How do you….?
On December 14, 2019 by Keturah HaferkampTime for an uber-practical post about how we manage our day to day. Here is our “how-to-do”
How do you … ?
1. Get groceries
We shop at local marts and make purchases with WeChat (no cash or cards)
We order online using GZgrocery.com
We use TAOBAO (like Amazon but better)
Everything can be delivered….everything
2. Get around
Subway (similar to any big city)
Taxi
Didi app (like Uber/Lyft but not as good)
Walk
3. Get money
Never use cash or cards
We pay using WeChat app (like Facebook/Twitter/TikTok/WhatsApp/Instagram/GooglePay combined)
4. Get water
Order online via app and the water is delivered to our door
*The tap water is not drinkable*
5. Get to work
Usually take the free shuttle provided by the University. This is a dramatic savings since I never have to pay to commute.
6. Get laundry done
It’s a family effort. Washing is done by machine. We hang clothes to dry out on the balcony. There is no clothes dryer.
7. Get friends
We make friends in many places but overall we have found that having children makes joining any community much easier. We meet other families on the train, at the store, at work; but the favorite place for us to meet people is still at church.
8. Get over being stared at
No idea. Sometimes ignore it. Sometimes smile. Sometimes stare back. Sometimes take a photo of the person staring which makes them so uncomfortable and suddenly self aware that just stop staring!
9. Get used to the squatty potty
It’s a learned skill. Practice makes perfect.
10. Get food you miss from home
TAOBAO! Get it delivered!
11. Get WeChat pay
It is necessary to have a China mainland Bank account to use WeChat pay. And getting a bank account is a very complex process. But once done it makes life in China easier.