Start-Up Costs

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Before you leave your home country be sure to set up online banking or a PayPal account so that you can pay bills easily. Also alert your bank that you are moving to China, and ask them which banks in China are their partners so that you can avoid ATM withdrawl charges.

BRING START-UP MONEY

Consider yourself forewarned: You will need start-up money in your first few weeks in China, so prepare at least $1000 US. Moving to a new place, and in particular a new country has some start-up costs associated with the transition, so please prepare cash to help get you through the first month.

Once you get your first paycheck, you will pay yourself back in no time. But please do not underestimate the costs of getting settled.

COMMON INITIAL COSTS

• Many landlords require 2-3 months rent upfront when you sign the contract
• Living expenses before your first paycheck

PLEASE NOTE: All those arriving before the 14th of any given month will be paid on the 30th of that month. All teachers arriving after this date will not be paid until the following month on the 30th.

START-UP LOAN

EF understands that these big expenses can be a burden and has prepared a start-up loan of 10,000RMB (approx $1,500 US) for each new teacher.  Teachers tend to use this loan for the housing deposit.  Keep in mind that the loan does take at least a week to process, so you will need cash to get-by in your first week at least.

This loan repayment will be taken out of your monthly pre-tax salary over four months (2500RMB per month x 4 months = 10,000RMB). 

SUPPORT FROM EF

• 2-weeks of accommodation: EF will provide accommodation in a hotel for the first two weeks while you participate in orientation and teacher training. This will be paid directly by EF.
• SIM Card and Cell Phone: Prepared by EF in your Welcome Pack. Your new phone number in China with some free minutes for calling.