🌃Shenzhen, See Ya! 👋🏻 (Maybe Not?)

[Guadalupe Barton]

Shenzhen (Shēnzhèn), a city I will never forget in my lifetime...

It's also the place where my pocket was emptied many times.

• Expecting Another Visit? (Sarcastically, not really "I'll be back for more punishment")

  • In 2021, as an intern, I stayed in the Nanshan District of Shenzhen, which is a bustling commercial and tech district.
  • Back then, I was too naive and blindly followed whatever my landlord said. As a result, I rented an unfurnished apartment in Longhua District (a district far away from Nanshan) at a price of RMB 2500 per month.
  • Every night after work, I had to ride the subway  for 45 minutes to get home. The first thing I did every evening was hand-washing my clothes with a tinge of resignation and despair.
    • Small tip for foreign friends: In China, especially when renting low-priced houses, often furniture and appliances are not provided, and sometimes the house has no washing machine. Always ask for clear information!
  • After hand-washing my clothes for two months straight, I swore I would never return to Shenzhen again! I immediately rushed back to Xi'an (an ancient city in China, super far from Shenzhen) to continue my studies.

• Looking Forward to Next Encounter? (Sarcastically, Can't wait to see you again... not!)

  • In 2022, finally, I started working. My initial employer was in Dongguan (a city next to Shenzhen, famous for its manufacturing industry). But through my own random attempts, I ended up back in Shenzhen. (funny expression of helpless or embarrassed laughter, used to ease awkwardness in conversation or self-mockery)
  • This time, I became wiser and was determined not to be duped by landlords again. However, this time, I was tricked by a housing agent, renting another RMB 2500 flat per month. It seemed like a cruel joke for me... And I further resolved to not let it happen again.
  • ️ Important Reminder: Watch Out for Street Scams.
    • Just three months into my job, I was scammed out of RMB 7000 by a street stall owner at his roadside stand. The scammer then disappeared together with my money…
    • How to avoid: be alert around any suspicious business or investment that appears too good to be true on the street! Do not easily trust strangers and do not offer large amounts of cash casually. Try to choose regular shops or guaranteed transaction methods.
  • ️ Important Reminder: Caution Against Sharing Deposit Risks.
    • One year into the job, one of my roommates suddenly "bailed" (internet buzz word, meaning he skipped out without notice) ‍️, leaving behind our shared RMB 4000 security deposit with the landlord who didn't want to give it back…
    • How to avoid: if renting with other people, try to sign individual contracts with the landlord or ensure that your roommate is reliable. Before moving in, be clear about how the security deposit will be handled if someone leaves early.
  • ️ Important Reminder: Beware of Deposit Issues During Relocation or Company Reorganization!
    • I spent two-and-a-half years working in Shenzhen. Then the company announced they were relocating to Dongguan. As a result, the RMB 3200 deposit I paid for my rental house became unrecoverable by the landlord, whose numerous excuses I could not swallow.
    • How to avoid: make sure you sign a proper lease agreement when renting a house, reading carefully about the terms of deposit refunds. When moving in and out, take pictures or videos as evidence of the property condition. If the landlord refuses to refund the deposit unjustly, consider seeking help (such as community mediation, legal support, etc.).

• Fervor for This City? (Sarcasticlly "Oh, I ADORE this city!")

  • Just between walking into Shenzhen and leaving, various "deities" (idiomatic usage to convey 'people') in various forms cheated me out of nearly RMB 20,000 … Shenzhen, Shenzhen, you'll be forever remembered by me!

Hopefully Dongguan will be gentler with me . But talking about Dongguan (currently), it doesn't seem to have much flashy features, so probably there's no chance they could deceive me again.

[Emma Kihn]

How did you find your place?

[Ms. Wanda Kilback]

Back then, I didn't know any better and just contacted people through online platforms. Now, I go building by building offline and call them directly.

[Sally Breitenberg]

Hey girls, if you're renting in Dongguan, just go 'building-hopping' directly! No need to use apps. Just walk around, and if you see a suitable place, get the contact info right from the apartment building management.

[Lindsey Jerde DDS]

You might actually get scammed more easily doing it that way in other cities.

[Sally Breitenberg]

The first picture basically shows my entire life's journey, from childhood until now.

[Cathy Gulgowski]

Apologies, 'sumida' (lol)! Your story actually made me laugh out loud. But it really feels like you're jinxed in this city. Maybe you should just try a different area altogether?

[Mr. Jody Bednar]

I've basically never received a 'Welcome to Dongguan, let's hang out sometime when you're free!'