Human Cargo's experience are not unframiliar to any expat anywhere.. the first few months in any country can be hard while all the paperwork ect is processed. Even in HKG, I had the internet people cancel twice before finally installing (6 WEEKS!!!).
Overseas Contract Expat work is not KANSAS Toto.. There are few laws and fewer rights than you are used to. They make it up by paying you $$$$