Post: #26

(04-08-2010 01:28 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  Kona,
Thanks for the breakdown on Filipinas. I've been eyeing to go there and I'm seriously considering it.
Now, is it easy to learn Tagalog? I mean, is it an easy language to learn like say Spanish, Italian, Portuguese or completely wacky like Chinese/Thai or Japanese?
How safe are the Philippines for someone not speaking a word of their lingo?
For a 1 month stay, in a nice apart near the beach, partying every night and eating out all the time, what would be a rough figure to budget for?

Aloha!

All of the languages spoken in UPI are really hard to learn. My mom was 1/2 Filipina so that's where I got it. All over the UPI everyone speaks Tagalog or Ilocano, even in the outer provinces where they have other languages, too. The other way I got it is because of Hawaiian Pidgin which uses a lot of Filipino words.

Everybody over there speaks English except maybe in Mindanao, but that place is crazy, and you'll only be going there if you're nuts (or lolo as they say in UPI and in Pidgin). My office chick speaks Cebuano on top of the regulars, and even though the languages are all really similar, I can't understand a word she says when she's talking to her people.

The safety issues in UPI aren't stuff like you getting beat up, but there's an outrageous amount of other things that can get you. I wrote some here: /thread-595-po...l#pid12273. The problem is the islands are just too small to support the population.

The language factor doesn't really affect your safety that much. They're gonna roll you one way or another. In beebopaloo's excellent post above, you hear about the way things are quite a bit. From the way it sounds he put a threeway together in Cebu. Listen to what he says about the food, seriously.

Beebopaloo, did you get a balut down?

For a month you could live like a king on about 3k. I stayed at Dave's Straw Hat Inn in Boracay for a few nights in December. The advertised rate is around $57 a night for a beach cottage, but I talked them down to around $25. In beepoaloo's again you see he was at the high end club, and a beer was 60 pesos. That's maybe $1.30!

Just be careful!

Aloha!

Post: #27

I've heard about the flocks of whores, but I have a hard time believing that finding a real girl is impossible. Surely through day-game or whatever there are ways to meet real girls, right?

Is the situation different in the cities lacking tourists?

Post: #28

(04-09-2010 09:47 PM)gringoed Wrote:  I've heard about the flocks of whores, but I have a hard time believing that finding a real girl is impossible. Surely through day-game or whatever there are ways to meet real girls, right?

Is the situation different in the cities lacking tourists?

To some extent yes but you are correct in your assertion that day game is the key.

Post: #29

Thanks Kona for the info. Will keep it in mind when going to the UPI.

Post: #30

(04-08-2010 05:30 AM)Kona Wrote:  I did use some crafty game on her the night before, but still in the back of this chick's head she was thinking free cat food. She was really damn sexy and had the perfect stereotypical Filipina body. Sex with Pinays is always really good. When I dropped her off at her house I said "call me whenever, sugar tits" in Tagalog and I could tell it freaked her out. (Sugar tits is something Filipino dudes say to their girlfriends, It's like saying "baby" I don't know how to spell it but it sounds like: mata-meese susu, you're gonna need that if you wind up not taking my advice and going there anyway) She has not answered my phone calls.

Fucking hilarious! I leave for 2 weeks to the R.P. on the 19th of this month. I've been using pimsleur tagalog and the best rated book on learning Tagalog on Amazon called Learning Filipino Book 1. They have a website at http://www.tagalog1.com

I took French(the French teacher was frakkin' HOT!) in high School and German in College and never used them. To me so far tagalog doesn't seem too hard..it's a weird mix of native language with Spanish and English. I know it's not really necessary as English is widely spoken but just simple Tagalog seems to blow Filipinas away...they have such an inferiority complex about their culture and status compared to America the fact your trying to learn their language floors them.

From everything I've read day gaming in malls is the key to get real girls that aren't professionals.

Post: #31

China

COL: 9/5
A normal life for a Chinese person and staples are dirt cheap, 3 course meal running like 3 bucks. Its the entertainment that is pricey in comparison. Popular bars/clubs will run 10 bucks a beer, with a table minimum of 50-100 USD, so standard club/bar rates in the west.

QOG: 7 This one is up for grabs, you really need to choose the location. Southern Chinese girls tend to be darker skinned, a bit shorter, and more meaty then the northern girls, who tend to be tall, model figure with pale skin. But there are hotties everywhere. The quality of girls are higher in bars/clubs, but around 50%-75% of the local girls you will meet in these situations will be looking more for a monetary exchange or a free night out then actually getting any, or they are hired by the bar to get customers to drink more. Culture dictates that only "bad" girls go to bars so most of them are much more likely to put out on a short trip than the average girl.

