In China, it's possible to live on about 1,000 RMB in rent-free accommodation smoking and drinking beer in moderation. That kind of lifestyle cannot be enjoyed in your homeland if you're on low pay there, or on social security.

Forgot to say, the 1,000 RMB figure I mentioned is the estimated cost of living for one month if an FT chooses to stick to a sensible budget. Compare it with a salary of 6,000 RMB/month. You can see there is great potential for saving.

Any FT who can't make ends meet on 6,000 RMB/month must have been throwing his/her money around, squandering it, in other words! Of course, moneywasters exist in all countries in all kinds of employment!