Expat's Guide to Hiring an Ayi in Hangzhou
One of the biggest perks of expat life in Hangzhou is affordable home help—something many can’t easily access back home. In the UK, a cleaner might only come once every two weeks; in Hangzhou, you can hire an ayi (Chinese for "aunty," a term for home helpers) for regular support, freeing up time for work, family, or exploring the city.
What Is an Ayi?
An "ayi" is a trusted home helper, often seen as an extension of the family in Chinese households. Unlike a basic cleaner, ayis typically handle a range of tasks to support daily life—especially valuable for busy expat families.
Common roles include:
- Full-time ayis: Live in/out, handle childcare + all housework
- Part-time ayis: Visit regularly for specific chores (e.g., 9 hours/week)
What Does an Ayi Do?
Most ayis in Hangzhou offer comprehensive support. Here’s a typical list of tasks (based on first-hand expat experience):
- Laundry (wash, hang dry, iron)
- Housekeeping (sweep, mop, hoover, polish surfaces)
- Kitchen/bathroom deep cleaning
- Changing bedsheets + organizing spaces
- Tidying children’s toys + light childcare
- Small favors (e.g., cleaning slippers, preparing simple rice)
Ayi Costs in Hangzhou
Full-time ayi (childcare + housework): ~£650/month
Part-time ayi (basic chores): ~£5/hour
Costs may be slightly higher for ayis with expat experience or English skills.
How to Hire an Ayi
Expats in Hangzhou have two reliable options—choose based on your needs:
- Specialized agencies: Ideal for expats new to the city. Agencies vet ayis (check references, health records) and offer English support.
- Direct hire: Through expat communities (e.g., WeChat groups) or referrals from other foreigners. More flexible, but requires self-verification.
Key Tip for Expats
Ayis often follow "Chinese-style" cleaning or organizing habits. To avoid misunderstandings, give clear, specific instructions (e.g., "Please use this detergent for baby clothes" or "Tidy toys in the blue box"). Many expats also use simple English or translation apps to communicate—most ayis are happy to learn your preferences!
