKK. This is the thread where I showed pics of my Shenzhen apt. Prices were going up by the time I leave, but negotiate furiously. They usually will go down by about 10-15 percent.

Fortis, maybe when you've found a place you could post on the other thread to let people know what to expect - or just here I suppose.

[Fortis]

(06-07-2015 10:28 AM)Global Entry Wrote:  

Soho has been open for a while and is a well-known spot, as a mostly Chinese club with some occasional foreigners. Its not a expat club to be sure.

Quote:

That's probably why I thought it was cool. I'm not really looking to spend all my time with expats. I could do that, but I definitely want to learn more about the area and the people.

I've stayed in the Holiday Inn Express in Luohu (if you're talking about the one near DongMen Commercial Plaza and is located on a small bent side street off of a main road, Bao'an. That's a good location for Luohu clubbing as well as day game (just head down to Dong Men).

Quote:



Yeah man, I think you and I are talking about the same place. I don't recall the prices, but it seems fair. The people I see coming in and out look reasonably well put together. Lots of European guests and wealthy looking chinese coming in and out.

[quote]Most of the fights I've heard about are between foreigners, not with Chinese. Chinese in Shenzhen prefer not to fight, though northerners who are living their might be different, and there are Triad guys who come in from HK. Don't screw around with them.

Yeah, I'm going out of my way to avoid fighting in a foreign country. I don't want to lose my visa--or my life. Definitely not fucking around with Triads. I haven't seen any and hope I don't.

Quote:

Strangely, I think you're likely to get more over racism from girls, which results from them being judged for having a black boyfriend. That would be tempered by the fact that you're American, not from Africa, and that you're fair skinned. On the other hand, Chinese guys are obsessed by American basketball (well many of the younger guys are anyway) and while the assumption is racist, they may have a very positive reaction to you as a result. Just as a white American, some guys who couldn't say much else in English would say "Kobe Bryant" and "Leblon" (that's how it sounds) to me.

Ha, that's funny. I'm actually looking into joining the sports scene in SZ. seems like a good way to befriend other xpats and even some chinese people. I hear that ultimate frisbee is quite popular here and that is a sport I'm into playing casually. I will have to see.

Quote:

My apt gal isn't (or wasn't) an agent. She was just working as a translator for me - I am sure you can find someone to provide the same service. If you're stuck, I'll find someone else. I still have a decent network and that kind of thing isn't terribly difficult to arrange.

Yeah? I must have misunderstood. My bad, Global Entry. Regardless, she's trying to help me out which is really appreciate! You really don't appreciate the power of language until you're in a situation where all you know how to say is "Hello" and "thank you!" She has a few spots she said she can show me to, so i'm pretty thankful for your tip.

Quote:

Western apartments with normal bathrooms cost a premium - I don't think I'd be happy living in most Chinese-style apartments. I paid around 1000 USD a month for my place though. You might consider, given the teacher's salary, taking a western roommate and splitting a place so you get more value (normal bathroom (no bathtub tho), balcony, more modern set-up, cleaner). Nanshan does tend to be cheaper than Futian, but Shenzhen prices for a place to live anywhere near the center are more akin to Manila, and not BKK. This is the thread where I showed pics of my Shenzhen apt. Prices were going up by the time I leave, but negotiate furiously. They usually will go down by about 10-15 percent.

I am considering a roommate, but how do you scout for cool roommates? I am really paranoid about having a roommate who is some sort of lame who is going to want me to not bring girls over or something. I'll have to look into it because I would really love to be alone, but if I have to live with a cool guy in order to make ends meet in a good part of town it might be worth it. Thanks for that link, GE.

Good idea, GE. I'll take some pictures when I found something I like. I think this city has a lot of potential for guys looking to live abroad.

By the way, any day game tips for a dude who speaks NO mandarin beyond basic sayings? It seems like night game might be better in my situation, but I see so many good looking girls while walking down the street. Damn shame.

