Cathal81
Irish expat in China
Forum posts
73
Contacts
5
About me
Irish
Lives in Nantong
Speaks English, Irish, Basic Mandarin.
Registration: 30 August 2012
New to Nantong... by Kerryjn1
Hello there, I moved to Nantong from Australia about 3 weeks ago and am yet to really meet anyone to socialise with. I'm working in a middle school just off Haonan Road, not far from the Captain's Bar etc. Would be keen to meet sometime. ...
Yes, I too am a Teacher. In honesty I didn't really meet to many teachers in Nantong. They tend to live and work down town in the major language centres or at Universities. I was based in a kindergarten there last year way out by Langshan. O ... Read More
New to Nantong... by Kerryjn1
Hello there, I moved to Nantong from Australia about 3 weeks ago and am yet to really meet anyone to socialise with. I'm working in a middle school just off Haonan Road, not far from the Captain's Bar etc. Would be keen to meet sometime. ...
Hi Kerry, I lived in Nantong last year. There are many expats in Nantong with a lot being in the shipyards or others who teacher English. I'm now living in Suzhou but will often being in Nantong catching up with old friends from time to time. ... Read More
Language Exchange (Chinese for English)
thank you!. I appreciate your efforts! Read More
Language Exchange (Chinese for English)
I'm newly returned to Suzhou living East of Jinji Lake. I have been teaching English in China for the past 3 years yet sadly my Chinese is rather poor. I'm looking for a local (preferably in SIP) to help me with my Chinese in exchange for ... Read More
Where to live in Suzhou? Apartment search / District - General info by sancho777
Hi everyone, i will change jobs and move to Suzhou in early October. Until now i am not really familiar with Suzhou and would need some advise especially regarding apartment search. Im 30 years old and single. My workplace will be at the time ...
I used to live in Suzhou. You will be very happy there. Time Square is a good spot with plenty of shopping, restaurants, and metro line 1 nearby. I cannot comment on accomodation locations or costs unfortunately as my flat was provided as part of my ... Read More
Good place to live in China while teaching by hepayt
Hello forum!! I am going to be teaching english in China and I am in the middle of deciding which city to spend a whole year of my life teaching english in. I guess Im after a city that isn't a concrete jungle, that at least has nice scenery, ...
I highly recommend Suzhou, Jiangsu. Its not far from Shanghai. Has a nice old town with canals and gardens and a new expanding industrial zone. It is easy to get around with it now having 2 running metro lines, taxi's in abundance, and several ... Read More
VPN recommendation by Cathal81
Hi all, Can someone recommend a FREE trustworthy, reliable, and relatively fast VPN service provider for use on my laptop here in China? I have been using one the past 2 years but it is now due to expire and they want $55 renewal fee for the year ...
Tried Zenmate, but its crap. Then I spent all morning downloading another one yesterday only to be told by their support team after i couldn't get it to work that it is not compatible in China. imagine, a VPN that doesn't work in the one ... Read More
VPN recommendation by Cathal81
Hi all, Can someone recommend a FREE trustworthy, reliable, and relatively fast VPN service provider for use on my laptop here in China? I have been using one the past 2 years but it is now due to expire and they want $55 renewal fee for the year ...
I understand well what FREE means, thank you! It means not paying a penny for a service that will work just as well as efficiently as one you pay for. I am not seeking an app or any other such thing. I am seeking a VPN for my laptop, that will ... Read More
New to Nantong - looking for english speaking friends/expat community
I too am a Teacher in Nantong and also new. Would love to hook up and hang out etc. I am from Ireland. I have sent you a private message with my details. Please do get in contact. Read More
VPN recommendation
Hi all, Can someone recommend a FREE trustworthy, reliable, and relatively fast VPN service provider for use on my laptop here in China? I have been using one the past 2 years but it is now due to expire and they want $55 renewal fee for the year ... Read More
Newbie by sgpand
Hi All, I'm from Indonesia, new in Shanghai. Looking forward to meet new friends here.
