Getting Settled in Beijing

Furnishing Your Home

Most Beijing rentals come fully furnished with beds, tables, couches, kitchen appliances, TVs and telephones. Most apartments are equipped with washing machines, although dryers and dishwashers are less common. Landlords that rent to expats try to maintain a foreign-friendly, up-to-date style of decor. If the apartment is not furnished, or you find the furnishings distasteful, negotiate with the landlord for a furniture allowance. In a way this is ideal, since you’ll be fully compensated for picking out the furnishings of your choice. Be firm that this be included before you sign the lease. Landlords may be willing to skim off a month or so of rent in exchange for your adding new furnishings to a partially furnished apartment. As in all aspects of the housing process, do not hesitate to negotiate hard. If you do wish to refurnish your apartment or add additional pieces, there are plenty of options. Beijing is home to the second-largest IKEA in the world, which has lower prices than at home and affordable delivery. If you’re searching for Chinese-style furniture, head to Gaobeidian, a large furniture district on the east side of the city. Dozens of stores line one long street, selling everything from canopy beds to coffee table bric-a-brac. Outlets here will also make pieces to order, but bring a translator and negotiate prices down. For upscale Asian and European furniture and interior design, Dara is a popular option (www.dara.com.cn). IQAir (www.theiqairstore.com) has several stores selling air purifiers, a necessity in a Beijing home.

Laundry

Beijing apartments come with washing machines, but not always dryers. Most appliance stores sell dryers. Small laundry and dry cleaning establishments are sprinkled throughout most neighbourhoods, particularly near expat compounds and apartment buildings.

Domestic Help

It’s common for expats and Beijingers alike to employ full-time or part-time local maids, known as ayis. Ayis (which translates to ‘auntie’) are local women who clean the house, cook, buy groceries, look after children and run other errands. At first, the idea of always having someone in your house can seem strange, but you will quickly adapt to the convenience and appreciate the time you save. However, a downside is that most ayis don’t speak any English. This can be challenging at first, but is a good way to learn some Chinese, and children invariably pick up the language quickly from their ayi. Ayis are generally paid RMB10-18 an hour, with some expatriates paying double that, plus a Chinese New Year bonus. Some expat families living in large villas with several children, or working long hours, hire more than one ayi. There are some guidelines to bear in mind to make this relationship run smoothly. It’s extremely important that you make clear to your ayi exactly what needs to be done in the household, and how you’d like it done. Your ayi will appreciate this, and it will ideally serve as the foundation of a long and successful working relationship. Show her the household basics, such as working the washing machine and how to prepare your children’s favourite meals. It’s helpful to have someone who speaks Chinese translate instructions and scheduling for you. This does not need to be a formal contract, just a way to establish expectations. Learning some Chinese phrases will make the relationship more productive and congenial. Even if she has worked in a foreign household before and is familiar with your appliances, she will not know how your family likes things done.

Finding a good ayi is a key element of a comfortable household in Beijing, so be patient and methodical in your selection process. The best way to find a reliable ayi is through friends, neighbours or colleagues. If someone is leaving Beijing, they will be eager to help out their ayi by finding her new employment. If you’re seeking part-time help, start with your neighbours, as it would be convenient for the ayi to help out at adjacent residences. Announcement boards in Western stores, such as the supermarket Jenny Loos, and community clubhouses advertise ayis. If you take this approach, ask to contact the ayi’s previous employer. If the situation isn’t working out, go through a domestic help service. Domestic help agencies provide household staff that are trained to cook Western food, speak English and care for infants. However, many expats report that agencies tend to exaggerate the skills and experience of some of their ayis. Before signing an employment contract, have the ayi over to your home for a trial run to see how she handles the workload and interacts with your children.

Babysitting and Childcare

Some expat families rely on part-time or live-in ayis (see above) for babysitting and after-school care. Ayis, many with children of their own, can provide safe and low-cost child supervision. If you rely on this, clearly communicate your child’s needs to the ayi, and prepare a detailed emergency plan. Despite its size and hectic, urban nature, Beijing is a kid-friendly place with active parents’ groups, play centres and accessible childcare resources. Many expat housing complexes have playgroups, and people help each other out with babysitting. If need be, contact a professional daycare centre.