[Global Entry]

You'll have to screen hard, and perhaps don't lock in long term with a new roommate, as SZ is full of foreigner weirdos and misfits. But you can check the website, and post on ShenzhenStuff that you're looking for a roommate. Social circle, once you have it, would probably yield better results, but of course, you need a place sooner rather than later. I know some foreign guys who live with Chinese girls in roommate situations (platonically) and those girls will probably even cook for you some, and bear more of the burden of housework.

Shenzhenstuff is really oriented towards expats and the Chinese girls who flock around them. English teachers and the like. Its not a particularly impressive group, but the website can be useful in limited doses. The chat they have is totally moronic tho.

I assume you've already got WeChat. Set up a QQ International account as well - its social media and an email address Chinese girls will be familiar with. You can then join QQ groups - including maybe some apartment search groups for SZ.

[Fortis]

Hey GE, I'll definitely pay her for it. She wouldn't accept money last night because she was embarrassed, but she is likeable ans is doing this to help a brother out, so I'll give her the cash as a bonus of some sort. She really does not have to help me, so I'm pleased. She is also very nice and easy to talk to about SZ so the money is really a non-issue for me.

[Global Entry]

OK. I think that if she's resistant about taking the money because she kept you waiting, then treating it as a bonus or a gift as a thank you (even a starbucks gift card or something like that) could be a good way. Don't forget about the Chinese concept of face - what you think is being nice can come off the wrong way in China. Strange as it seems, changing the form of it can totally fix the issue, so you're on the right track. Its similar to when you're invited out to eat by a Chinese man, especially in a group. Don't try to insist on paying (a gentle question if you might is fine). You'd embarrass them in front of other Chinese guests - better for the friendship or work relationship to just return the favor by inviting them next time.

[Fortis]

^ Thank you for addressing that! I am still uncertain of when I am helping someone save face or lose face. I typically let my Chinese co-workers do the talking (duh) and just follow their lead in situations where face might be gained or lost.

The starbucks gift card is a great idea, actually. I felt sorta bad for not giving her anything. I'll get that for her tonight. Thanks for the suggestion. She is taking me to the Taoyun area for apartments tonight. I'll update you guys on any progress I make tonight.

[elcidcampeador]

To make sure you're not getting taken advantage of (since most foreigners on expat contracts get overcharged quite a bit), it'd be advisable to check out the big Chinese sites 58.com and ganji.com (there are others as well, but these are the ones I've used).

You can filter down to the areas you're looking at and see comparable prices and maybe even some apartments you want to look at. As is the norm in China with anything involving photos (like online dating....), it probably won't look quite as good in person as online.

If you can't understand these sites, get your butt in a Chinese class ASAP before you're forced to hang out with the subpar girls that chase foreigners

[Fortis]

Sup guys,

So I got some good news! I found a place that i like. I gotta give Global's girl her due credit. She is pretty damn aggressive. I spent about 300 RMB on her and it has been the best 300 RMB I have spent in Shenzhen thus far. Too bad she doesn't do this often. She's got a real gift for finding exactly what I want.

The other agent I was working with kept trying to put me up 5 stops and a transfer away from my job. This girl, on the other hand, got me a cheaper place in a neighbourhood that I like, but the real kicker is that it's 5 minutes from the metro station AND it's 1 stop away from my job. Winning. It's also only a few stops away from coco park and a few other locations.

Overall, I am quite pleased.

Global, I took your advice and got her a 100 rmb starbuck's card. She was pretty funny about it. I paid her first then told her I had a gift. She artfully refused until I said it was a thank you for taking me on on such short notice.

[Global Entry]

Good man. Yeah, she's a nice girl and a hard worker. She's also tied into some international groups that have dinner or get together sometimes - not the coolest crowd (basically 5's and English teachers and maybe some pakistani guys doing biz in China, who are actually a good bunch usually) but it might help expand your social circle a little bit if you're struggling otherwise. They'll go out to dinner as a group basically to allow the Chinese to practice english, though for sure, hook-ups do occur as well. As Cid said, tho, these foreigner-hunters don't tend to be the best looking girls - tend to be bottom 50%, with some exceptions. If you're interested ask her about it - tell her to let you know when they next group dinner is - you want to practice your Chinese. I have no idea whether she's still doing that, but can't hurt.

