My Chongqing

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Moving to Chongqing, China Information Guide (from the US/Canada) - Communications

Author - Debbie Brown

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.

· Staying in Touch

· Skype

· Face Time

· Vonage (http://www.vonage.com/)

Tip: If you experience a drop in quality of voice call within 10 minutes, change your account setting: Feature -> Bandwidth Saver. Select the lowest baud rate you can still talk normally. This will allow longer conversation without having to re-establish connection.

· Magic Jack ( http://www.magicjack.com/plus-v05/)

· Google Voice - Allows you to port your US cell phone numbers to Google Voice. The fee was $20 per number. Allowing you to send/receive text messages and receive voicemails from our friends in the US for free. You can also link the account to a VOIP number such as Magic Jack. http://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html

· Cell Phones:

· There are many different levels of service available, Local calling plans (within City), China plans and International calling plans (within China) and International Calling plans (that let you use your China mobile phone outside of China). If you want International calling capabilities you have to ask for it and be specific on which international plan you want. International calling plans require a little more money upfront depending on which one you choose. You have to prepay for your service at store fronts or via cell phone kiosks. They do not bill you like in NA/US.

· Most popular Mobile providers for Expats are:

o China Mobile – More readily available locations to make deposits on your phones

o China Unicom – Has 3 G internet with more data plans

o China Telecom

· Tips:

o Best 3G? China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom? (Response from Internet Blog) Generally speaking only China Unicom has nationwide roaming at no extra cost and works with international 3G handsets. China Telecom is CDMA/EVDO 3G (almost dog slow), China Mobile has a special 3G won’t work with ANY handsets other than their own. Data is generally roaming free. All depends on your needs and package.

o For Blackberry cellphone user, the only service provider offered BIS (Blackberry Internet Service) is China Unicom. China Mobile and China Telecom did not support BIS. Even you have your Blackberry cellphone unlocked in North America; you have to get RIM (Research In Motion) in China to unlock again for you before the cell phone can work exactly like in North America.

Moving to Chongqing, China Information Guide (from the US/Canada) - Entertainment

Author - Debbie Brown

· Entertainment

· Satellite TV – Satallite TV is available in China, but providers and Channel offerings are somewhat limited. Relocation Company should be able to tell you what is available.

For those that need HD and American-based programs, DISH satellite is available. The cost is significantly higher than other options, around 6-7K RMB for the first time. By adding a hard drive to the DISH receiver via USB, you can have full DVR capability. This is very useful to record games/shows that you cannot watch in real time.

· Slingbox - A Slingbox makes it easy to watch and control your NA home TV from virtually anywhere, anytime on your laptop, tablet, smartphone or connected device. This will allow you to watch local US channels you can’t access from China. Slingbox devices can be purchased at Best Buy or Online. Basically you need the box, cable/Satellite and internet to set it up while you are in the US, then you can watch streamed video here in China via your laptop or Tablet. For more info visit this website. ( http://www.slingbox.com/go/slingbox). Note: The Steaming video here in Chongqing tends to spool due to the slower internet speed available here in Chongqing. The degree of spooling is very dependent on internet usage/time a day.

· Other Streaming Video Options include:

www.cokeandpopcorn.com/

www.crackle.com/

· DVDs… DVDs can be purchased in China very cheaply, but you will need to make sure you have a DVD player that can play the DVDs procured in China. Not all NA DVD players will play the China produced DVDs. If you bringing any DVD movies make sure you have a North American DVD player because the system is different (NTSC in North American versus PAL in China). There are some DVD players available in China that can accommodate both NA DVDs and China DVDs, but you need to confirm before your purchase one. Best to take both types of DVDs with you shopping and request them to play both to confirm the player you purchase will accommodate both.

· Other Devices/Equipment

· For any big piece of equipment like a treadmill for example, it is good to know the service support available in Chongqing area. Many NA products cannot be readily serviced in China due to warranty coverage, lack of technical expertise and/or device has region/NA specific software and/or hardware. Need to contact the manufacturer to understand serviceability of devices and equipment here in Chongqing, China.

Moving to Chongqing, China Information Guide (from the US/Canada) - Internet

Author - Debbie Brown

· Internet

· Not all sights are available so it may be worthwhile to purchase a router in the USA with a built in VPN so that you can access sites like (you tube, Facebook, twitter, Netflix, etc…) or you can purchase VPN software for each computer/Apple device individually if you don’t have a built in VPN on your router (s). ( Note: Some devices do not have the capability to connect to a VPN directly, e.g. PS3, Wii or Xbox, for these devices you will need a router with a built in VPN.)

· There are many VPN providers for more info here is a link that rates the various VPN service providers: http://www.bestvpnservice.com/ .

I have tried both ExpressVPN and Hidemyass VPN, and prefer ExpressVPN due to ease of use and reliable connectivity. I am sure there are many others that would provide you with the services you need.

· If you are bringing your own router from North America know that the software will be in English and likely a Chinese technician will not be able to help you with the setup unless they speak English. (Note: You many need to configure the router differently than what you used in the NA due to requirements of your local Chinese ISP (Internet Service Provider).)