Welcome to China. I am now based in Nantong, Jiangsu. I used to live in Shanghai (briefly). Check out the following site. www.smartshanghai.com It has a list of events, and happenings in Shanghai as well as showing were happy hours and certain ... Read More
Looking for friends in Shanghai by faylee
Hello everyone, I just arived in Shanghai yesterday and I will be working here as an English teacher for atleast a year. It's my day off and it's such a beautifull day and I am stuck in my room because I don't know where to go, how to ...
hi faylee, Greetings from Nantong, Jiangsu. I moved here just last Thursday and like you know nobody. So know exactly how you feel. Good news though, i used to life in Shanghai (briefly). get yourself over to this site. smartshanghai.com There ... Read More
New to Nantong, Jiangsu
I have also notived that it lists events, and offers on in bars/restaurants yet it doesn't provide any address in Chinese or taxi cards to show a driver where to bring me. Would be very handy if they provided such info. Also a number of the ... Read More
Best VPN to use? by melis82
Could anybody living in China tell me which VPN site they prefer to use? Thanks! :)
Also... if you are using an Iphone or smartphone, download the app Xskywalker. It will allow you to open western browsers, FB and Twitter etc. It's initially in Chinese, but once ya click on the FB or Twitter tabs you should be fine. Read More
Best VPN to use? by melis82
Could anybody living in China tell me which VPN site they prefer to use? Thanks! :)
Try this one - www.reliablehosting.com Read More
New to Nantong, Jiangsu
Hi Anantm, Your reply is much appreciated. I will be sure to look up that maps site you have provided. I am very new here, and I mean VERY new. I only arrived here from Ireland on Thursday night. I am not really familiar with the area, but I am ... Read More
New to Nantong, Jiangsu
Having lived and worked in China previously for about a year and a half I recently returned to take up a new teaching role in Nantong, Jiangsu. I am new to the area, have never been here before and know nobody. Are there other expats here, if so ... Read More
Seeking Employment in Luxembourg
Thank you Priscilla. Much appreciated! Read More
Seeking Employment in Luxembourg
Meoin! Hi all. I have just recently returned to Ireland having spent the last year and a half or so in China, where I was based as an ESL/TEFL (English Language) Teacher. As I have a brother and family in Luxembourg, I thought I would maybe ... Read More
Buying an E-bike in Shanghai
I am told Walmart sell em... I will pop down over the weekend to check out the prices. Read More
Buying an E-bike in Shanghai
What? Seriously? You are in HK and don't know what an E-Bike is? They are everywhere in China. They are the main means of transport. They are basically battery operated Mopeds. You can drive one without a license etc. I am looking for a cheap one. ... Read More
Buying an E-bike in Shanghai
hi all, I am living in Shanghai almost 2 months now and just feel an E-bike would be rather handy for trips to the shop, and bobbing about my neighbourhood. I am based in Xuhui District, near the South Station (line 1). Can someone tell me where I ... Read More
Irish guy newly arrived in Shanghai by Cathal81
Hi Guys. I am a new arrival in Shanghai where I will be based in the Xihui District as a TEFL/ESL Teacher for the coming academic year. I just arrived here today (Aug 21st). While I am no stranger to China and Chinese life, having given the last ...
Tomorrow night I have agreed to meet up with a few work mates etc so that is out for me. Then I am away travelling for the break sadly. Perhaps we can hook up at a later stage. Sorry! Read More
Irish guy newly arrived in Shanghai by Cathal81
Hi Guys. I am a new arrival in Shanghai where I will be based in the Xihui District as a TEFL/ESL Teacher for the coming academic year. I just arrived here today (Aug 21st). While I am no stranger to China and Chinese life, having given the last ...
Hi Philippa, No, I can't say I have been to the Shanghai brewery. To be honest I don't really know my way around Shanghai yet. I have no idea where Shanghai brewery is. To be honest I have been lucky if I get out once a week as I find going out ... Read More
Irish guy newly arrived in Shanghai by Cathal81
Hi Guys. I am a new arrival in Shanghai where I will be based in the Xihui District as a TEFL/ESL Teacher for the coming academic year. I just arrived here today (Aug 21st). While I am no stranger to China and Chinese life, having given the last ...
