We are planning to move to Taiwan in the next year (or two?). Our decision is affected by many considerations. We found this forum reading an article about living in Taiwan, and we are hoping to get a feedback/suggestion/anything…
I’m an accountant and my wife is a financial analyst. Both of us are actually Indonesian who came to the US for education. Been around the US for more than 13 years, and I think we had seen what the US is all about. Great country, but… We have a 2-year old and she is one of the reason we are planning the move. We want “asian” education, especially Chinese, to be the core of her childhood fundamental. We would like to keep our US passports so that she would eventually be able to return to the US for college.
Financially we are doing pretty good. That came with great costs. I work regular hours (M-F 9-6) but my wife is working like crazy. I, myself, feels like I don’t spend enough time with them. It really does feel like we are in the rat-race. We should be able to live with just my income, but we won’t be able to save (or even reach into our savings).
Our perception of TWN right now is that the cost of living is low. I know it depends on the area (Kaohsiung, maybe?). I am hoping that our family monthly budget will be about $1000-1300 USD. Is that a normal budget? We will supplement that with RE investment income from the US, and me working a job. I don’t know what kind of job I can land, but I read alot about teaching English. With my asian face, would I be hired? Planning to take credentials before we get there. But, I’m also hoping to find more suitable jobs, like accounting? or maybe something that I didn’t know I have passion in. Setting up business? Can I do that?
So many questions… but for me personally has been mostly financial. This will be long-term. Please give some feedback. You may focus on one area or the other. Anything helps…
The cost of living is definitely lower in Kaohsiung than LA, but you’ll struggle to find a job as anything other than an English teacher if you don’t speak Mandarin. Having an Asian face may put some schools off. Check out the other forums, such as Teaching English, Working and Visa and Residency for more detailed information.
I would highly suggest requesting a transfer from your (or your wife’s) current job (is possible) to a Taiwan office. Living an expat life here in Taiwan will be much more comfortable than living on a teaching salary. Why? Benefits.
I haven’t taught myself, but I have a local friend that spent numbers of years abroad and has very very good command of English and has landed jobs at Kojen and some well-known English schools. It will really depend on your employer, but just because you have an asian face, doesn’t mean you’re at a disadvantage.
For a family of 3, $1000-1300 USD is definitely not the right number.
Basic items Taipei Taichung Kaohsiung
Rent a flat: 900 600 400 | Including electricity, water, gas, internet and mangement fee etc.
Eating outx3: 700 500 380 | Cooking yourself is not cheaper than eating out.
Mass Transx3: 300 250 220 | Out of Taipei, a scooter or car become necessary.
Entertainment: 600 400 300 | The cinema ticket costs twice in Taipei than south.
============================
Subtotal: 2500 1750 1300
For an average family that offers good education to 1 kid, $3,300 USD is recommended in Taipei, $2,500 in Taichung and $2,000 in Kaohsiung.
Since you are an accountant, it’s not difficult to find a descent job in Taipei.
The business trade between Taiwan and US is very strong. Many accounting firms in Taiwan need people like you.
Plus the FATCA has squeeze many American nationals or people with green cards out of breath, it’s easy for you to gain some ground if you spend some more time on the accounting regulation of Taiwan.
I would suggest searching your job options first. Not to be rude but most local companies can be biased against ethnicity. Language also being one of your barrier, foreign companies would be your best option. Note, however, those are scarce down South. Unless, any possibilities of finding a work-from-home job in the US but actually living in Taiwan? Financially, down South would definitely be better. And you aren’t really missing much.
By the way a budget of 1000 - 1300 usd for a whole family 2 parents and 3 kids is bad. You’ll be pretty poor on such a small amount. 30.000 ntd for a whole family is crazy.