Shanghai is a sprawling metropolis, with the craziest
skyline I have ever seen. The pollution is not the best, and the weather is
extreme. However, the main point of Shanghai, to me, is the people, the
city, the culture.
Pros: There is always something to do. Even walking in your neighbourhood is
an adventure (unless you live in an expat enclave). You get to learn one of
the hardest languages in the world. * It is not expensive to live here. * It
is the safest city I have ever been to. * I can afford to get taxis all the
time! * Basically, you can get 80% of the things you would get back home,
you just might have to pay more than usual. I don't want for anything in
Shanghai (except Violet Crumbles).
Cons: The spitting. * The boiling hot/freezing cold weather. * The language
barrier. *
Other: Shanghai has something for everyone. Families, singles, gays. Anyone
could make a fun, safe, interesting life in Shanghai. I personally know
many young foreign women who have come to live in Shanghai alone, and they
love it here. I personally don't have much experience of rich expats, on
company salaries, living in big mansions, but I assume they must be doing
alright too. I hear there is some racism towards foreigners here, but I have
never experienced it, but I imagine it is more thoughts than demonstrations.
You must register with the local police
when you get here, if you are not staying in public accommodation (like a
hotel/hostel). Lately it has become more difficult to get visas and it is
hard for me to advise as the rules seem to be changing monthly. I would
advise to check the Chinese consulate website in your own country.
I personally had no problems getting visas, it is just that they keep
running out, which is annoying.
As any city in the world, accommodation varies massively
depending what you do! An English teacher or student won't be living in the
same kind of places as a lawyer. However, for any Westerner, accommodation
can be found fairly cheaply, if you need it to be.
Cleaners here are called Ayi's. They are super cheap, and
most regular people can afford them. I get one for 5 hours a week, for like
$12. I have no idea about other kind of help. Any kind of help you need will
be available, but I don't know how much it is.
The best way to call home has always been Skype for me.
China Telecom runs our phone, and it is not too pricey for international
calls. Internet service here is good and fast. Many people get Filipino
cable, which is accessible but I think illegal?
There are English newspapers in Shanghai, such as China Daily and Shanghai
Daily. China Post is very reliable, and not too expensive.
You can live here without learning the language, but I don't
know why you would want to! Mastering Mandarin is a great accomplishment
(not that I would know, but I am trying). Classes are available everywhere,
and are very cheap. For example, I pay for a private lesson which is like
$10 an hour.
You can't drink the water, but you can get water
delivered very easily. They have gas and electricity, but it's not like you
choose your provider, you just use the company that exists (State Grid or
whatever).
My friend was ill with something complicated and went to a local
hospital, he said it was better than anything in America he had experienced!
But most expats would use some kind of expat medical centre, I am sure. In
such an expat-friendly city as Shanghai, you should not have problems
getting services.
If you are a woman moving to Shanghai, you might want to
join a group on Facebook called the Shanghai Dolls, which helps expat women
meet other expat women for friendship.
City Description
Healthcare
