Internship in Chaoyang District 4000-6000 RMB salary. Is that enough?

So, you recommend I look for a better offer.
Hmm. I was thinking of taking it only if I get 6000 rmb/mo, because I will probably not survive on 4000:), but thanks for your reply. I will do some more research, because I really want to move to Beijing.

Please do not kill the messenger but for an internship that is very good.

There are many interns that not only work for free but pay for the privilege.

Will you want to live by yourself or flat share?

3,000 - 4,000RMB to rent your own place is doable.

Flat sharing will obviously reduce the cost but ask to see the contract with the LL. Your potential flatmate might be someone trying to illegally sub-let. This could cause a serious problem when you register with the police.

Have you researched the homestay options?  They will provide you with free room and board in exchange for X hours of English lessons per week (speaking to them in English). Many of them will only accept Caucasians from English speaking countries.

Hobosan wrote:

Hi guys. I've been applying to some jobs and I got this offer:
An internship with a stipen of 4000-6000 RMB/mo. Is that enough?
The company is situated in the Chaoyang District north road 3rd ring. From what I managed to find out, that's a pretty expensive district so I'll probably have to find a place to live in some other neighbourhood. I know the stipen is rather small, but can I afford to live in Beijing for that kind of money, or should I look for a better offer? The internship lasts 3-6 months, so it's not a permanent thing.
Any suggestions are welcome.
Thanks.

FYI, I'm not from Beijing, this would be my first adventure in China.

It all depends on yourself how much you need to survive. Room sharing is an option and I believe you could negotiate for a room. In Beijing, the average locals makes less than you do.
Food is cheap once you get to know the neighborhood and know where to eat. Avoid restaurants and stick to small and clean eating houses. You will get along just fine.
Getting into Beijing for intern will be the chance of a lifetime. You get to meet new people and learn stuffs you will never get elsewhere.

I would like to share some sort of apartment with somebody.
I know the locals have smaller salaries, but most of them probably don't have to pay rent.
I never heard of "homestay options". I will do some research.
My employer will help me get accommodations, so I won't get tricked.From what i've heard, rent will be around 2000, so I'll have 2000-4000 for living expenses

"3,000 - 4,000RMB to rent your own place is doable." If I spend 3000-4000 RMB on rent, there won't be any money left for living costs:).

[Moderated]

Hobosan wrote:

I would like to share some sort of apartment with somebody.
I know the locals have smaller salaries, but most of them probably don't have to pay rent.
I never heard of "homestay options". I will do some research.
My employer will help me get accommodations, so I won't get tricked.From what i've heard, rent will be around 2000, so I'll have 2000-4000 for living expenses

"3,000 - 4,000RMB to rent your own place is doable." If I spend 3000-4000 RMB on rent, there won't be any money left for living costs:).

Locals don't have to pay rent that is they either live with their parents or paying mortgage.
Your employer should help to get you an apartment that is around 2~3K but make sure it is available for foreigners that you could register with the local police.
Cooking at home will save you a lot of money and getting food from local market is quite reasonable. My daily groceries for daily meals are less than RMB30. That is of course apart from the monthly household consumables groceries.
Getting an apartment near the subway station will also save you a lot of time going and coming back from work.

"Your employer should help to get you an apartment that is around 2~3K but make sure it is available for foreigners that you could register with the local police."
Thanks,I will make sure to ask them to get me one that accepts foreigners.
I'm used to cooking, so as long as i have a kitchen, I think I'll survive.

From what I've managed to find out from forums, the monthly expenses are:
electricity, gas, water - 150 RMB
transport - 150 RMB
food < 2000/mo RMB
cell phone < 50 RMB
internet - 150 RMB

Are these figures close to reality, or was I missinformed?
Thanks guys, you really help me.

Hobosan wrote:

"Your employer should help to get you an apartment that is around 2~3K but make sure it is available for foreigners that you could register with the local police."
Thanks,I will make sure to ask them to get me one that accepts foreigners.
I'm used to cooking, so as long as i have a kitchen, I think I'll survive.

From what I've managed to find out from forums, the monthly expenses are:
electricity, gas, water - 150 RMB
transport - 150 RMB
food < 2000/mo RMB
cell phone < 50 RMB
internet - 150 RMB

Are these figures close to reality, or was I missinformed?
Thanks guys, you really help me.

If you are keen to do Chinese cooking or simple cooking, cut food expenses in half for 2. I spend less than that for 3.
Cellphone increase by another 100 will be closer if you are sending international text. Sign for a package with 3G around RMB 66/month. Use Skype or WhatsApp on Android or IOS to save on international text messages.
Internet is about RMB1600/year.
Transportation in Beijing Subway is RMB2 per trip flat. So plan your route. Buses are cheaper. Make sure you don't need to travel for shopping to save more.
Electricity, gas and water is a little on the low end if you have air conditioning and heating for winter. Should be less than RMB300 monthly

I will probably do my own cooking - european style but nothing fancy.
I will be moving to Beijing in september. Anything else I should know, or bring from home?