[Fortis]

Thanks for the tip. It's not that I feel like I'm struggling socially; it's more that I haven't had time to go out much because I wanted to get this apartment situation out of the way. I go to bed exhausted everyday because of all the apartments I've been viewing. My calves and quads are actually sort of sore right now because I've been pounding pavement, literally. Now that this is over (almost), I should be able to get other aspects of my life in China going. I have to go see the owner tomorrow with our girl, sign on the documents and make some payments to secure the apartment. Then I'll finish paying on the day I move in officially.

In a week or two I should be able to go out more and make friends organically. That said, I'm not adverse to befriending the agent and her friends. I really can't go wrong getting to know people in China. I will have to consider this more as I spend more time on the ground and really get a feel for how I do out here.

I have no issue banging a foreigner chaser at this juncture. I really haven't had time to really chase women. I have two potential prospects: cute black 7 from the hotel and this chick from hubei I met on wechat. I am tentative about both, though. The black chick is a mutual friend and the Hubei chick is from Hubei. Lol.

I feel no need to rush getting my first few notches here. I'm really just soaking in the country and enjoying myself at the moment. I'll let you guys know how finalizing the apartment goes tomorrow night.

I had a few hilarious moments where a group of 4 chinese store clerks were trying to talk to me in Mandarin about this promotion they were doing. It was tough to explain, but it involved a lot of pantomiming and laughing. My coworker was there. he's this older cat, ex-lawyer who left that life to pursue teaching. Cool guy. He said he was impressed by handling of the situation. He says that a lot of foreigners rage or get frustrated by the fact that no one really speaks english. I just laugh it off and try my best. He says he thinks I will be well here. I take it as a compliment because he's been living in SZ for the past 3 years.

[Global Entry]

Haha- beware the Hubei girls. See, you're already assimilating and learning the rules of the game!! Bet the Hubei one looks good though, most Hubei girls I encountered were sexy (and crazier than hell).

I wish you the best tomorrow on your closing. Until you're actually in the place, don't assume anything - I've seen people get jammed out of apartments when the price was agreed to and all of a sudden, the apartment was gone because someone offered more money. Not trying to freak you out, but it happens alot. Love to see what you're spending and what the place looks like once you've spruced it up as well.

Good luck tomorrow. Get some rest.

[Fortis]

She is pretty, nothing insane, but I would bang it. I get a weird vibe from her, though. She knows a little too much about American films, books and culture for me to assume she hasn't been getting blasted from behind by gringos. I am approaching her with much circumspection. I will most likely go for the meet up once I'm situated. Turns out she's in the neighborhood i'm moving to.

So, I'm becoming a little burnt out on this apartment situation. I found the spot, I want to buy it, but my job wants me to get a fa piao so they can get some sort of tax reduction. Fine. The landlady decides that she wants me to get a proof of residency so that she feels "safe." She doesn't even live in the damn building. Another loophole to jump though. It's fine, though. I like the apartment, it's in my price range and it's close to work. What more can a first year expat ask for? Your girl performed admirably tonight. Best money I've spent in SZ thus far.

Funny moments from my day. Today was stressful. I worked 10am-6pm. Then I spent 6pm til now doing apartment shit. I really want this to be over. Regardless, I had a few great moments today in regards to women.

My job has a wechat group so we can talk collectively and such.

We're talking some busienss stuff and one of my co-workers says,

"Students love a handsome teacher. You're been here only 5 days and the girls are talking about you already. The sky is the limit."

It was totally unsolicited and pretty damn funny to me.

Another even better moment:

This asian girl cold approached me on the metro!

I was sitting across from her. I was feeling a bit worn out because I was coming back from the apartment deals (I swear the chinese enjoy torturing their prospective tenants with a billion demands). I look up and smile at this girl. She smiles at me and looks away. I begin to laugh a little bit because she's cute and definitely interested.

