Questions about preparing to move back to Taiwan

Taiwan Living in Taiwan
1

I am currently planning on moving back to Taiwan. I have a B.S. degree in Computer Science but want to pursue a TESL career. I have 9 year of professional experience including 4 years in the US Air Force and an 18 month stint in Taipei with my last employer. (I have limited teaching experience) I loved Taiwan so much that I want to change careers to return. However, I have always wanted to teach as well… its even on the career ambitions footnote in my senior yearbook from high-school. It has taken me 10 years and a trip to Taiwan to finally convince myself to dive in.

My questions are about what I would need to safely get setup and running in Taiwan. Here is what I have worked out so far: (assuming expenses for 3 months)

$45,000 NT - Get a 1 bedroom apartment. Security deposit? I know some will say this is too much but I would like to come prepared to have up to 3 months rent right off the bat. So I assumed $15,000 NT per month.

$30,000 NT - Utilities. Phone, electric, internet, etc. Im not sure what I can expect in the way of bills as my company paid all my expenses when I was in Taipei.

$30,000 NT - Food/Travel cash. This amount is supposed to be sufficient for 3 months of eating and taxi/MRT costs.

$30,000 NT - Misc expenses - ARC fees?

$30,000 NT - Emergency Funds. For peace of mind :slight_smile:

Total: $135,000 NT (translated into $4100 USD)

So my question is… is this an adequate amount of money to get started in Taiwan? Im asking because once I leave the US and my job here, there is no turning back. I do not have any family or friends in the U.S. to return to should things go bad in Taiwan. Also, I do not have any savings… so I need to make sure I have more than enough to last me for a few months when I arrive in Taiwan and begin looking for a job.

Can you please let me know if my estimates are totally off, either high or low? Also, what are some other expenses that I should be prepared for when I arrive in Taiwan? I am planning on staying in Taiwan for several years or maybe even longer if the situation is right.

Any advice or responses are greatly appreciated.

2

that’s what i came with 5 years ago and it was more than enough. you’re probably over-estimating a bit… i think it will tide you over until your first teaching pay check.
opinions vary, though, on this board…

3

I reckon that’d be more than enough.

The lack of teaching experience won’t matter a jot when you’re looking for your first teaching job. As a degree-holder and authentic American, you should be able to pick and choose your school (though it may not be quite such a doddle if you lack the preferred ethnicity). As long as you fit the bill, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have a full teaching schedule and decent income within a few weeks of arriving.

As far as rent is concerned, bear in mind that it’ll vary enormously depending on where you want to stay in Taiwan. NT$15,000 should be ample to rent a reasonable one-bedroom pad not too far from the centre of things in Taipei, and I’m sure you’d easily get something pretty good for a lot less than that down south or out in the sticks. Back in my renting days, the landlords always asked for one month’s rent as security deposit - never more and never less - so I assume that is still the norm now.

I wouldn’t expect your utilities, ADSL, etc. to run to as much as NT$10,000 a month. My bills for two people, including liberal use of air-conditioning, don’t amount to much more than half of that each month.

The other items in your budget should cover things very nicely with plenty to spare. Overall, I think a single guy can live very comfortably in Taipei on NT$40,000 a month, and manage on much less without being ascetic.

4

you are coming with about the same amount I came with 4 months ago and it worked out fine.

I do suggest you find a place to teach before finding an apartment. You don’t want to rent a great place in Danshui and then end up getting a job in Xindian.

If you need a place to stay when u arrive, look into mandarin hostel. It is an apartment with rooms u can rent weekly. The place is nice and the guys running it are teachers who can give u good advice. (I am staying there now)

Cost is 3,000 NT a week. the website is mandarinhostel.com

By focusing on work first, u can make sure you get your ARC and don’t have to go on a visa run.

5

Thanks everyone. Yeah when I was in Taipei before I lived in TianMu and it was a rather expensive area to live if I remember correctly. Im planning on flying in just before Chinese New Years if I can get the cash together in time… I hear that is a good time to find teaching positions.

I have a few more questions if you don’t mind. I am pretty sure I picked the right category for these questions but please dont flame me if you feel it would be better somewhere else.

How does pay work in Taiwan? Do you get paid via check? Cash? Direct Deposit? Is it once every two weeks? And if so, are you two weeks behind like most companies in the US?

Thanks for all the help!

Blues

6

How you get paid varies greatly on the school you work for. I think paying you all in cash is the norm for most buxibans. My school is a bit more professional and direct deposits most of my money. Usually you’ll get paid once a month for what you worked that month. So after you start working, you’ll have some money at the begninning of the next month. usually, there are exceptions.

7

So I need to be ready with enough cash to last for at least a month “after” I begin work? My plan is to have 3 months of expenses covered… that would leave me 1 month to find a job, then 2 months to begin getting pay and work out a budget.

Thanks for the help.