E.H.U: 3-7 depending on the city. Its a lot harder for a genuine hook up for two reasons in the smaller cities, simply because the majority of people in a club are rich businessmen who flash wads of cash, and the girls that flock to them, and most of them expect a cash settlement in the hotel room. Hookers also abound in the nicer clubs and such. Larger cities are much more westernize, and you are sure to have much better luck, as more girls will speak English, as well as there is a "fashionable" surge in some higher circles of women for sleeping with foreigner. I personally don't have much problem as Ive been in china Taiwan and HK for over 8 years and speak Chinese fairly well, but i also am 1/2 Asian so i cant always play the foreigner card. You'll have better luck in china's DongBei (north eastern province) then you will in Fujian (southern province). Also, for some reason, everything in Chinese clubs is groups, you will almost never find a single beautiful girl out alone.

All in all, chances of taking a girl home in one night are slim unless less you part with cash, since the culture frowns down on girls who like to party and just do whatever they want. Huge social stigma, more so in south china. I am by no means a pro at the game, but i get most of the woman i want, its just a time thing really, i spend weeks working on a girl sometimes, but that's mainly due to my own travels for business, and often don't seem them for weeks or months at a time. Ive been gaming for well over three years, and i think i'm under 10 one night closes.

Chinese club/bar scene also revolves heavily on the "accompany" with drinking, which are beautiful girls hired to drink with you and flirt and be a companion for the night, ending when you leave the place. Most of these girls are easy to spot, but there are a handful of pros who could fool almost anyone. Also, usally there is little or no dancing in most normal bars and clubs on the floor, and the dance floor is minimal/reserved for gogo dancers.

Best cities to aim for:
The big international, SEC Cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan)
Dong Bei (Harbin, Dalian Chichihar)
Guangdong province (Shenzhen, Guangzhou)

Any questions about china PM me or post em and ill answer them.

Post: #32

Alpha,

Thanks for the solid info on China. I plan on making my way there around Sept of this year to possibly live for a few months. I hear you on the major city recommendation. I'd like to check out 2-3 cities for potential livability in China. Mind you, I speak no Chinese right now so it's necessary to have some english-speakers or expats.

Here's what I'm looking for: *=priority

1. Clean, not too polluted
*2. Nice temperate weather, not cold.
*3. Hot chicks who love Americans.
*4. Relatively inexpensive.
5. Really nice apartments to live.

What cities would you recommend checking out?

Post: #33

Why not H.K. ?

Post: #34

(04-13-2010 06:54 AM)gringoed Wrote:  Alpha,

Thanks for the solid info on China. I plan on making my way there around Sept of this year to possibly live for a few months. I hear you on the major city recommendation. I'd like to check out 2-3 cities for potential livability in China. Mind you, I speak no Chinese right now so it's necessary to have some english-speakers or expats.

Here's what I'm looking for: *=priority

1. Clean, not too polluted
*2. Nice temperate weather, not cold.
*3. Hot chicks who love Americans.
*4. Relatively inexpensive.
5. Really nice apartments to live.

What cities would you recommend checking out?

If you are looking for live-ability you will need to narrow it down. China has almost a broad range of climates as the US does. As well as cultures.
Good ones to hit to see the different kinds of life style will be:

Beijing: Everyone should see Beijing, its massive, has a huge expat population, and probably the highest English speaking saturation. Most people can understand basic English phrases. The city is massive with a very good bus and subway system. But man it is crowded. Here you can find all different kinds of food and entertainment, and is quite "westernized," very little culture shock here. A bit cold and will see much snow. Summer is nice tho. Cost of living here is the highest of course, and Beijing smog is the poster child of pollution, but its getting better.

Harbin: One of the most northern parts of china in the east. Cold, most of the year, with temps hitting -20 to -40 C in the winter time. As bad as it sounds, its easily cope able, as only buildings north of the i think the yellow river have indoor heating (usually run by exposed hot water "radiators") and taxis are just a phone call away (not too many places in china have telephoned taxis). People here tend to be taller, with dumplings and "baijiu" (a kind of Chinese rice wine, but very strong, usually at least 40%, the higher qualities get upwards of 60% and is drunk straight) and noodles are the staples. People tend to be less traditional here, and less "all china all the time" in their ideals. Plus the girls here tend to conform more to the average western's ideal of a nice figure, plus they dress better. Its about a two hour flight from Beijing, but English is not as prevalent, and the expat population here is usually limited to foreigner teachers and students, as there isn't nearly as much international business going on here. Very very clean.