She gets up from her seat and starts talking to me. I don't speak any mandarin, though. She takes out her phone and goes to the dial screen. She wants my number. What the heck? I never expected a asian girl to be so forward.

I enter my number and she jumps off the train because it's her stop. The people on the train all sort of look at me. No one smiles or frowns. I think they were just as confused as I was.

That was funny, but also very encouraging. I'm becoming more and more convinced that i can do well here if I learn some mandarin.

[Global Entry]

Nice, Fortis. You can also game girls while learning mandarin using language exchange as an indirect opener. I'd be careful about banging your students tho - most schools are very strict with that and you'll get fired on the spot if they find out, which can happen if you dump the girl and she makes drama in school which is noticed by the admins. Tread carefully - and bang the hell out of your students' friends.

The apartment thing is a miserable process, it really is. I hope she's not just stringing you along because she's looking for a tenant willing to pay more than what you've offered. You'd think that the two months security which is typically demanded would make her feel safe enough. I don't know what kind of residency certificate is needed, wondering if that will cause a problem with your visa (which one do you have) or if its part of the new crackdown on foreigners living in China and not paying taxes.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/danharris/20...u-part-ii/

[Fortis]

Yeah. I'm not trying to bang my students. They're adults, but as a guy who has been a teacher for a few years, that is just a big faux pas in my eyes. I don't shit where I eat. That includes other staffers as well. Good idea on the friends, though. I think I would do quite well at the language exchange thing.

I just have to get settled in before I can really have a social life. These 13-14 hour days with apartment hunting are murdering the fuck out of me. But I know a huge victory is around the corner, so I'm just leaning in and sucking it up.

I am bringing the woman's note to my manager tomorrow. She is bilingual and will help me put this to rest. Our girl is also helping me handle the fa piao thing through the agents.

@ that link: motherfuckers always have to ruin it for us. We can't have good things, can we? Ha. Yeah, I am a little worried about the shit this woman is trying to pull on me. She, her husband, the agents and our girl were having epic negotiations. It was stressful as fuck and I couldn't even understand what was being said. Thank god for translators, right? On the bright side I am only paying .5 months rent for this month because I move in later in the month. Little victories, and all that.

Anyway, I'm going to pound a drink, wash the filth from my body and pass out. Til next time.......

[Jetlagged]

Fortis. Bruh! Join the china wechat group!

Or at least hit me up on wechat. I'm in zhuhai not that far away at all. I really would like to see shenzen. My game is getting pretty decent out here. Haven't been to Shenzen yet but heard lots of good things. Some guys in the chat are in SZ too.

Dude if you get a smile, even if you can't speak mandarin, approach. Nihao them, and then ask English? Politely. They will either start speaking to you in English, or shake their heads no. Doesn't matter either way. Most can speak even a little.

No matter the outcome of the English question, ask them for wechat. Weixen? Or pull your phone out and open wechat and bring up your QR code. She'll get the hint.

I have NOT YET been turned down once using this method. However, you'll find since it's so easy it's not a garaunteed Step forward. So I started doing this.

I think you are very pretty. I would like to take you out on a date this Saturday night.

It's a screen and it lets her know the frame right away. Couple times I met up with girls and the vine was unusual because I thought "bagging it" set the tone but I don't think that's how it works out here. Lots of girls just want to practice English and will tell you are handsome.

There are bad bitches out there that speak english. 7s easy.

Wechat has a translation function built in for those that don't. If she doesn't speak English take her out drinking and dancing.

Hit me up man. I want to hit shenzen once before I go. PM me for my wechat ID

[Holy(Muff)Diver]

Hey Fortis, I replied to your PM. Sounds like you're enjoying SZ so far. I'm actually doing a Skype interview for a job in SZ today, so I might come back and permanently relocate there if the deal and salary are good. Maybe we can meet up and hit the clubs if that happens.

