@tigertiger: Interesting. If I recall correctly, the rent paid by you to the landlord is taxable income to you. If your employer pays the rent directly to the landlord, you do not have a tax issue.
Sounds a bit strange but I found information on how to gross up the amount given to the employee to cover the tax. My information is dated, 8 to 10 years, but I never did get resolved the issue of taxation on "paid housing allowance."
I have to agree with @misfit, not one case. Usually, it is the school that does not have permission to hire any foreigner for any reason that causes grief. Abuse a student visa at your own risk but don't complain when it goes bad.
Some info on hiring foreigners in China:
Here is an interesting, well some may find it interesting, article, on how monetary policy of the US screwed China in the 1930's, and 40's, and helped Mao. It ties silver and currency rates to economic performance.
In Friedman's 'Money Mischief: Episodes in Monetary History," 1994, (Kindle $10), Chapter Seven is devoted to the effect of US policy to artificially drive up the price of silver in 1933. The resulting deflation in China collapsed the Chinese economy and contributed to the success of Mao.
I think the recent Yuan devaluation is over. China is supporting the Yuan by selling Dollars and hopes of the Yuan becoming either a reserve or SDR currency are fading. China's growth has been debt driven and there are signs this hand is being played out. As China's options become less, the likelihood of inflation increases. That, coupled with a slower growth, will increase stress on the economy. Seems to me, there may be a period of political play at the highest levels ahead. We shall see.
I have never heard of fake visa either. Usually it is the case of no visa or getting jerked around quite a bit.
Also surprised to hear about 'the little book' as the little books disappeared about 10 years ago.
What I had was a residence permit affixed in my passport. That and an entry stamp seemed to be all that was needed. The residence permit had a box 'Purpose of Residence' and over the years it was 任职 when I was teaching then 学习 when I became a student.
No results found.
Good for quality, but pricey, hand tools.
Be aware they will push whatever they are selling. Some of the staff have no idea about the technical side of appliances.
I went there to buy a stove. I repeatedly told them I would be using bottled gas. They sold me a stove. When I went to my local gas guy, I learned there are at least three kinds of gas sold. Luckily, B&Q did not deliver as promised. I went back to the store and discovered they had sold me a stove they needed to be hooked up to the gas main. I got my money back.
The sales lady was almost in tears, 没有问题！I don't know if it a safety or design issue, but I would think B&Q would know and care.
Last week had an 8:45am flight.
Subway starts at 9am. I have no idea where to catch an airport express bus. Eight taxis refused to go to the airport. After almost an hour standing on Beijing Lu took a black taxi, this dude drives slower than my mother, 120 yuan.
Flight back was delayed so I learned the subway stops running at 6:10pm.
Getting a taxi back was easy, more taxis than customers. Taxi was 87 yuan including 1o yuan toll, airport to Beichen area. Yes, he took a longer route than necessary.
Kunming imagines being a gateway for international travelers. New airport but hard to get to and from it.
World Class Airport, NOT!
Tonight "Peacock", a performance by Yang Liping (杨丽萍), to begin her world tour, 8pm, 100-1680 yuan at Yunna Haigeng Auditorium.
Saw this lady perform at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, in California, in 1995. Quite a good and interesting show.
I'm going to try to make it.
Not so good. Kimchi had a very sour taste. Other food was nothing to brag about. I don't think I would go back.
This bus station is not located as indicated. It is further North!
Join us December 15 for the fourth annual Have a Heart Fundraiser!
Posted byIs Dr. Detrano still associated with this excellent program?
Iconic Kunming landmark getting subterranean facelift
Posted byMany years ago in Beijing on a very cold and windy winter day, I had to go to 中关村 (zhongguancun) to buy some camera stuff to take on Spring Festival. Walking out of the campus I ran into a student who was going there as well so I invited him to join me in the taxi ride. For some reason we could not get closer than 3-4 blocks to destination and were left with a walk facing North into the biting wind. No problem as my student turned guide and led me into a building and down stairs deep underground. We walked through huge underground rooms with high ceilings. I was amazed so the student took me down another level as we walked North,
My guess, after checking a map, was the we walked about 700 meters and the voids were about 80-100 meters wide. My guide told me this was a bomb shelter.
A few years later, these spaces were, in true Chinese style, were bustling with businesses. All partitions and fixtures were movable and temporary so it wouldn't take but minutes to restore most of the empty space. In some areas, escalators descended and rose and it seemed as if the buildings above expanded downward. In other areas, the huge void spaces remained empty.
Clearly a plan was in effect. I have no idea what it was and I had no interest in asking questions.
Fulintang: Yunnan's oldest apothecary
Posted by@bilingualexpat Good to hear. This is great old building. I hope no one gets greedy enough to tear it down. 不拆！
Summiting Yunnan's majestic Haba Snow Mountain
Posted byI have to agree with @alien. New or borrowed boots can lead to misery and pain. Take care of your feet.
Gulls arrival in Kunming warrants special treatment
Posted by@bilingualexpat Thanks. My first trip into China was in 1984. Didn't get to Kunming in those days and probably wasn't allowed to go. Today's Chinese kids should see these photos. I am fortunate to have witnessed China's progress over 30 years.