Miscellaneous topics 2

Forum: Questions and Answers

Summarisation of interesting smaller sized posts in another forum.

Topic: Can Foreigners apply for credit card in Shanghai.

The gist of it is yes, if you have been there for several years and have collateral or something. But having to deposit 100000RMB for the life of the card, kind of defeats the purpose.

Topic: Shanghai tipping etiquette.

Varying opinions on whether or not to tip. Whether it is an insult. Whether people do or do not get offended.

Topic: Shanghai Customs query

A query about what exactly you have to declare when entering the country. Seems pretty relaxed, as long as there are no animal-based products.

Topic: Online shopping in China.

A guy tries out a range of online shopping sites, and reports the results. One of which is a scam, another has dodgy sellers, and two others are good.

Topic: The Chinese work ethic.

It is hard to tell if this 35 page thread has any useful information given that most of it is rambling.

Topic: Shanghai Bookstores

One or two pointers for locations of bookstores, although whether the stores are still around is another story. Other pointers to Book Depository.

Topic: Respratory Illness and Acne: Is the air the cause?

Discussion about the effect of living in Shanghai on the health. Acne, constant colds and so forth.

Topic: Wills Gym in Jing An

Discussion about a gym very close to where I will be staying, and how much it costs.

Topic: best coffee shop to do work

Mainly recommends Costa (quipped as Costa-lot) again. Or some expensive and smokey domestic chain called UBC.

Topic: Amazon

A few tips for ordering from Amazon overseas, or Amazon China (which has no english version).

Topic: Finding shoes as a US 13

More advice on how to find larger shoes, or ship them in. Mixed opinion on the quality of shoes made in the market.

Topic: Need tax help before I'm carted off to Jail

Links to a tax calculator, and has lots of ideas, but not enough authoritative sounding information.

Topic: China Fatigue

Disdain for how things are done in China. Customs shenanigans. Property speculation. Government approaches to spending.

Topic: The laowai side-eye.

Foreigner etiquette when passing other foreigners in Shanghai.

Topic: Amazon.cn

More discussion about how reliable it is, fast its shipping is and the cash on delivery approach.

Topic: What's with all the lying???

Something about how people promise to get things done, but don't do it. Then lie to cover it up. Apparently this is saving face.

Topic: Healthcare Insurance

Discussion of different healthcare providers, costs and quotes.

Topic: Bumping into Chinese people on Sidepath.

Another etiquette thread. To do with Chinese people rarely not changing path to avoid head on walking collisions. Moves onto car/pedestrian magnetism.

Topic: Where to run?

Discussion of suitable places to run.

Topic: Delivery for McDonalds and KFC

When I was in university, living in a student residence, we used to speculate that we could make some decent money doing a delivery service for fast food other than pizza. In Shanghai, apparently they can live the dream.

For KFC, a poster mentions that 50 RMB is the minimum order (~10$NZ, which would barely feed one person in NZ). And another mentions for McD's that despite a nearby branch, his order was delivered from miles away. A later poster recommends demanding the order now, to prevent long delivery times.

Topic: Are you registered with your local consulate general?

You can do this online for New Zealanders. But it was a good reminder.

Topic: Fake rmb note.

A good thread that brings up all the same information spread out elsewhere. Learn what notes should look like. Learn what notes should feel like. Buy a blue light doo-dad to shine on the notes and see the serial number. The reason Chinese people take so long at ATMs, is because they are checking to see if the bank gave them fakes. Advice for handling if you get a fake out of the ATM. A link is given to this blog, where pictures of the notes are illustrated with the important features.

Dredging through these forums has been educational with regard to what people know, look for in goods and services and more importantly things I need to look into more. Like fa piao, counterfeit money and more.