WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN MOVING TO SHANGHAI
Moving to Shanghai • So, you and your family are considering making the big move to Shanghai. With a
population of 23 million people — it is China’s largest city — the idea of making a new home in Shanghai is as exciting as it is nerve-wracking.
• Luckily, with a bit of preparation, the move to Shanghai will become less daunting.
To follow are seven important
topics to consider before moving your family to Shanghai
Cost of Living The popular notion that because everything in China is “cheap,” you can live a life of luxury for a fraction of the cost is misleading…
Food
• Non-imported food and consumer products can be extremely cheap, but the quality of these items is inconsistent and sometimes unreliable
Foreign Items
• High-priced foreign items, such as cars, are subject to a 20% price increase known as a “luxury tax”
Standard of Life
• You need around $3,884.59 (¥23,824.97) in Dallas, TX to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with ¥21,000 in Shanghai
Cost of Living
Comparing New York to Shanghai:
Consumer prices in New York = 58% higher
Rent in New York = 136% higher
General rule: The cost of living in
Shanghai is determined by your lifestyle choices
Schools • Many parents worry about the
quality of education their child will receive if they are living abroad.
• Shanghai offers:
• Some of the best international schools in China
• A premium Asian learning environment
• Opportunities for growing children to engage in cross-cultural learning
A fun and engaging school
environment
An equally, if not more, valuable education than
what is offered in the child’s home
country
Shanghai’s international schools can offer:
Schools
Yew Chung International School of Shanghai (YCIS Shanghai) offers an international curriculum that combines the best of Eastern and Western educational philosophies and practices
Bilingualism
Creative expression
Individual growth
Community service
Strong, intelligent,
global-minded students
This promotes In order to foster
Housing • Where in Shanghai you choose to live can have a big impact on your family’s daily life and
the people with whom you interact. • YCIS Shanghai campuses are:
Located close to many of the major residential areas
Easily accessible by car or public transport
The most important thing: Choose a house or apartment in an area that feels right for your family
Housing Some of the most popular areas for foreigners to live in Shanghai are: • Xintiandi • Jinqiao • HongQiao • Minhang
The heart of the city
The largest expat community
Located in Changning district, with many conveniences and expat friendly
Further away, but more green space
Diet Moving to China will give you a unique opportunity to experience a mix of Eastern and Western cuisines.
There are plenty of Western grocery options
You'll find imported foods and organic products at City Shop, and through the plethora of online shops that offer delivery service
Many families enjoy mixing their favourites with local staples
Transportation • Traffic jams are commonplace during rush hour,
especially in the busy downtown area and overhead highways
• Luckily, alternative forms of transportation in Shanghai are reasonable and affordable
Transportation • Taxis are plentiful in Shanghai and can be a life-saver if
you’re in a time crunch. • But it may be difficult to catch one during rush hour
• Investing in a bicycle or electric scooter is also a quick and easy transportation solution.
Be cautious, as drivers in the city are often
oblivious or impatient
ALWAYS wear a helmet!
Daily Life
Modern fitness centres
Shopping malls
Outdoor parks
Movie theatres
Citywide events and
clubs dedicated to promoting friendship
Shanghai is full of activities to occupy your spare time
Plus the city’s extensive number of restaurants is continuously increasing!
The People
Common misconception
Everyone you meet will be rude, brusque, or trying to rip you off
Many Chinese locals view most Westerners as being apathetic
and judgemental
Truth
Chinese people as a whole are kind, respectful, hard working and extremely generous
Most Chinese people are excited about meeting foreigners who have
an interest in working or living in their country
The People • A good rule of thumb when moving to China:
• Leave any sense of entitlement at home • Treat everyone you meet with the respect you would offer someone inviting you into their home
• Being enthusiastic and open-minded will prove to others that you are a truly global citizen.
This will lead to a network of friends and colleagues made up of expats and Chinese
alike that will be invaluable to your life in China and elsewhere after
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