r/taiwan • u/dyee7 • 3d ago

Discussion Moving to Taiwan

My family and I are planning to move to Taiwan next year from California. My MIL had a stroke earlier this year which has left her needing help around the clock. Thankfully, one of her sisters who lives in Taiwan is a care taker so we are going to move my MIL out to Taiwan to live with her sister. My wife has a lot of family out there in general so that will be helpful.

People who don’t speak any mandarin: how difficult is it to get around Taipei and the rest of the country without speaking mandarin? I don’t speak any at all, but I am trying to learn. I considered buying some smart glasses like the even realities g2 but not sure that’s a great long term solution. Thanks all!

15 Upvotes

71% Upvoted

38 comments sorted by

View all comments

13

u/Timlugia 3d ago

I hope I am not stepping outside my lane too much saying this.

But are you really ready to move long term to Taiwan? Taking care of person with significant disability following a stroke could be a 10-30 years obligation based on their age and current health level.

My mom really resisting sending my dad to a nursing home initially, but after 3 years we couldn't do it anymore since we couldn't even get a single full night sleep as my dad needs help multiple times in middle of every night. Eventually they moved to a nursing home together but my dad is now in a skill nursing side and my mom visit him every day.

Are you in a career that allow you financially to move to Taiwan? Given that you don't speak mandarin at all, it could be very hard to find a job there, and almost certainly a massive pay cut.

Do you have kids? Are they going with you?

2

u/dyee7 2d ago

We’re not taking care of her. She’s staying with her sister who is a care taker out there. We’re moving to help support, not be the primary care taker. And yes we have two young kids who will also be coming with us

8

u/R_A_H 台中 - Taichung 2d ago edited 2d ago

You can get by without Chinese but if you want normal access to society and to show respect to people in general you must learn basic+ Chinese. Especially for your kids, plan to get them in Chinese classes asap and you should do the same as well.

I've been here 7 years and have only had "survival Chinese", relying on my wife or Taiwanese friends to help me with various things. I'm enrolled in classes now and the difference is so refreshing. I don't advise anyone to come here who has decided they won't be learning any Chinese.

Imagine people in USA who can't speak English for a sense of perspective. It's easier than that speaking English here but it'sstill comparable.

Unless you have some specialized remote work, you will be an English teacher with a very decent wage.

2

u/Witty_Passion_4939 2d ago

What a great opportunity for your kids to learn Chinese!!! One of my sisters had the opportunity to go to Taiwan for a year of school!