Undoubtedly, the essential tasks for any expat moving to the capital include downloading WeChat, securing accommodation, and hiring a domestic helper – your ayi. In Beijing, it’s almost the norm for residents with the means to enlist the services of an ayi, whether on a part-time or full-time basis, live-in or not. The rationale behind this practice is the acknowledgment that living and working in a bustling city like Beijing can be physically draining and, if finances allow, outsourcing domestic help becomes a practical choice.
To keep the community well-informed about the evolving landscape of domestic help, we annually conduct our Ayi Survey. While friends’ experiences can provide insights, our survey eliminates guesswork and ensures anonymity, presenting a comprehensive view of the current ayi scene in Beijing.
A variety of ayis exist, each with distinct job descriptions ranging from cleaning only or cooking plus cleaning to childcare for older kids or full-time baby care. Their training and expected salaries also differ.
However, before delving into these details, the first crucial step is the ayi interview. To assist in this process, we’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions to guide you.
1. Find out why she’s leaving her current family. Is it because they’re moving or is it because of an altercation? It’s great to have a previous employer’s recommendation, but since that’s not always possible, ask as many questions as you can to get a full picture.
2. Does the ayi speak English? If so, how well? Always confirm their language level rather than accepting a simple “yes” or “no.”
3. Has she worked with foreign families before? If so, where were they from? Sometimes agencies will classify all foreigners together, regardless of cultural differences.
4. Is she certified in CPR or first-aid? If so, for what age? Infant CPR is very different from adult CPR.
5. Be specific about what her duties are. Never assume that just because you’ve had an ayi who voluntarily did laundry for the family, all ayis will.
6. How old were the kids she previously cared for? How many families has she worked with?
7. Will she work on weekends? If she’s not living with you, will it be a problem if you need her to stay late from time to time?
8. If you have pets, does she have experience working for a family with pets or does she have any allergies?
9. Is she trustworthy? Was she recommended by someone you know? If not, can she provide you with a copy of her ID card and health check certificate? If she can’t or won’t then, it’s a definite red flag!
10. If you’re planning on hiring a live-in ayi, ask her specifically about what she’s expecting her living situation to be. If you can, do the interview at home so she can also ask questions about your family’s lifestyle.
The Survey Results Are In!
Let’s jump right in with the biggest questions that everyone asks. Where do you find the most reliable ayis? Sure, there are agencies, but the most trusted source will always be recommendations from friends. There are groups on WeChat specifically for ayi recommendations. People tend to add and leave those as their needs change, so the best way to join one is to ask in the Jingkids Parenting group. To join that, add TBJHelper on WeChat.
Now, on to the next big question. How much do you pay your ayi?
The range varies between less than RMB 4,000 to over RMB 8,000 a month for one good reason: whether the ayi is live-in or part-time.
So, for those who only occasionally use an ayi’s help, most households pay their ayi between RMB 40 and RMB 50 per hour.
So, what does an ayi do at home? Are you asking too much of yours or is she doing the bare minimum? Here’s how the Beijing community voted.
Click here to see the full list of ayi poll results.
Images: Bing