Hi Philippa, Welcome to Shanghai. I am new to Shanghai myself, having just taken up a new teaching role in a Primary School in Xuhui District. I am about 15 minutes walk from Shanghai South Station . I would love to hook up with another Irish ... Read More
New to Shanghai by JoaoTordo
Hey everyone, just arrived in Shanghai - portuguese writer, new to the city, looking for friends, a cup of tea and a couple of beers. get in touch. email: jbtordo@yahoo.co.uk
Welcome to Shanghai. My name is Cathal, and I am from Ireland. I too am new to Shanghai having arrived just over a week ago This is my first time living in Shanghai but I gave last year working in Suzhou. I am an English Teacher. I too wish to meet ... Read More
Irish guy newly arrived in Shanghai by Cathal81
Hi Guys. I am a new arrival in Shanghai where I will be based in the Xihui District as a TEFL/ESL Teacher for the coming academic year. I just arrived here today (Aug 21st). While I am no stranger to China and Chinese life, having given the last ...
Where do all the expats hang out in Xuhui? I am about 10 minutes walk from Shanghai South Station. Can anyone tell me where to find a decent bar where I can meet other like minded expats to befriend? Read More
Irish guy newly arrived in Shanghai by Cathal81
Hi Guys. I am a new arrival in Shanghai where I will be based in the Xihui District as a TEFL/ESL Teacher for the coming academic year. I just arrived here today (Aug 21st). While I am no stranger to China and Chinese life, having given the last ...
Hi Berry. It is gonna take some time but I think I am settling in slowly but surely. I have a lovely apartment. I am finally sorted with internet again, and have made some new friends. We in fact went out for a meal and drinks last night. I am ... Read More
Places to visit in Shanghai by Julie
Hi, For the ones living in Shanghai, what would you suggest to discover the region? When you have friends or family visiting you, where do you go with them? What are the must-see places in Shanghai, the tourist sites? How to visit the ...
There is the Bund as already stated, from there take the Tunnel under the river to the Pudong side and go to the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower (higher than the Empire State Building in NYC). Also worth a visit is the Shanghai Museum, and the Yu ... Read More
Irish guy newly arrived in Shanghai
Hi Guys. I am a new arrival in Shanghai where I will be based in the Xihui District as a TEFL/ESL Teacher for the coming academic year. I just arrived here today (Aug 21st). While I am no stranger to China and Chinese life, having given the last ... Read More
Recently moved to Shanghai, China!
Welcome to China. I am also a new arrival in Shanghai. I arrived here just yesterday. I was previously based in Suzhou for a year but am transferring here to Shanghai to take up a new Teaching role in the Xihui District. While I am not new to ... Read More
How to use Facebook in Shanghai? by Gabriel AL
Hi! Im arriving to Shanghai tomorrow and I wanted to know if there is any problem with the use of Facebook and Youtube cause Ive heard something about that. Any help with that will be great!! Thanks!! Hola! Estare llegando maniana a Shanghai para ...
Check out this link and they can sort ya with a VPN line for a small annual fee. reliablehosting.com Read More
Moving from Suzhou to Shanghai soon by Cathal81
Hi folks, I have given the last year working and living in Suzhou. I will return to China in mid August to take up a new teaching role in Shanghai. I would be grateful to any one that can give me an insight into life in Shanghai, like cost of ...
No thank you! All will be taken care of my my agency. Read More
scammed on Nanjing East Rd by cragar77
I was scammed here in Shanghai on Nanjing East Rd. 2 younger females approached me and were friendly. Then it's hot let's have a drink. Well they start ordering alcohol and then a ridiculous bill for 9,999 Rmb about $1600 (Canadian or American). ...
