Chengdu apartment
 

Can anyone help out with info concerning apartment rentals in Chengdu? It is just me, so looking at one or two bedroom. What areas should I consider. What kind of monthly costs? How much do you have to pay up front and realtor comission? How's the air quality? Thanks to all who can help.

Hi app,

where abouts are you based, I assume you are looking for somewhere close to work but still within the metropolitan area of ChenDu. If you provide me with more details, I am happy to look it up for you.

cheers

Hi Gingy, I am still flying here in the US, but I am trying to schedule days off for one of the interview dates. Just trying to get info on costs and what to expect. I would like to have access to normal needs in town (walk, bike or transit) and use a cab for to and from the airport. Where ever the other pilots live is fine. I would appreciate any suggestions or recommendations. Thanks

Hi app,

Well, Chengdu is the capital city of Sichuan province, which is located in central part of China. The whole province is in a big basin, the actual climate is definitely not very favorable for people who has lived in the western countries before. it'll get very hot and humid during the summer season which is coming in couple of months.

It's got the most of populations compare to in anywhere else in China. So the actual city is very crowded, the living standard is not as ridiculously high as in some of the cities in eastern coast. But it has picked up a lot these years, especially with the soaring house price.

If you are looking for a decent fully furnished 2 bed apartment in the middle of the city close to everything, with 6000+ RMB monthly for rental and not including utility is quite reasonable. (1 $US = 6.5 RMB) Price decreases incrementally with area further out from the city.

As you might have realised the reality in China reading from other posts, there are lots of negativities about working in China such as sever air pollution; food contamination and lots and lots issues regards to work unfairness and deceptions.

But I guess you wouldn't consider going to China if you have much options, would you? So do lots of research online before you sign up with any of those gigs. If you google it up with typing 'expats in Chengdu', you will get lots of more info about this city, or do bit more browsing on this forum, you will also find lots of valuable stuffs regards to working in China.

Anyway, hope this will help, good luck with your interview!

gingy

I recently got moved in Chengdu (june) with my family to fly for Sichuan airlines. The city is nice comparing to Beijing, Shanghai and so on. To find the proper apartment I checked about 15 of them as I was looking for a quiet place to stay with the baby. So I found 120 square meters with 2 balconies fully furnished for 5000 RMB/month and only 10 km away from the airport. Some agencies take 100% monthly rate commission for their service and some only 50%. Anyway to find apartment you need to be here as pictures on the web sites differ from reality. Let me know if u need help.

Could you clarify please: If you pay 5,000 RMB the 100% comission means they take another 5,000 ?, and that is every month??? WOW!!!!

The commision is only paid when the lease is signed. When I have done it it has been 50% of the months rental from me and 50% from the apartments owner. Should you pay it all you are being ripped off. But again I have had a Chinese doing the bargaining.

No this is one time payment when signing the lease agreement with agency and the owner (paid to agency).

If you like perpetual grey days and really awful schedules then Chengdu is for you. I would find the cheapest apartment that you can because you won't see much of it with all the overnights to zbaa and zuck. If you are interviewing, look at some other airlines too to get some other options.

I have probably flown into both Chengdu and Chongqing 40-50 times each. I believe I have seen each city about twice from the air. Very hazy almost every day. Good food though if you like spicy.

I will confirm USMC's post. Spot on. Not to mention that ATC in Chengdu still hasn't figured out how to operate with two runways. Make sure you try the spicy rabbit head from the BBQ vendors....

you just have to try HotPot, it's to die for ( literally)
if you are still looking there is a website My House In China | MyHouseInChina.com - Home that is always outdated but will give you a good idea of the apartment prices and amenities in Chengdu.
Most foreign pilots live in Tongzilin area, complexes called Europe City, Masters or Beverly Gardens. If you are looking at Chengdu you must be considering Sichuan Airlines and they provide pickup drop off service to designated pickup points which are at the above mentioned complexes. good luck ..........

Actual salary Sichuan airlines
 

Hi there,
I'm also looking for some info.
It's hard to get some straight honest info from the recruiters sites.
I'm currently flying in the caribbean (Capt.MD-82) and was wondering about sichuan airlines. What salary do you actually come home with compared to what is adverticed(taxes? etc)? How is the smog and general living ? Would they consider hiring without A320 or B737 TR ?? I have 10000+ hrs Tot. of which 8000+ jet(MD).

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Regards

About the apartments I suggest you the Tongzilin area. Sichuan airline has 3 pickup points there and I think it's the biggest advantage that the company gives you, so use it. About the quality of life I agree with the others, air is a shi*, traffic in rush hours as well and for food I recommend some western restaurant in the same area; I personally hate chinese meals. Regarding the airline before choosing you should take in account that at the moment sichuan has the lowest salary in China, so I would check around all hainan group airlines or still in Chengdu the chengdu airline. Everywhere the average is about 2000usd more per month.
Good luck!