Xiamen: This is where i am based, in southern china, but i had my reasons. Xiamen is probably the least developed and westernized of the Special Economic Zones in china. English is nearly non existent outside of the expat community and the Chinese people who do business with foreigners. But there are quite a few of those. Cost of living is quite low, and it is definitely an adventure here. I came to Xiamen three years ago after i got tired of a corporate American management position, and it has advanced a lot in that short time. People here tend to be more traditional, and many of them speak a local dialect exclusive to fujian and taiwan. (min lan hua) which i don't speak my self, but sounds terrible. The saving grace here is just how friendly the people are. I can go practically anywhere and ill meet someone with a story to tell, or to build "guangxi" which is pretty much Chinese business networking. Sadly there isn't too much to do on this island other then going to the local KTVs (private room karaoke singing) or bars. But this is a great east meets west kinda feeling. Girls in southern china tend to be more tanned, a bit shorter, and a bit more heavy then northern girls, and there are VERY strong traditional overtones here. A lot of the giggling at the word penis and such. A good place to visit to get a feel for real Chinese culture, without taking out the food, drinks and most of the things you are used to at home. Weather is very temperate here, hottish in the summer, and never getting below 10 or so C in the mid of winter. It is a bit windy here tho, and the occasional typhoon in the summer. Farly clean.

and lastly Shenzhen or Guangzhuo
Both of these are in the Guangzhou province, which is right next to hong kong, and have a very westernized feel to them. Shenzhen is undergoing rapid development and is touted as being the next Hong Kong. Guangzhou is older and more steeped in culture. Both of these southern china cities are about an hour away by train, and you can definitely feel the difference between them.

These are good places to live, but there is one city you must visit as a tourist at least at one time, and that is Hangzhou. Home of the famous XiHu (west lake) it is one of the most amazing natural sites you will see.

Please note i left sichuan and hunan out since those are the spicy food capitals of china, and most western palates could not accept that. But the girls there are AMAZINGLY hot. I think Ms China from the last 5 Ms Universe comps has come from one of these two places.

Apartments everywhere you can find, but its in your best interest to only go hunting with a Chinese people, since Foreigner tax is standard on almost everything, from taxis to any corner shop without marked prices. You can find girls who love foreigners anywhere, they will usually hang out near English training centers (good place to work if you've got a college degree and need work fast) or expat bars/events. I would advise taking the time to learn some basic Chinese phrases as it goes a long way to making it easier. Then again, I've known people who have lived here just as long as i have in china (going on 9 years) who still only know how to say "get me a beer" so it is totally possible to live without knowing Chinese, just not as easy.

Also, keep in mind, these cities i recommend are all in north south or east china, i know nothing about western china, but word on the street is its dirty, not nearly developed, and possibly downright dangerous for foreigners, with the exception of kunming, which sounds alot like a chinese florida.

Post: #35

Alpha,
Thanks a bunch for all these great reports on China. I've always been interested in first visiting then spending a few months there.

Now, how much would you say would be a sufficient monthly budget to have a good lifestyle which would include the following:
-nice, clean apart in a safe and well located, central location in a nice, clean and good city with a good weather and good nightlife or girls who are interested in meeting foreigners.
- eating out all the time, partying and going out 5 times a week.
Nothing fancy just having a good time.

Shay shay.

Post: #36

(04-13-2010 08:45 PM)AlphaQup2nite Wrote:  

(04-13-2010 06:54 AM)gringoed Wrote:  Alpha,

Thanks for the solid info on China. I plan on making my way there around Sept of this year to possibly live for a few months. I hear you on the major city recommendation. I'd like to check out 2-3 cities for potential livability in China. Mind you, I speak no Chinese right now so it's necessary to have some english-speakers or expats.

Here's what I'm looking for: *=priority

1. Clean, not too polluted
*2. Nice temperate weather, not cold.
*3. Hot chicks who love Americans.
*4. Relatively inexpensive.
5. Really nice apartments to live.

What cities would you recommend checking out?

If you are looking for live-ability you will need to narrow it down. China has almost a broad range of climates as the US does. As well as cultures.
Good ones to hit to see the different kinds of life style will be:

Beijing: Everyone should see Beijing, its massive, has a huge expat population, and probably the highest English speaking saturation. Most people can understand basic English phrases. The city is massive with a very good bus and subway system. But man it is crowded. Here you can find all different kinds of food and entertainment, and is quite "westernized," very little culture shock here. A bit cold and will see much snow. Summer is nice tho. Cost of living here is the highest of course, and Beijing smog is the poster child of pollution, but its getting better.