KrisD - I too got caught last week for that "Tea festival" scam in People's Square. It happened exactly as you said. Luckily enough I only had about 200rmb cash so could not provide anything further. One of the girls had to pay the additional cost ... Read More
Moving from Suzhou to Shanghai soon by Cathal81
Hi folks, I have given the last year working and living in Suzhou. I will return to China in mid August to take up a new teaching role in Shanghai. I would be grateful to any one that can give me an insight into life in Shanghai, like cost of ...
Can you provide further insight into living in Shanghai please. I am not seeking a Skype buddy.... I am seeking good friendly advice on where to go, what to do, where to eat, where to meet other expats etc. Cathal Read More
Moving from Suzhou to Shanghai soon
Hi folks, I have given the last year working and living in Suzhou. I will return to China in mid August to take up a new teaching role in Shanghai. I would be grateful to any one that can give me an insight into life in Shanghai, like cost of ... Read More
ESL Job offer in Xuihu District by Cathal81
Hi all, I am currently located in Suzhou, where I am working as a TEFL/ESL teacher. I have recently been offered a contract for a role in Shanghai in the Xuihu District (may have that spelt wrong). My question is, is 9000RMB per month plus an ...
Thanks for all the replies. I am looking forward to living and working in Shanghai from August onward. It really is a lovely city. I especially like the Bund area. I feel, once I am not eating out and going for beers all the time I can live a ... Read More
ESL Job offer in Xuihu District by Cathal81
Hi all, I am currently located in Suzhou, where I am working as a TEFL/ESL teacher. I have recently been offered a contract for a role in Shanghai in the Xuihu District (may have that spelt wrong). My question is, is 9000RMB per month plus an ...
Yes indeed, private run, training centres generally pay in that salary range keren36. But they seek two years experience. I have only just 1 year experience. While the salary is below my expectations of Shanghai, I have to look at the long term. ... Read More
ESL Job offer in Xuihu District by Cathal81
Hi all, I am currently located in Suzhou, where I am working as a TEFL/ESL teacher. I have recently been offered a contract for a role in Shanghai in the Xuihu District (may have that spelt wrong). My question is, is 9000RMB per month plus an ...
Yes indeed.... currently based in Suzhou, teaching a Middle School level and never been happier in a job, than I am now. Read More
ESL Job offer in Xuihu District by Cathal81
Hi all, I am currently located in Suzhou, where I am working as a TEFL/ESL teacher. I have recently been offered a contract for a role in Shanghai in the Xuihu District (may have that spelt wrong). My question is, is 9000RMB per month plus an ...
Thanks for the feedback. I am thinking of the experience more so than the money, but perhaps I can negotiate a better deal. I appreciate your response. Cathal81 Read More
ESL Job offer in Xuihu District
Hi all, I am currently located in Suzhou, where I am working as a TEFL/ESL teacher. I have recently been offered a contract for a role in Shanghai in the Xuihu District (may have that spelt wrong). My question is, is 9000RMB per month plus an ... Read More
And yet another new arrival to Suzhou... by Salsera2
Hi everyone, I moved to Suzhou beginning of August. Have found a place to stay and am now trying to find my way around. I was wondering if there are any other Salsa dancers out there? Or anyone else who wouldn't mind making some suggestions as to ...
I use Facebook. You can link in with me on that if ya have VPN. Just search under my name. I never use Twitter. I am already a black belt in Taekwon-do (The Korean Martial Art), so would love the opportunity to learn some basic Kung Fu.... Tai Chi ... Read More
And yet another new arrival to Suzhou... by Salsera2
Hi everyone, I moved to Suzhou beginning of August. Have found a place to stay and am now trying to find my way around. I was wondering if there are any other Salsa dancers out there? Or anyone else who wouldn't mind making some suggestions as to ...
Yes, I have been around Suzhou, and done many of the sites. Tiger hill, The Humble Administrators Garden, Northern Pagoda, Panmen Temple and Garden, Taihu Lake, the mountains, etc etc etc..... Suzhou is so so beautiful. I am really deeply in love ... Read More
And yet another new arrival to Suzhou... by Salsera2
Hi everyone, I moved to Suzhou beginning of August. Have found a place to stay and am now trying to find my way around. I was wondering if there are any other Salsa dancers out there? Or anyone else who wouldn't mind making some suggestions as to ...
