Damn, this is turning into QUITE a thread, but it's great! Rally Red, I've been through Wilcox many times (I-10) and most likely have stopped there for gas or a bite to eat. Beautiful, wide open country out there, I can understand why you love it so much! As far as your career in China........I think your talents could quite useful, actually. Unfortunately, TB and lung disease is seen more here than in the USA - hence the need for people with experience similar to yours. Remember, China's population is 5 times that of the USA......and smoking is a lot more common over here as well. In the biggest cities like Shanghai and Beijing, you could probably work in one of the hospitals that caters to foreigners.......and if you spoke chinese, you could work just about anywhere you wanted I think. Truth be told, I have never met a foreigner yet who is working here as a doctor - but I'm sure there are in the bigger cities.
Zig.........I'm sure it will be no problem, but DO check your owner's manual (or talk to your dealer) about using high-octane gas in your engine - because China does NOT use gas that is lower than 93 in octane level. There are 3 levels - 93, 95 and 97. I know in America most of us just pumped good ol' 87 into our cars, but not here! I'm sure it's not an issue, but better to check it out and be safe! Now, as far as future car purchases? Well, with M-Benz most of the cars are imported into China, hence the import tax. No way around that, I'm afraid - if you buy it here, you pay the tax. Some BMW's are built in China, so they aren't quite as expensive (but yes, still more expensive than in the USA - because some of the parts that are used are still imported, and those parts are taxed). Taxes ARE lower for used cars, but I'm not sure of the rate. Cars like Supras, Integras, etc. are pretty rare here (some in the biggest cities but still not common at all), the street racing scene is still in it's infancy for the most part (hell, 10 years ago almost no one OWNED a car). Right now, the trend is starting to go DOWN (as in downsizing). Because of the tax incentives of buying a car with a engine size of 1.5l or less, smaller cars are getting more popular......besides, with the streets getting more and more crowded, smaller cars are much better suited for city driving. Used cars are not a bad deal at all if you know something about cars and can spot problems, but beware - once you buy it, it's YOURS. There isn't much in the way of consumer protection laws here yet! The retail dealers are starting to catch on though, they're starting to set up "factory certified" used cars at the retail lots, with warranties and all the extra goodies to attract the consumer.
OK, apartments? Depends on the city and WHERE in the city you are. For foreigners that are working for a foreign company (and making a foreign salary), they will usually live in one of the TOP complexes in that city. Pool, gameroom, gym, local shopping, medical services all within the complex - very nice and modern. For a 3 bedroom, 2 bath unit (120-140 sq. meters in size), expect to pay 8000-10,000rmb a month for that ($1100-1400.00 USD). Now, that's the high end for the most part.........the AVERAGE apartment will be a 2 bedroom, 1 bath (maybe a study room/office as well), balcony, 80-90 sq. meters in size. In a nice complex (but not the best), figure about 2000-4000rmb a month depending on the area (is it near the center of the city, is it near a metro station, is it near major shopping, etc.). You're fortunate, you'll have a car - so you COULD live in a nice place farther away from the center of the city (cheaper that way) and just commute to work (but will need to spend more on gas). Depends on what you prefer, I suppose! Now....as far as a garage?? Don't count on it. There WILL most likely be a underground garage (for all residents), and you'll need to pay a extra fee monthly to park your car there (unless the owner already purchased a spot with the apartment). Figure 100-200rmb a month to park your car in the garage......maybe a little more, but I doubt it. VERY few people own more than one car here, simply because it's difficult to find enough space to park them all! For the most part, life is "downsized" here - no "super/jumbo size" portions at McDonalds (the large here is a medium in the USA), very few houses (takes up too much land), smaller cars, etc......it's actually kind of liberating in a way.