Harbin: One of the most northern parts of china in the east. Cold, most of the year, with temps hitting -20 to -40 C in the winter time. As bad as it sounds, its easily cope able, as only buildings north of the i think the yellow river have indoor heating (usually run by exposed hot water "radiators") and taxis are just a phone call away (not too many places in china have telephoned taxis). People here tend to be taller, with dumplings and "baijiu" (a kind of Chinese rice wine, but very strong, usually at least 40%, the higher qualities get upwards of 60% and is drunk straight) and noodles are the staples. People tend to be less traditional here, and less "all china all the time" in their ideals. Plus the girls here tend to conform more to the average western's ideal of a nice figure, plus they dress better. Its about a two hour flight from Beijing, but English is not as prevalent, and the expat population here is usually limited to foreigner teachers and students, as there isn't nearly as much international business going on here. Very very clean.

Xiamen: This is where i am based, in southern china, but i had my reasons. Xiamen is probably the least developed and westernized of the Special Economic Zones in china. English is nearly non existent outside of the expat community and the Chinese people who do business with foreigners. But there are quite a few of those. Cost of living is quite low, and it is definitely an adventure here. I came to Xiamen three years ago after i got tired of a corporate American management position, and it has advanced a lot in that short time. People here tend to be more traditional, and many of them speak a local dialect exclusive to fujian and taiwan. (min lan hua) which i don't speak my self, but sounds terrible. The saving grace here is just how friendly the people are. I can go practically anywhere and ill meet someone with a story to tell, or to build "guangxi" which is pretty much Chinese business networking. Sadly there isn't too much to do on this island other then going to the local KTVs (private room karaoke singing) or bars. But this is a great east meets west kinda feeling. Girls in southern china tend to be more tanned, a bit shorter, and a bit more heavy then northern girls, and there are VERY strong traditional overtones here. A lot of the giggling at the word penis and such. A good place to visit to get a feel for real Chinese culture, without taking out the food, drinks and most of the things you are used to at home. Weather is very temperate here, hottish in the summer, and never getting below 10 or so C in the mid of winter. It is a bit windy here tho, and the occasional typhoon in the summer. Farly clean.

and lastly Shenzhen or Guangzhuo
Both of these are in the Guangzhou province, which is right next to hong kong, and have a very westernized feel to them. Shenzhen is undergoing rapid development and is touted as being the next Hong Kong. Guangzhou is older and more steeped in culture. Both of these southern china cities are about an hour away by train, and you can definitely feel the difference between them.

These are good places to live, but there is one city you must visit as a tourist at least at one time, and that is Hangzhou. Home of the famous XiHu (west lake) it is one of the most amazing natural sites you will see.

Please note i left sichuan and hunan out since those are the spicy food capitals of china, and most western palates could not accept that. But the girls there are AMAZINGLY hot. I think Ms China from the last 5 Ms Universe comps has come from one of these two places.

Apartments everywhere you can find, but its in your best interest to only go hunting with a Chinese people, since Foreigner tax is standard on almost everything, from taxis to any corner shop without marked prices. You can find girls who love foreigners anywhere, they will usually hang out near English training centers (good place to work if you've got a college degree and need work fast) or expat bars/events. I would advise taking the time to learn some basic Chinese phrases as it goes a long way to making it easier. Then again, I've known people who have lived here just as long as i have in china (going on 9 years) who still only know how to say "get me a beer" so it is totally possible to live without knowing Chinese, just not as easy.

Also, keep in mind, these cities i recommend are all in north south or east china, i know nothing about western china, but word on the street is its dirty, not nearly developed, and possibly downright dangerous for foreigners, with the exception of kunming, which sounds alot like a chinese florida.

Any chance of saving money there, teaching english? I don't know if I'd do it again (did Korea before) but its good to know the score in case the need arises. Are there other opportunities?

Great breakdown, btw.

Post: #37

Chinese money spends well in china, but doesnt save well. Plus their banking system is one of the most effed up in the world. They only allow small ammounts outside the country without an internationally approved proof of purchase of some goods, and it is virtually impossible to go through legal channels to change chinese RMB into USD or Euros.

Average rate for a teach in a private school is roughly 10,000 RMB a month which is like 14-1500 USD a month, with nothing included. Most of the places cant even get you a real visa, so you run the risk of getting deported in alot of cities. These training centers usally ask for about 25 hours of classes a week and 15 hours of office time a week. Part time is at 5000 for 15 hours of teach a week (3 full days) Of course these are subject to negotiations.

Uni jobs are usually much more flexible, provide accommodations, visas, and utilities, but the pay much lower. Maybe 4-5000 (that's for an experienced teacher) but only between 16-22 hours of classes a week and lots of free time.

There are also public schools. I got a friend in a smaller city 45 min from where my apartment is. He works 12 hours a week teaching middle school (teaching is a loose term, more like playing with them) for 6 hours, and 6 hours IELTS based courses for High School students. Apartment computer utilities all taken care of for him and his take home is like 4,000.

Most of these places offer a return ticket after 1 year contacts expire (but the schools often try to shaft the teachers at this time)

Money usally isnt a problem tho. If you need more, there are many many people looking for foreigners for private classes that pay between 100 and 150 and hour.

