A move to Shanghai may feel intimidating and overwhelming. Everything – from renting house to culture – is new and unknown. But, for those very first moments, this guide should be able to help ease any anxiety or confusion.
The process is fairly similar to most international flights. For international flights arriving in China, passengers are given a short document to fill out on the plane prior to arrival. The document has two halves – arrival and departure – that are separated by a perforated line. You’ll hand in the ‘arrival’ side as you go through customs & immigration, and you’ll need to hold on to the ‘departure’ side for when you leave China. But if you do lose it, don’t worry! There are always extra forms at the airport.
When you do return home, please note that there is a limit of ¥20,000 or $5,000 on cash being carried out of China. Anything above this amount needs to be declared to customs in advance. If you’re caught going over this amount without declaring it, the money may be subject to taxation, fines, or confiscation. You may also be required to declare high-value valuables.
Both international and domestic flights leaving from Chinese airports have strict restrictions towards liquids. Each item may not go over 100ml, and all liquid items must be placed in a transparent plastic bag that is 1L or less. And each passenger may only have one transparent plastic bag. Anything that is in excess of these guidelines may be confiscated.
Liquid items include drinks, creams, perfumes, oils, sprays, ointments, contact lens solutions, and gel products. There are, however, some exceptions. Passengers may carry more than 100ml of medicine and baby food, providing that the amount is appropriate for the length of the journey and accompanying proof is given, such as a doctor’s prescription. In this case, a light inspection may still be required.
Foreigners are required to register with the police within 24 hours of arriving in China. If you’re staying at a hotel, they will register you automatically. But once you’ve moved into your new house or apartment you’ll need to do it by yourself. You’ll also need to register again with the police every time you return to China or move to a new place.
The exact documents that are required can vary, but you are usually required to provide your passport with a valid visa, lease contract, rental deposit receipt, copy of the landlord’s ID, copy of the property deed, previous registration slip or form, and a copy of all documents.
Shanghai is a very large city. For newcomers who are still getting their bearings, it’s best to go through a Shanghai real estate agent or intermediary. Your agent should be able to help you narrow your search down to a place that is near your school or workplace. They should also be able to give you professional information and advice about the overall process, payment system, and surrounding area. MaxviewRealty, in particular, has a team of highly experienced agents who have had many years of experience with helping expats with their move to China. The agents are all able to speak fluent English, and they are familiar with all of the sites that are of interest to foreign renters.
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Once you’ve found the perfect place, it’s time to sign the contract. You’ll also need to pay a deposit and the first 1-3 months’ rent. The deposit is negotiable, but it’s generally equal to one month’s rent. The deposit will be returned at the end of the lease, minus any damages or unpaid fees. If the lessee is unable to sign the contract on the spot, he or she can sign a letter of intent and pay the deposit ahead of time. In general, a bilingual contract will be used, but it’s important to make sure that everything is consistent. If you’re working with a high-end agency, like Maxview Realty, your agent will be able to help you check to make sure that everything is in order.
Once you’ve signed the leasing contract and paid all of the related fees, it’s now time to check-in. This is the fun part. You can finally move in and transform your new place into your ‘home’. Just don’t forget to register with the police first!
*MaxviewRealty is able to help with the entire process, including airport pickup, handling all the necessary documents, house hunting, signing the contract, and more!Upcoming Guide: Home Décor Tips.