How did you land that adult teaching job? Did they make you do a demo on Skype? I really hate teaching kids, so I'd kill for a job like that.

Watch out for scams, they're ubiquitous in China. Your landlord will most definitely try to fuck you in the ass, so you gotta be on your game. Sounds like GE's agent is helping you out pretty good though.

[Fortis]

Muff,

I worked as a teacher/manager for a tutoring company in the states for about 2.5-3 years. The biggest requirement was previous teaching experience. I also worked with older kids, so the jump to adults makes sense.

I did skype demo them, but it was very basic shit. I wasn't expected to be amazing. I hear it's pretty easy to get a teaching job, actually.

Yeah, I have all the requirements for living on the land written down. This landlord is definitely going to try and rape me becuase I"m a foreigner. Seems like she can be a little passive aggressive at times. The land lady wants this police thing ONLY because I want the fa piao. It's like, "c'mon lady. I'm putting money in your pocket. I can't even get into this country without going through both my and your government. Relax!" But all she sees is a foreigner, so it's a big deal.

But yeah, I'm not going to stress about it. I'm getting this apartment and because of the proximity to work an play. My job is a stop away and the ubiquitously popular OCT area is right there too. I can make it through this. Ha.

[Fortis]

Lagged,

Good talking to you on Wechat. Great advice, by the way. The BEST thing about SZ is that the girls are hot and there are a lot of 6+ girls walking around. Thin waists, high heels, cute faces and all that other good stuff. In New jersey, when I saw a hot chick it would stick in my mind for a while. in SZ I see so many that I really can't remember them all. There are a lot of opportunities for a savvy guy in this city, if you can't tell already. You will probably like SZ a lot based on what you have told me. Come and visit some time. Just give me some advanced notice. That invite is to all the participants of this thread. I probably won't be leaving SZ for a while. I really want to explore this city.

[Confidence]

How are you guys finding the air quality in SZ? I'm leaving tomorrow for my 90 day Schengen run through a bunch of Euro countries for the summer, during which time I'll be pondering where the hell to go next. My goal is to learn Spanish first and then Mandarin after, so China is very appealing but I'm leaning towards South American countries for Sept -> Dec so I can continue to master Spanish before heading off to China.

At any rate, I'm pretty fit and the air quality has been a big concern of mine after hearing horror stories from close friends of coughing up black crap, having disgusting stuff come out of their noses, etc. after a few days in China.

Thoughts?

[Fortis]

SZ is surprisingly clean. Like, I sometimes find it hard the breathe during rush hour, but I avoid going out around that time anyway.

[Global Entry]

Confidence - the air quality in SZ is good for a Chinese city, which means that its not great, but its not choking smog like northern/eastern cities during the winter. Its better in certain parts of the city too - Futian having better air than say, Longang or northern Bao'an, both of which have factories.

If you're coming through before November, Shenzhen would not necessarily be my recommendation of the place to land to learn Mandarin, although its certainly worthy of consideration. Shenzhen's mandarin is pretty spotty as (1) its a city in Guangdong, so the local population has a significant Cantonese population that may speak Mandarin but don't like to, particularly to foreigners (though SZ is a much better choice than Guangzhou), (2) the Sichuan and Hunan people that relocated to SZ for financial opportunity (this is a very big segment of the population) don't tend to speak Mandarin very clearly (its typically not the first language and many aren't very educated), and (3) the other local populations, Chaozhou and Hakka, also speak other languages and aren't necessarily the best source of learning Mandarin.

That being said, you can study at Shenzhen U, and you can find teachers that speak proper Mandarin, but if you're looking to land and have the most practice speaking Chinese just in daily life, then another city may be a better bet. But after November, northern cities will have unbearably bad air quality and quality of life in SZ would be much higher.

[Fortis]

Weird question, but I don't think it deserves its own thread: what are the other app stores I can use here. I have a droid, but the google playstore doesn't work in china, so I'm a little vexed as to how I'm supposed to get apps and other such things. Any chinese mainland players got any advice?