I did take some of the advice. I can't stay with someone because I have a medical condition that would make others uncomfortable. I'm form America, and this is my first time in China.
My Chinese level is elementary. I can write things down and then give it to the taxi driver. I'm looking at rental agencies. Although I can't find many who can speak a even lick of English. I'm in the Guandu district.
Once I find my own place I will then invest in my Chinese learning.
OK, first off, you have to assume nobody speaks English here. Which is why I said its best to live with people, particularly others studying. Given that you can't live with people, you have a problem! I would advise that you contact someone like:
This guy may be able to help you, but maybe not. He has advertised as a language exchange partner but is happy to also show people around so may be OK to accompany you around the place looking at houses if he is free. In return, be very nice to him, pay for everything and continue to practice English!
The other thing if this guy isn't keen - put an advertisement in the language exchange section for someone to help you out in exchange for language help and continued language exchange. Had we known you speak little Chinese we could have advised you earlier and you may not have been seemingly stuck, which is why its good to tell us about yourself. You may know your situation, but we do not.
The other thing you could do is go do Salvador's area and look for a room on their noticeboard (haven't been there in a long time). This will at least get you to know the city a little and allow you to potentially run into some foreigners who *may* be able to help. Salvadors is a big local hangout for foreigners and is on a street that is also a big local hangout. Their listing, with their address is here: www.gokunming.com/en/listings/item/1/salvadors_coffee_house
Oh yes - assume you won't find a house straight away and that you will stay in the hotel again tonight. That way you can leave your bags there.
To get back to the train station, tell any taxi driver huo3 che1 zhan4 (火车站) and they will take you to the train station.
Oh yes - be brave! Most likely you stuff will be fine in the hotel room. If you have laptops and expensive stuff that you are scared of getting nicked, give it to reception, they will lock it all up in a safe behind reception. If its just clothes and stuff in ya hotel room, unlikely someones going to steal them. Otherwise, make sure you have your passport/money/phone on you and go for it!
I think 1800usd is fine for 6 months ...I have a 3 bedroom new apt(built 5 years ago..wood floors, white tile bathroom, 2 balconies, western tolit...in a gated community with 24 hour security(not that they do anything)..all for 11000rmb(about 1600usd) for 6 months ..IT is in the north near the metro so a little far for the center of town..and also to be fair i had to buy everything.it was totally empty when we moved in! but super nice for a cheap price...The key is to use the chinese real estate guys(need good chinese, or someone to help you) you might have to look at 20 before you see something you like.(bargin hard once you find one.hahaha) but you will get a better deal.People that rent apts only to westerners charge more, local chinese would not pay that much!
oh..and the real estate company will normally want a fee, one months rent. You should be able to get this down to 25-50%
Hi,
Ok, so I've been planning my trip there for some time now, and I have researched the area and such but I do have some noob questions that ONLY gokumingers can answer.
1. Do I need a Malaria shot?
No
2. Will $1800 USD be enough for an apartment (one bedroom+ furnishings)
Probably not. I highly suggest flatmates.
3. How's the weather usually for April?(deciding on what to pack)
Like paradise.
4. Are there any areas to avoid?
Kundu.
5. What do YOU personally like or dislike about Kunming?
I love the food, the weather, the chaos. I love the different culture, the way of thinking, the people, and many other things.
I do not like how expensive it is becoming.
6. Do they really stare? lol
Yes.
Why don't they stare at me? :/
Maybe you look like a 农民。
Addendum: I get stared at frequently here, but it is not nearly as rude and ridiculous as when I was in Beijing, which is ironic since there are many more foreigners there.