You can make a good living on what you get here, but its a pain to take it out of china, and it doesnt spend well back home. I recommend everyone give it a shot, think of it as a working vacation.

Right now, the easiest places to get English teaching jobs are the places foreigners don't want to go. When i was out in QuanZhou, the richest city in south china (its a hell hole tho, everyone speaks local dialects, not standard Chinese, and dirty and small as all hell) they were offering 13,000-15,000 a month b/c they couldn't find anyone. There is tough competition to get into these jobs in the big cities. Also, don't take any advice from the internet/people you don't know. I know too many people who have been fucked over by unscrupulous schools/agents. Your best bet for these kinda jobs is to show up at the school in person willing to do an interview and a resume in hand.

But i will say, the private English training centers are the BEST for hooking up with girls. Most of the girls there are either college students or graduates, are interested in spending time with foreigners and have decent English ability. I got pretty much date raped by a virgin (supposedly) when i was out in QZ. She kept doing the southern Chinese drinking thing ganbei "literally "dry you glass"" when i'm drinking 80 proof stuff and shes drinking juice(all on her tab, these students are rich), then taking me back to her place when her roommate was out of town, and pretty much raping me when i'm drunk outta my mind(not really, once i figured out what was going on i started acting more drunk then i really was). Zero effort involved, and as long as you let them down easy (i was drunk sorry) the school doesn't give a fuck. Ive actually worked for a school that offered student teacher mixers as a selling point of the school so. (Just be sure to always strap it and flush the condom, lots of Chinese girls seem to want a foreign baby, and will go pretty damn far for it)

Post: #38

(04-13-2010 09:36 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  Alpha,
Thanks a bunch for all these great reports on China. I've always been interested in first visiting then spending a few months there.

Now, how much would you say would be a sufficient monthly budget to have a good lifestyle which would include the following:
-nice, clean apart in a safe and well located, central location in a nice, clean and good city with a good weather and good nightlife or girls who are interested in meeting foreigners.
- eating out all the time, partying and going out 5 times a week.
Nothing fancy just having a good time.

Shay shay.

Sorry for double post, but i try to keep the questions separate.

Depends on what you want to eat and what city you want to live in.
A nice centrally located apartment in a decent city would prbly run maybe 2000 rmb tops for a clean new one one bedroom one living room a kind of half kitchen corner and basic appliances (washing machine, Tv NO driers here) Add on internet at about 100 a month (get a Chinese friend to set it up for you, its a pain if you try to use a passport) elect/water would be at no more 150-200 a month. The prices are totally dependent on what you can find and how well you can negotiate. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a Chinese friend with you doing this, and be willing to walk away from anything you see. YOU WILL GET PRICE GOUGED more often than not. The best way to prevent this is to speak Chinese yourself.

You don't even need to eat out in china. 95% of all restaurants (from local Chinese restaurants to foreign food establishments including MacDonald, KFC, Burger King) offer home delivery for a negligible fee (ranging from free to about 7 RMB) A Chinese style set meal will run you between 8-12 rmb at a local place to maybe 20 at a famous chain, and usually includes rice, soup, some kind of meat, and 2 or 3 vegetables/egg.
If you really want the "eat out" experience you can go to a higher end restaurant for about 50-100. Even very high class places wont run you more then 100 USD for a party of 6 or so (might be because i have connections with this places since i'm always taken clients out there so i may be getting special rates)

Just a culture note . A bill at a restaurant will almost never ever be split. In china it is considered to be an honor to pay the whole bill with you are out with people, so you need to fight for it (or atleast make it look like you are reaching for your wallet as not to seem cheap and pathetic) and as a foreigner, if you can pull it off with a group of chinese people (not easy, they play this game seriously, as in "go to the bathroom 1/2 way through the meal to pay the bill") its instant respect and social proofing.

Local Booze is dirt cheap at stores not so much at clubs. A 330 ml bottle of Chinese beer (actually quite decent, if not a bit bitter) is something like 3 RMB at a shop. Beach parties and other events are marked up a lot tho. They have small hole in the wall local bars where its 100 RMB for 8 bottles, to the high end clubs where is 30-60 and up RMB a bottle of beer. If you aren't a beer drinker, there is always whiskey everywhere (usually either johnny walker or Chivas) Vodka (Absolut is available at almost every supermarket, different clubs or bars have their own brands they carry) The expat bars are pretty much the only places you will find Tequila. Avoid the top shelf stuff at chinese bars and clubs, it is almost always fake. Also there are a number of decent Chinese wines as well. And who can forget china's love affair with Baijiu (rice wine with a kick like over proof vodka) Depending how much you drink bar prices at the bar i used to manage we as follows:
Carlsberg Draft 30
Most cocktails 35-50
Shots 35
Bottles 300-400 for standard vodka or low grade whiskey
Local Qingdao beer 25 Small bottle
and this was one of the more pricey foreign hangouts until they fired me to bring in a french guy who's mom was banging the owner.

