Welcome to Shanghai!
Shanghai has been called the “Paris of the East” and the “Queen of the East”. Rich in history, Shanghai first opened its doors to foreigners for trade in the 1840s. The resulting international community contributed to Shanghai’s unique character, architecture, fashion, and food. The Japanese invasion of 1937 forced most foreigners to flee the city and it would be 50 years before international influences returned to this attractive metropolis.
Today, Shanghai is the most cosmopolitan city in China and is considered the economic powerhouse of mainland China. Shanghai will host the World Trade Expo in 2010, which will showcase famous landmarks such as the Pearl Tower, the world’s tallest hotel and the world’s longest arch bridge.
Initially, most newcomers are surprised by the vastness of the city, the pace of development, the population density, and the city’s chaos and energy. There is a feeling that Shanghai is a city on the move, developing at a fast pace. It is more modern than imagined. Skyscrapers stand in stark contrast alongside former communist tenements, giving the city a sense of time and change.
The appearance of the city can be quite deceiving. Many things are not done as quickly or do not work as reliably as in a western country. Shanghai’s image of “bright lights, big city” tends to give a much better superficial impression than the reality of daily life. However, Shanghai is constantly changing and improving its modern facilities. Western interests are increasingly served.
The natives of the city speak Shanghainese, the local dialect. Everyone understands and almost everyone speaks standard Mandarin, as required by the government for state employees. English proficiency is probably the best in mainland China. The employees of most hotels speak English very well. Most other non-English speakers, such as taxi drivers, are getting used to visitors, but most can only understand “yes”, “no”, “hello” and “bye-bye”. Learning a few key phrases in Mandarin definitely helps.
To obtain an “L”, “F”, or “Z” visa, the transferee must provide a copy of their passport, ten passport-size photographs, and a copy of their resume. If accompanied by a spouse, a copy of the marriage certificate must be provided. If accompanied by children, a copy of each child’s birth certificate must be provided. For common-law spouses, a visit to the local consulate to obtain a relationship certificate is necessary for the non-working partner to apply for a residence visa. Spouses cannot work on a visitor visa. However, if they do find a job, they can apply for a work permit before starting the job. Teaching English is an occupation that is in high demand and little or no experience is required.
Cash is the most common form of payment, although larger supermarket chains and luxury stores accept local ATM/debit cards. Hotels that cater to foreigners will accept international credit cards. Restaurants and major chain stores often accept credit cards as well, but it’s still a good idea to have cash on hand at all times.
Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu River. To the west of the river is Puxi and includes Luwan, Changning, Xujiahui, Hongqiao and Minhang counties. The latter two are the most popular housing areas for expats with children due to the good supply of housing and community facilities. These areas are also closer to international schools with campuses in Puxi.
To the east of the river is Pudong. The suburban districts (Jinqiao, Kangqiao, Nanhui) in this area are newer than Hongqiao and due to the increasing presence of businesses in this part of the city; Many spacious housing complexes and schools, as well as community facilities, are available. Life in the city center (Luwan in Puxi and Lujiazui in Pudong) is usually a popular choice for most couples or singles, allowing them to be close to shops, restaurants and nightlife.
Almost all expats rent their houses. If budgets allow, it’s best to rent from a developer. Private owners can be unreliable by comparison. Whether you’re from the US, UK or Australia, the housing you find will often not be of the quality you’re used to.
It is advisable to finalize the permanent accommodation two months before the actual relocation. Most landlords are unwilling to wait more than two months before the actual start date of the lease. They would prefer to rent to another tenant who can start the lease sooner. Before signing the lease, please make sure that all agreed additional requirements (including the precise list of furniture) have been taken into account. It is almost impossible to ask for anything after the lease has been signed.
Shanghai is considered a safe city. You are unlikely to hear or experience a violent crime. However, for added security, most expat housing complexes are screened. The most common form of crime in Shanghai is pickpocketing.
Expats tend to send their children to one of the many international schools in Shanghai. Compared to other countries, international schools in Shanghai are relatively young. However, these schools are top notch with highly qualified teachers. For those with children under the age of 10, spaces are scarce. It is recommended that you submit your child’s application as soon as possible. School normally starts during the last week of August or the first week of September. The school year ends in the middle or end of June.
It is not necessary to drive your own vehicle. In fact, driving in Shanghai is quite difficult and dangerous as the roads are full of aggressive drivers. If you already have a driver’s license from your home country, you can obtain a Chinese driver’s license by taking a series of tests (which don’t actually involve driving).
An alternative is the Metro (underground system), which is clean, fast and well managed. Since crossing the river by car can get you stuck in traffic jams, the metro is a good way to avoid it, especially if taxis are scarce (when it rains and during rush hours, for example). Expats should be aware of traffic conditions, especially during the first few weeks of the assignment. When walking, driving, or biking, it is important that you never assume someone has seen you and will take steps to avoid colliding with you.
Most expats are put off by the crowded nature of public transport and the fact that many passengers tend to push. Taxis, therefore, are a favorite with expats. Fortunately, they are relatively cheap and make it easy to get around.
During your mission in Shanghai, it would be advisable to avoid talking about certain political topics. When handing over an ID card, do so with both hands at the same time. This is a sign of respect. If you find yourself in a conflict situation, a better way to get what you want is to not raise your voice but to calmly persist. Local residents tend to react to the anger of others with equal or greater intensity. Loud voices are used quite often, and often what sounds like an argument is just animated discussion, for example when trading goods in a local market.
Relative to other parts of mainland China, Shanghai is known for having the most liberal and progressive residents. They welcome foreigners who live in their city and are eager to learn more about international cultures. Shanghainese are also famous for their business acumen and negotiation skills. They are quite Western in their fashion, pursuit of material items, and monumental drive for success.