@ Irish Salsera. You will be very happy here, I can assure you. Suzhou is a lovely city. I know Crosshaven very well. I used work as a Sales Rep in Cork, and used call to the Centra store there regularly. Shame you arrive in Suzhou around the same ... Read More
Teaching role in Shenzhen
Hi all, I am an English teacher currently based in Suzhou, Jiangsu, but have been invited to interview for a position based in Shenzhen. Can anyone tell me what the cost of living is like in Shenzhen? Is 11000RMB a month a good salary for an area ... Read More
And yet another new arrival to Suzhou... by Salsera2
Hi everyone, I moved to Suzhou beginning of August. Have found a place to stay and am now trying to find my way around. I was wondering if there are any other Salsa dancers out there? Or anyone else who wouldn't mind making some suggestions as to ...
Hi there, I see your Irish. What parts are you from? Tipperary man here, and living in Suzhou over 8 months as a teacher. I leave on June 30th, but am hoping to return again next year for another year. I think you will be very happy here. It ... Read More
New Arrival
Hi Jimmy. Are you new to Suzhou or a local? i am living here in Suzhou as an English Teacher for the past 7 months. i am very happy living here, and am happy to be working and living here. The expat life here in Suzhou can be very pleasant, though ... Read More
Supermarkets by Loramichaelsuki
Are there western or American type supermarkets in Suzhou? We hardly go out for dining since we cook our meals at home. I am wondering about the availability of western groceries. I love the idea of going to a wet market since foods will be more ...
Depending on your location in Suzhou there are many many western style supermarkets. There is an Auchen (French) market, a Walmart (US) in the In City complex in SIP, and a Tesco in SND. There are also a few RT Marts about (Japapense) but they sell ... Read More
Regarding New job in Suzhou by 143hellow
Hi, I am from India & got a job in Suzhou & will join soon. I am offered $1000 pm. Is it enough to live in Suzhou to survive? I am offered free accommodation & transportation. But no food from company that is self expense. Also I want to ask few ...
Welcome to China RK. I am a TEFL/ESL Teacher in Suzhou for the past 5 months and love living here. $1000 is a reasonably fair enough salary per month. You can live comfortably on that once you are not eating and drink regularly in Expat Bars & ... Read More
new in town by Marvo
Hello World , I'm new to Suzhou from Singapore , hoping to make some new friends here to hang out with .. Cheers Marv
Hi Marv.... My name is Cathal.... I am male, 31 from Ireland, and based in Suzhou since August 2012. Here almost 4 months. I am more than happy to be a friend. I know, as do you, that it is not easy settle in a strange country, where ya know ... Read More
English teacher wanted
Hi. Irish guy here. Fluent English speaker. Presently working and living and work as a teacher (Middle School English Language Teacher). Would be more than than happy to be your conversational English tutor. Please send me a PM if interested, ... Read More
Judo club Suzhou
Are there any Taekwon-do clubs in Suzhou (SIP area)? I used to do it a few years ago and actually graded as far as Black tag at ITF style. I would love to get back into it. Ideally with an English speaking instructor as I do not speak Chinese. Read More
Is this true in Ireland
It depends on the areas in Ireland you visit. Different counties speak in different accents and dialect, making it harder to understand. For example, the accent in the North is very different to that, of say, someone from Kerry or Cork in the ... Read More
Irish pound by yaklef
Hi all I know the curreny of Ireland now is Euro.Is Irsih pound still working in Ireland too. Thanks yaklef
The Irish Punt is no longer legal tender in Ireland. It will not be legally accept by any bank. The main currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro. In Northern Ireland they use the British Pound Sterling, but I believe some store in the North ... Read More
Waste Disposal in Suzhou
Hi all, I am now living and working in Suzhou (SIP) for the last 3 months, where I share an apartment with another work colleague. My question is what do I do with regard to disposing of cans and empty bottles. They are just piling up here and I ... Read More
I want to make friends with people from different countries.