For clubs think add 10-20 for cocktails and 100-200 on bottles. Minimum table charge is 250 on weeknights to up to 500-1000 on weekend nights, usally two bottles more than covers it.

Also most bars wont run a tab unless you are a regular. It is almost always strictly pay as you go.

As for other entertainment, movies are about 13-15 USD. Taxis are cheap tho.
At my lowest point in china, i was living on about 5000 a month, out every weekend at bars/clubs and never cooking for myself, and doing the dating game with the girls i had nailed about 2-3 nights a week. So to be safe, about 1000 USD a month should be quite a good living, once you get the hang of things.

This is all mainly in xiamen, where i "live" 4 nights a week at best. But if you are looking for wild massive parties, they arent too common here, or maybe im just not well hooked into the expat community anymore. I spend almost all my time with locals. But its is a fun town.

Post: #39

Good to see some China posts! Pretty much agree with all of teaching/cost information posted above; I'm in Shenzhen (which is expensive for the mainland) and my costs are only slightly higher. If you can work out a way to get paid in dollars, euros, etc., your money goes really far... I'm definitely a proud beneficiary of the probable currency manipulation going on here.

If you go to one of the major cities, do yourself a big favor and join whatever social networking site that city has (smartshanghai, shenzhen stuff, guangzhou stuff, etc.). There's your "english speaker" and "girls that put out quickly" filtration. Add a lot of sounds, colors, pictures, etc. to your profile. It's kind of absurd how many girls you can get through this; between this and more regular "going out," if you're a guy who does pretty well with girls in the West the number of girls on your hookup radar is only limited by your time and morals.

Post: #40

@ Kona: I　missed both balut and cockfight, which still annoys me!

Now I am in Japan. This　is definitely a strange place as well, but　in a nice sense though. Already got the japanse flag the first night out, but it was half brazilian, so not too sure if it really counts

Btw. ANY GUYS UP FOR WINGING IN KYOTO, OSAKA, NAGOYA OR TOKYO THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS?

Kona, you know anything about the scenes in those cities (I already know about the massive tokyo thread on the forum)??

Post: #41

(04-14-2010 03:51 AM)laowai Wrote:  Good to see some China posts! Pretty much agree with all of teaching/cost information posted above; I'm in Shenzhen (which is expensive for the mainland) and my costs are only slightly higher. If you can work out a way to get paid in dollars, euros, etc., your money goes really far... I'm definitely a proud beneficiary of the probable currency manipulation going on here.

If you go to one of the major cities, do yourself a big favor and join whatever social networking site that city has (smartshanghai, shenzhen stuff, guangzhou stuff, etc.). There's your "english speaker" and "girls that put out quickly" filtration. Add a lot of sounds, colors, pictures, etc. to your profile. It's kind of absurd how many girls you can get through this; between this and more regular "going out," if you're a guy who does pretty well with girls in the West the number of girls on your hookup radar is only limited by your time and morals.

You are in shenzhen? Ill be there next week for the CMEF starting this weekend, should totally set a meet up time. Have yet to meet a single person in china who is into the whole scene. Im still not too familar with shenzhen as i dont usally have time to go out and do exploring, but since ill be there for almost a week, i have to go out and do something.

Post: #42

I'm out of town for work until the end of the month, but I'll send you a PM and at least get you started on where to get out to while you're in Shenzhen.

Post: #43

Thank youso much Alpha. Your post is pure gold!
This is the type of breakdown of things I was looking for and you more than provided.
After reading your report, I'm really considering coming down sometime this year. Btw, what is the visa issue to stay in China as a tourist and live say for 3-4 months for a Canadian? I'm sure I'd have to check with the Chinese Embassy in here, but if you know anything in that regard, I'd be grateful if you could share it.
Also, the prices for apartment you quoted seems very reasonable, are these prices for long term type of deals, like say 1-2 years leases? or can they be also had for 1-3 months at a time?
Good suggestion about having a Chinese friend go with you with some of major expenses like apart hunting. I do that as well in Brasil and it works wonders. Now, would you suggest that I go with the Chinese friend to the landlord/apart buildings or should I stay behind in case the chinese owner sees me he'll try to jack up the prices?
Also, I don't speak a word of Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese) yet other than just shay shay and nee how mah (LOL), so how much of a problem is that going to be? Of course, in the meantime, I'll try my best to learn as much chinese as I can on my own. Btw, any tips on how to meet some trustworthy Chinese friends to help with translation and shopping/bargaining?
Btw, I read/heard that Chinese male guys are cool to hang out with and drink and all but when it comes to asking them to help you with the lingo to get a Chinese girl, then they're the biggest cockblocks ever? Did you also notice that during your time in China?
One last question, how is the safety issue in the major cities in general?

