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Everything You Need to Know About Having an Ayi

2018-04-02 Claire L. Squire ShanghaiWOWeng

Have the financial freedom to hire and Ayi (cleaning lady) is not something most westerners have the ability to do in their home countries. However, due to the cheap cost of labor and high expat salaries, it’s something a majority of westerns do in Shanghai, myself included.



When you’re thinking of hiring an Ayi there are a number of important things to consider: how much do you want to pay? How often do you want them to come? Do you want them to cook? To provide child care? Etc. Let’s take a look at all the things you need to consider before hiring and Ayi and then where to find one.

 


How much should you pay?


Ayi salaries vary depending on the type of jobs you’re asking them to do and range from hourly to monthly payments. If you pay an Ayi to come and clean your apartment, do laundry and ironing etc you’re looking at spending between RMB 30-RMB 50 an hour depending on the Ayi’s experience and her level of English. Full-time Ayis who live in, provide childcare and cooking on top of cleaning charge around RMB 4,000 and live out Ayis around RMB 5,500.



How do you communicate?


Communication can do a big issue with Ayis. If your Chinese is not up to scratch then you’re really going to struggle to convey what you want to do. If your Chinese is not great then look for an Ayi who speaks good English. You will pay a few kuai more but it’s worth it.

 


Can you trust your Ayi?


This is a bit like saying can you trust French people or people with blue eyes. Yes you probably can, but there are bad people in the world so be careful. Most people give a set of keys to their Ayi so they can let themselves in and out of your apartment when you’re at work. Most people don’t worry about jewelery or laptops being out and not locked away. That is because most people are good. If you have any doubts, get to know your Ayi before you hand over keys etc.



How do you handle time off?


There will be times when you’re on holiday and don’t need your Ayi to come, or when your Ayi wants time off, like spring festival. You need to remember that your Ayi relies on you for income and you are their employer. You can’t suddenly say ‘no more cleaning for 3 weeks thanks, I’m off to Prague!’ and expect them to be okay with it. You need to work out how to handle these situations with your Ayi.


How do you find an Ayi?


In my opinion, the best way to find an Ayi is through recommendations. Ask your friends what they think of their Ayi, is she good? Is she honesty and trustworthy? Etc. However, if you would rather go through an agency then there here are some companies you can use to help set you up:

 

CC Shanghai


Address: 2001, building B, 137 Bailan Lu

Tel: 5268 2952

Website: www.ccshanghai.com.cn/maid.htm

 

Shanghai Household services


Address: 436 Jin’an Dong Lu

Tel: 5448 2545

Website: www.housekeeping-service.com

 

Xin Mu Shanghai Ayi Service


Address: 12F, 811 Tianyaoqiao Lu

Tel: 182 2178 7923

Website: www.Ayi-shanghai.com


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