The Driver

Transportation for expats residing in China comes in many forms. Some companies give their employees a car allowance and let them decide exactly how to handle transportation. The employee can decide to get a rental contract with a driver, take the driving exam in China and buy a car, ride a bike or electrical two wheeler, or simply take a taxi all the time. Other companies have contracts with car and driver rental companies and provide the employee with the driver and the vehicle.

If the expat decides on a driver, this person indirectly becomes part of the family. The driver will know almost every detail about the family. The driver will take the family to every destination that is required. As one can guess, the driver will know where the family likes to eat, where the family likes to shop, what the family buys, where the family goes for entertainment, how much the family spends, and many other things. After a while, if the family keeps a routine, the driver would know everyday activities.

Most drivers speak none to very little English. In the beginning the relationship for the new expat is built on showing the driver taxi cards. The taxi cards are designed to help foreigners get the the locations they want to visit. The address is in Chinese and any can be given to the driver or taxi. They can then read the card and find the location without any required speaking. Learning to communicate with the driver in Chinese becomes an "opportunity" to practice Chinese. The expat and family members can practice the simple conversations learned in Chinese class. This small talk with the driver can help the family learn Chinese quicker. Communication can also cut the silence in the car and help the expat get to know the driver. After all, the driver is a "new" family member.

A typical day for a driver could begin with taking the expat to work, then maybe dropping of the son or daughter at school. The driver could then return home and take the spouse for grocery shopping or other activities that the spouse needs to complete. These activities can include the gym, grocery shopping, or any other activities. In the afternoon, the driver could pick up the son or daughter from school and then later bring home the working expat. Any other trips required could also be included.

Just like people, there are good drivers, good employers, bad drivers, and bad employers. Some expats will have the same driver for a few years, while other expats will go through a few drivers in a year.