Once again, thanks a bunch man. Much appreciated.

Cheers.

Post: #44

(04-14-2010 07:31 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  Thank youso much Alpha. Your post is pure gold!
This is the type of breakdown of things I was looking for and you more than provided.
After reading your report, I'm really considering coming down sometime this year. Btw, what is the visa issue to stay in China as a tourist and live say for 3-4 months for a Canadian? I'm sure I'd have to check with the Chinese Embassy in here, but if you know anything in that regard, I'd be grateful if you could share it.
Also, the prices for apartment you quoted seems very reasonable, are these prices for long term type of deals, like say 1-2 years leases? or can they be also had for 1-3 months at a time?
Good suggestion about having a Chinese friend go with you with some of major expenses like apart hunting. I do that as well in Brasil and it works wonders. Now, would you suggest that I go with the Chinese friend to the landlord/apart buildings or should I stay behind in case the chinese owner sees me he'll try to jack up the prices?
Also, I don't speak a word of Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese) yet other than just shay shay and nee how mah (LOL), so how much of a problem is that going to be? Of course, in the meantime, I'll try my best to learn as much chinese as I can on my own. Btw, any tips on how to meet some trustworthy Chinese friends to help with translation and shopping/bargaining?
Btw, I read/heard that Chinese male guys are cool to hang out with and drink and all but when it comes to asking them to help you with the lingo to get a Chinese girl, then they're the biggest cockblocks ever? Did you also notice that during your time in China?
One last question, how is the safety issue in the major cities in general?

Once again, thanks a bunch man. Much appreciated.

Cheers.

For the visa thing, you will need to check your self. I know its pretty easy for alot of people to get 3-6 month business visas, or long term tourist visas, but as an american passport holder, i have very limited durations of stays, and other hassles.

The prices i quoted you are for long term stay (6 months to a year contract) but it is possible to get those prices on a short term stay, you just need haggling on your side, and be willing to look arround.

Most rent prices are fixed if you look through a housing agent, your best bet is have your chinese friend look through a housing agent. They usally ask for a months rent, but you can also haggle (i think i spent 200 for my place which is 1400 a month)

The amount of trouble you will be having without Chinese is pretty much dependent on what you do and what your expectations are. I know people who have been here years without bothering to learn Chinese and only have minor problems. But of course the more you know the better.

Ive found the best way to meet trustworthy friends is through the expat community in whatever city you go to. You can always meet them at foreign run or popular bars and they are the best place to get started.

Ive never had much of an issue with chinese guys as cockblocks, only that i find myself getting dragged to tables full of people i dont know for conversations, sometimes at awkward times. But it all depends on how you work it, i always use it as social proofing, and once you get it down its like nothing ever happened. But, then again, i usually fly solo on girls hunting nights, at a party, its a minor concern i guess, but since i have yet to meet a chinese person with any kinda game rather then showing off the size of his wallet, it shouldnt be anything you cant handle. I havent found guys who are terrible cockblocks, but a lot of the girls are, even ones who dont know the target very well.

Safety has never been a concern for me, but then i stay out of (in terms of getting women, the worst way to piss off the owners) the overtly mafia (yes it does exist) night clubs. I think in the city im staying in, there was one shooting and one stabbing, both at the same club (shootings are very rare, since only the police and military should have access to fire arms, so someone did something REALLY stupid and pissed off the wrong guy). Ive been in a few minor fights over stupid shit with aggressive drunk guys, but thats a common risk anywhere. On the street, ive never been robbed, just watch your stuff on buses and trains. Ive had a laptop and a PSP jacked on those.

Post: #45

"These are good places to live, but there is one city you must visit as a tourist at least at one time, and that is Hangzhou."

I've heard good things about this city. Can you break it down more? Is it only good for touring or is it strong livability-wise too?

Post: #46

Once again, thanks a bunch Alpha!
I'll get back to you with more questions soon.

Cheers.

Post: #47

(04-16-2010 04:07 PM)gringoed Wrote:  "These are good places to live, but there is one city you must visit as a tourist at least at one time, and that is Hangzhou."

I've heard good things about this city. Can you break it down more? Is it only good for touring or is it strong livability-wise too?

Ill do the best i can, but i only visit Hangzhou in passing on business. So most of what i can tell you is second hand.