Hi Welcome to the Expat.com. I am 31, male, from Ireland but living and working in SIP as a Teacher the last 9 weeks. I can provide 1 to 1 Conversational English lessons to you. PM me for further details if you are interested. Read More
Job
You will need to be a Native English speaker & hold a TEFL or TESL certificate before any school will even consider your application I am afraid. Most schools also request that you have a College degree as well as the TEFL/TESL cert. Read More
Any Good Bars or Pubs in Suzhou? by PNguyen2012
I am new in the Suzhou area. Just wondering any good bars and pubs to go to for some fun? Any recommendation is highly appreciated. Thanks.
I am regularly in the Blue Marlin..... and was also there last weekend! Where is the Drunken Chef? I have heard of the Drunken Clam ok?? Read More
Any Good Bars or Pubs in Suzhou? by PNguyen2012
I am new in the Suzhou area. Just wondering any good bars and pubs to go to for some fun? Any recommendation is highly appreciated. Thanks.
@ Sophie.... Was it Blue Marlin by any chance? Its a very nice pub, frequented by expats, most of the staff have fluent English too, and they have live music there most weekends. The food there isn't half bad either. I highly recommend it. Its just ... Read More
Irish lad newly arrived in Suzhou
Been in the Blue Marlin a few times now. Nice spot. The gaelic football club actually meet there before we take off training. It's a nice pub, and the food is great too. Not really gotten to know people there yet though. I also go to Zapata's the ... Read More
Tattoo Studio in China by Cathal81
Is there a Tattoo Parlor here in Suzhou? Does the artist speak English? And what price can you expect to pay for a tattoo say about 2" X 1" in size approx.? Also can the artist do an Image that I have in mind or must I choose from a book? Cathal81
Thanks for your reply. I have seen adverts for China Ink alright. The price charged seems reasonable too. The image I have in mind, I can't see taking longer than an hour to do. Read More
Tattoo Studio in China
Is there a Tattoo Parlor here in Suzhou? Does the artist speak English? And what price can you expect to pay for a tattoo say about 2" X 1" in size approx.? Also can the artist do an Image that I have in mind or must I choose from a book? Cathal81 Read More
And yet another new arrival to Suzhou... by Salsera2
Hi everyone, I moved to Suzhou beginning of August. Have found a place to stay and am now trying to find my way around. I was wondering if there are any other Salsa dancers out there? Or anyone else who wouldn't mind making some suggestions as to ...
Welcome Salsera2, I too am new to Suzhou, having just arrived 2 weeks. Today was my first day as an English teacher, and I have to say I found it tough, but also rewarding. I am teaching Middle school, so the kids are 13-15 years. They really are ... Read More
Irish lad newly arrived in Suzhou
No word back from any of the other Irish living here in Suzhou. How strange. I have however found out that there is a Gaelic Football club based in Suzhou, and the meet for training each Tuesday.... I guess that will be a start for me in finding ... Read More
Irish lad newly arrived in Suzhou
Hi people I am an Irish guy who has recently arrived here in Suzhou. I will be teaching English as a local public school for the next year. I wondered if there were any other Irish about? And how do I go about seeking them out. Am a little lost at ... Read More
Any Good Bars or Pubs in Suzhou? by PNguyen2012
I am new in the Suzhou area. Just wondering any good bars and pubs to go to for some fun? Any recommendation is highly appreciated. Thanks.
Oops, sorry. Its located out by Dongfeng Zhimen. Ya can take the metro to the stop, walk up the steps from the metro, down towards the lake, and Zapata's in about 50m down along the waterfront. Read More
Any Good Bars or Pubs in Suzhou? by PNguyen2012
I am new in the Suzhou area. Just wondering any good bars and pubs to go to for some fun? Any recommendation is highly appreciated. Thanks.
Hello. I am from Ireland but recently arrived in Suzhou where I will spend the year teaching English. While i am also new here I found a very pleasant bar & grill (frequented by the ex-pats) called Zapata's. The staff are very friendly, and all ... Read More