Forums > Living in Kunming > Driver License Test

Of course, Beijing rules. Try and defy them. See how long you last.
Funny thing is...most couples I know here have more than one child. I think the "me first" attitude is due more to decades,if not centuries, of deprivation where if you weren't first in line, there likely wasn't anything left for you. Historical texts that I have read seem to indicate, to me anyway, that this self centered attitude has been around for a while.

Forums > Living in Kunming > Is basic/advanced Chinese necessary to live there???

Never said the place was horrific, but my perspective is definitely different from the people who think that Kunming is a fictional paradise lost like Lost Horizon. Having lived here for years, I think my views are a valid rebuttal to those people still enamored by the novelty of a new foreign place. As a photographer, I think you may be a little disappointed that the air quality in the city rivals Los Angeles. Outside is little better as the air is often filled with smoke from burning fields obscuring the scenic views of mountains and valleys, which really are quite beautiful. Dian Chi is beautiful and from the vantage of West Mountain,if the air is clear, you can get some awesome shots of multicolored chemical slicks drifting on the currents. Speaking and reading a good bit of Chinese, I give a lot of credit to anyone who would come here illiterate. Hard for me to imagine that you can eat outside of McDonalds,KFC,Dicos or anyplace else that doesn't have a picture board for you to order from. And travel, that's another story altogether,but,of course, you can always relegate yourself to those touristy places where foreigners abound. Oh Yeah, thanks to the Chairman, taking someones' photograph with out their explicit permission is actually against the law and could result in your camera (and you) getting broken or confiscated. Not trying to dissuade you,just a little info that you might want to take into consideration. I really do wish you (and everybody else) well with your travels.

Forums > Living in Kunming > Is basic/advanced Chinese necessary to live there???

@Jules- It's a legitimate answer to your legitimate question. I think any of the longtime expats can vouch for the dying in the street part. People are afraid to help someone down in the streets for fear of being blamed for whatever accident and then losing large sums of money to compensate the victim. I personally know 2 people that this has happened to,compensating, that is, not dying. If your bag landed more than a meter from your body,it definitely would not be there when the street cleaners arrived.　
If you think you can survive in a place where almost nobody speaks English,you can't speak or read their language and almost nobody is willing to go out of their way to help you about,...come on over.

Forums > Living in Kunming > Is basic/advanced Chinese necessary to live there???

The answer is NO to all of your questlons...and don't think the expats are going to help you either. Of course there are always exceptions to every rule,say JJ and Janice, most people here would watch you bleed out on the sidewalk...then steal your stuff while you're still warm.Really suggest you try elsewhere.

Forums > Living in Kunming > How much do we need in Kunming?

Unfortunately,Tiger, the "isolated few" "troublemakers"seem to dominate these forums with their smart ass comments! The insurance is definitely worth noting. I have yet to visit one hospital here in Kunming that I would send my dog to,let alone send my loved ones or myself. Any major accidents or serious illnesses and we want to be medevaced out.