Its a bit more temperate then full on southern china, and is a huge tourist area. I got a friend who is a pro DJ and he DJed a 10,000 strong drift competition there. Certian areas very westerinzed, and a strong high end shopping experience (Near Xihu you can find all the huge western top end brand names) I know nothing about living there, but i can assume that most of the average lifestyle prices for similar things will be roughly the same price as shenzhen. Lots of tourists traveling through, so good service is the norm. For the night life, i can give you more information the next time i go out there, which will be in a few months. Usually my trips there are packed so full that i cant find the time to go out exploring on my own.

The city itself is fairly well developed, if a bit spread out, and i would say many areas are the closest ive seen in china to a tourist trap. Girls looking for money abound. And finding a taxi during peak times is a pain in the ass. Quite a huge selection of foods from all over. English seems to be less prevalant than the major cities, but much better than south china (my agent in HZ can understand english at a decent level, but wont speak in it, which is a rarity in my feild)

I will update more as i expereince more in the city. But Xihu (west lake) is an amazing place. I cant find words to describe it. It feels like one of the natrual wonders that fill you full of emotion and steal away to words to speak about it. So, if you can take a chick there for her first time, you will get laid.

Post: #48

(04-14-2010 03:58 AM)beebopaloo Wrote:  Kona, you know anything about the scenes in those cities (I already know about the massive tokyo thread on the forum)??

No.

I was at Yokosuka for a long time, so I've really only been around the Tokyo Bay area.

Two tips for you up that way though. Cross the water and go to Chiba. It's where the rich folks live. Most of the Japanese tourist girls I've banged here in Hawaii are from Chiba. There's a strip of restaurants and bars. It's easy to find.

Tip two is GO TO TOKYO DISNEYLAND! it's the second best pick up spot in all of Japan. There's a few bars in there. Just chill at them. J-girls love Disney shit. I have personally had great success at Tokyo Disneyland on more than one occasion.

I was at Sasebo for a while and would like to reveal the greatest pickup spot in all of Japan. THE FAKE INDOOR BEACH! It is 400 or so miles south of Sasebo on the Pacific side. The city is called Miyazaki.

It's a giant warehouse with a phony beach inside. You gotta go there. Yes there's old people in speedos, but there is a TOPLESS SECTION with a phony beach side bar!! Chill there and talk about growing up in Hawaii. The hotel is extremely expensive and the place overall is so damn weird you'll really only want to stay a while.

Good Luck.

Aloha!

Post: #49

(04-16-2010 08:38 PM)AlphaQup2nite Wrote:  

(04-16-2010 04:07 PM)gringoed Wrote:  "These are good places to live, but there is one city you must visit as a tourist at least at one time, and that is Hangzhou."

I've heard good things about this city. Can you break it down more? Is it only good for touring or is it strong livability-wise too?

Ill do the best i can, but i only visit Hangzhou in passing on business. So most of what i can tell you is second hand.

Its a bit more temperate then full on southern china, and is a huge tourist area. I got a friend who is a pro DJ and he DJed a 10,000 strong drift competition there. Certian areas very westerinzed, and a strong high end shopping experience (Near Xihu you can find all the huge western top end brand names) I know nothing about living there, but i can assume that most of the average lifestyle prices for similar things will be roughly the same price as shenzhen. Lots of tourists traveling through, so good service is the norm. For the night life, i can give you more information the next time i go out there, which will be in a few months. Usually my trips there are packed so full that i cant find the time to go out exploring on my own.

The city itself is fairly well developed, if a bit spread out, and i would say many areas are the closest ive seen in china to a tourist trap. Girls looking for money abound. And finding a taxi during peak times is a pain in the ass. Quite a huge selection of foods from all over. English seems to be less prevalant than the major cities, but much better than south china (my agent in HZ can understand english at a decent level, but wont speak in it, which is a rarity in my feild)

I will update more as i expereince more in the city. But Xihu (west lake) is an amazing place. I cant find words to describe it. It feels like one of the natrual wonders that fill you full of emotion and steal away to words to speak about it. So, if you can take a chick there for her first time, you will get laid.

Thanks again Alpha. When I start making my way over to the old world, I'll probably have more Q's for you.

Post: #50

ask and thou shall receive. Im in shenzhen at the moment for the CMEF (medical equip fair) and i never noticed it before, but shenzhen is full of hot chicks! Chilled out at a shopping mall for 30 mins, and just WOW, i was impressed with the number of shapely, tall, and fashionablely dressed girls. Sadly i was with my company, so i didnt really get a chance to get any numbers or anything (most chinese men tend to say stupid shit to fuck up a conversation) but its definetly a good place ill go solo. Tonight checking out some bars that were recommended by Lauwai for nightlife, since tomarrow will be a breezy day. Ill add what i can to the shenzhen section when its all over.