Moving to Chongqing, China Information Guide (from the US/Canada) - Electricity

Author - Debbie Brown

· Electricity

· Electricity is 220 V 50 hertz, so you need to confirm your electric/electronic items can handle it. Typically the devices are labeled to show you what it can handle.

o Devices from the US typically have a polarized plug and if capable of handling the power may still need adapters. (You can get them here in China, but not easy to find so you may want to bring some with you.) Both B&Q and Sudan carry transformers and adaptors. If you cannot get it locally, you can always get it through www.taobao.com (Chinese version of Amazon). May need a Chinese friend to help you order off taoboa.com given it is all in Chinese and they generally only take Chinese credit cards.

o Devices that can’t handle the power will need transformers to step down the 220 V 50 Hz to 110 volt 60 hz (which is what is used in the USA). Need to make sure the transform can handle twice the wattage rating of the device. (Volts x current = Wattage). Make sure you understand the voltage requirement. Some of them are 110 V – 240 V and some of them are 110 V only. If you are not careful, you can damage the equipment.

· Laptops/Smart phones – typically they have universal power supplies 110-240 volt and can plug right in. They may need adapters, but they do not typically need a transformer.

· Printers – Many printers can handle up to 240V power, but make sure you know if you can get your ink in China otherwise you may want to bring it with you. Apparently HP ink is regional so not all types of ink cartridges are sold in this part of the world.

· Wii - Most Wii consoles cannot handle 220 v 50 Hz so you will need a transformer if you want to use in China, newer consoles may have moved to a universal power supply. You can purchase a 110-240V Wii power adaptor from Amazon that will eliminate the need for a transformer. Know that Wii games are regional so you may not be able to buy a Wii console here in Asia/China and run your games purchased in the USA.

· PS3 – my PS3 is labeled 110 v 60 Hz, but after much review I learned that it contains a universal power supply that can handle 110-240 volts, so I did not use a transformer on mine. You may want to double check your unit before plugging it in.

Moving to Chongqing, China Information Guide (from the US/Canada) - Mail & Shipping

Author - Debbie Brown

· Mail – You will need to decide how you want to handle your NA/US mail. Unfortunately the US postal service will not forward your mail to China. (I assume Canada and Mexico don’t either?) There are many options you can consider from having family or friends sort your mail for you, using a mail forwarding company such as www.earthclassmail.com (for other mail forwarding companies go to http://www.top20sites.com/Top-Mail-Forwarding-Sites to learn more) or using the following services provided by FORD for FORD US ISE’s :

Any ISE relocating to a Host Country that would like to utilize the 1705 PO Box, should contact the Post Office and any correspondent's with your updated information. Below is an example of how to address your mail:

Ford Motor Company

John Smith – China

PO Box 1705

Dearborn MI 48121-1705

Within 10 days we will begin to receive your mail here in Dearborn. We will forward your mail to you once a week on Friday via FedEx. You can receive First Class Mail (PAPER MATTER ONLY) and paid subscriptions. We do not forward any Presort Standard or Non-Profit mail overseas, as it is costly to Ford and that mail is considered junk mail. Anything non-document needs to be sent directly to you at your home address in your Host Country. If we receive something non-document (ie. Dvd, clothes, foodstuff) through the 1705 PO Box you will receive an e-mail giving you the option to have the item Returned To Sender or have someone retrieve the item from the Central Mail Room (GN125) located in the Regent Court Building.

We cannot send anything non-document through the PO Box due to the fact that the sender would have to provide a commercial invoice with the following information. 1) FedEx account number, 2) senders department number, 3) description of contents and 4) a value placed on it. This is for Custom purposes. (Duties & Taxes)

To ensure that your mail catches up with your move, please notify CENTRAL MAIL SERVICES, RCB GN125.

PH # (313) 322-0050 or send a change of address form to FAX # (313) 337-3529.

ISE’s should ensure their Corporate Directory is up to date to reflect your current location in order to receive your mail without delay, otherwise your taking a chance of your mail being returned to the USA. That has already happened to other ISE's. All incoming mail is currently sent to TDC building 3^rd Floor at CQ1, it is ISE’s responsibility to pick up their mail at this location. The mail comes in once a week and if you receive mail you will receive an email letting you know.

Please note that when you return to the US, you will need to contact each correspondent to change your address back, as Box 1705 is a generic PO Box and cannot be changed by an individual.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact Central Mail Services (313) 322-0050

(Need confirmation if FORD US will forward mail from Canada and Mexico FORD employees or if they have other options.)

· Shipping and Receiving Packages: The following companies can ship and receive packages here in Chongqing, China

o DHL – Contact number 400-810-8000 (There are English speaking representatives to set up delivery/pickup)

o FedEx

o UPS

Moving to Chongqing, China Information Guide (from the US/Canada) - Pre Trip Information

Author - Debbie Brown

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 4^th 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/

Moving to Chongqing, China Information Guide (from the US/Canada) - Culture

Author - Debbie Brown

Cultures:

China is a large country with diverse culture and rich history. For most North American’s coming to China for the first time, there will be many situations of culture shock where the behavior of the local Chinese is not what the North American’s consider normal. Given the large number of people and historically tight resources, the sense of "private space" is not commonly well known. Since some Chongqing people have never seen foreigners (even on TV), they may approach you very closely just to see, hear, and sometimes touch a foreigner to see how we are different. They mean no harm, but are just curious. Enjoy this stardom while you are in China.

Secondly, the life of the average local is not the same as an American suburban life style we are used to. Most Chinese do not have the luxury of products and services that American takes for granted in the US. One suggestion is to lower your expectation/standards. Don't expect the house to come in perfect condition. Don't expect problems to be resolved quickly. Don't expect the realtor to anticipate your needs. Eventually all problems will be resolved or an alternative solution will be found. By having lower expectation/standards, some outcomes will be pleasant surprises.

Don't be afraid to reach out to other expats. Many expats have already experienced many of the same issues you will go through. Each one may resolve the issues in different ways. This is a good way to learn from other expats as well as meeting new people. Having a good social network for you and your family is important to maximize your experience in China.