Disclaimer: This information is put together to help others moving to Chongqing. This document is a compilation of information gathered from other expats based on their experiences. It by no means is intended to be the gospel but to provide some background information to hopefully make your transition smoother. Chongqing is a rapidly changing city so this document is a living document that may need to be updated as Chongqing and China grow and change. Please forward any updates, recommendations and/or corrections to Deborah Brown, grosseilebrown2@aol.com.
Pre-Trip Information
Finding a suitable housing is the number one priority. For those having children, finding a suitable school is a close second priority. The one week pre-trip will go by very fast. To maximize the pre-trip, I would recommend talking to previous and current Chongqing expats on what to expect and what needs to be done. This way you won't waste any time in Chongqing.
The pre-trip is a whirl wind. Typically you will have 3-4 days to visit 6-8 housing options, schools and shopping areas. It is highly recommended that you take many photos to help you recall what you see.
When looking at housing you need to keep in mind:
What will stay with the house versus what you will plan to bring from the US. Everything is negotiable up front. Do not be afraid to ask/negotiate what you want. Know that you will not get your air shipment for approximately 6 weeks and your sea shipment for approximately 3-4 months so you will need to bring in your luggage anything you might need until your shipments arrive. The more you can negotiate up front, the more comfortable you will be through your move in transitions.
Typically people negotiate the following into their leases:
o Washer and Dryer (If able negotiate Western style… the European brands typically take much longer to get the same job done.)
o Oven (Ovens are not common in China)
o Dishwashers ( Not common in China, they use Dish Purifiers)
o Types of beds (western (softer) versus Chinese (hard)
o Bedding - 2 sets of sheets per bed and comforters (Bed sizes are very different than USA bed sizes so don’t expect US bedding to fit if you choose to use beds provided)
o Memberships to Fitness Centers
o Internet/Wi-Fi (on all levels). Most homes are made of concrete so signals don’t always reach all areas of a house with one router. Multi-level homes may require more than one router (bridging routers). Make sure you understand the speed of the internet signal coming into the potential home. The internet speed is variable by area so understand what is available in your area.
o Satellite TV – Although not legal or readily available you can negotiate it into your contract. There are several different packages some have more English channels than others, so make sure you are specific that you want the largest English speaking channel package for all TVs.
· Communities or Housing Options – There are many communities available for consideration depending on what you are looking for. Below are a few of the communities close to YCIS International School and the FORD Plants :
o Fragrant Garden is an older community in the New North Zone. It is central to many restaurants and shopping areas. This community has the largest population of US Expats families with children ranging from pre-school through high school.
o Palm Springs International Gardens is in the New North Zone. It is a growing community with new shopping areas opening up. This community is the second largest US expat community with children ranging from pre-school through high school.
o Blue Lake is also in the New North Zone with a grocery store and bakeries located nearby. This community is the third largest US expat community with children ranging from pre-school through middle school, and the closest community to YCIS.
o PolyGolf is also located in the New North Zone. This community has the 4th largest US expat community in Chongqing with children ranging from pre-school through high school.
o Chongqing Tiandi Riviera is a little further away, but closer to the downtown area. It has beautiful views of the river attracting several expats (including Ford). Chongqing Tiandi is a newly developed real estate area in the Yuchong area. There are many high end restaurants, shops, and bars in the Tiandi commercial area.
· Schools: ( Both schools provide busing to/from all Expat Communities)
o Yew Chung International School of Chongqing (YCIS) is located in the Yubei district close to Blue Lake. This is a British-based curriculum international school. The school's director is Matthew Nicholson and his email is: matthewn@cq.ycef.com. Website: http://www.ycis-cq.com/
o Quality Schools International (QSI) is located in the college town of Shapingba district. This is a American-based curriculum international school. The school's director is Jason Littlefield and his email is: jason-littlefield@qsi.org. Website: http://www.qsi.org/
Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. Living in Canada
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