As a gateway to the Chinese economy and a major cosmopolitan city, Shanghai is a sprawling city famous for its 'haipai', or east-meets-west approach. Unsurprisingly, it's been a long-time favorite for many expats, but as with any city, life in Shanghai comes with its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
CASHLESS - Yes, cash is still a thing, but as any true Shanghainese local would tell you, you can do almost anything with two apps - Alipay and Wechat. While there are some concerns about data protection, it's very convenient in an at-your-fingertips kind of way.
SAFE - Petty crimes - pick-pocketing, scams, traffic violations, etc. - are very common. On the other hand, violent crimes are rare. Shanghai is also considered to be very safe for women, though reported sex crimes may not be fully investigated. [Although Shanghai is very safe, please take normal precautions.]
GETTING AROUND - The metro system, which is one of the largest in the world, has the advantage of also being fairly new. It's easy to navigate, clean, affordable, and trains run frequently and on time. At the same time, 'dockless bikes', a Chinese invention, have taken over the city and can be rented for cents per hour. Central Shanghai is also very pedestrian friendly, though the size of the city (i.e. huugggeeee) makes walking-only impractical. And, finally, taxis and Didis, the Chinese version of 'uber', are affordable.
FINANCES - Expats in China rank fourth in the world in terms of expat compensation, and many people find that they make more in China than they would at home. As an added bonus, the percent of disposable income that many expats enjoy is above the world average.
EXPERIENCE - Living in Shanghai can be a great experience for both individuals and their families. Whether you're in Shanghai to gain unique working experience or learn more about a different culture, the benefits can be incalculable and life-lasting. (There is some debate, however, about the perfect balance between length of time abroad and career progression.)
EDUCATION - China has some of the most expensive international schools in the world, so for those parents who are trying to pay the fees out-of-pocket, the burden can be enormous. But for many lucky expats whose companies will be covering costs, their children will be gaining a private school education with the move.
Cons
POLLUTION - Shanghai's pollution levels are not bad, compared to other Chinese cities. But the air is still probably a lot worse than what you're breathing in back home, and many parents express concern about the impact it may have on their children's health.
INTERNET - Internet speeds are horrible. In fact, China ranked 91st in the world in 2016. At the same time, the 'Great Firewall' means that many of your favorite apps and websites will no longer be accessible. VPNs do allow residents access to blocked content, but it's a cat-and-mouse game where a VPN may work well one day and not at all the next.
CULTURE SHOCK - This one almost goes without saying. Shanghai is fairly international, but even the most open-minded, gung-ho of foreigners will likely find themselves struggling, at one point or another, to adjust to the local culture. "Ease of Settling In" is, in fact, one of the areas where the city rates poorly.
LANGUAGE - Love it or hate it, but never doubt that learning it is going to be h-a-r-d, especially if you're coming from a Western language. On the bright side, you can do a lot in Shanghai without speaking a word of Chinese. Still, life is easier if you can speak at least a little Chinese.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE - This one depends strongly on your company's culture, but in general, China ranks poorly in terms of having a healthy work-life balance and division. Complaints about long working hours, after-hours messages from your boss, etc. abound.
WEATHER - Shanghai has four distinct seasons, but the summers are hot, crazy hot, and the winters are cold. It rarely snows, but insulation issues intensify wintertime temperatures. At the same time, you can expect a miserable "rainy season" during part of the summer. While there are certainly places with more extreme temperatures and weather conditions, Shanghai's weather is still a common complaint.
FOREIGN GOODS - Foreign goods have to be imported and, on top of that, many sellers will further mark up prices. In short, be prepared to pay crazy high prices for standard, not-so-exotic-to-you goods. Certain dishes and recipes will cost a pretty penny to reproduce in Shanghai.
At the end of the day...
Shanghai is still an attractive and popular option for many expats. Expat compensation packages remain high, and the city itself provides a safe and enjoyable living experience. But expect culture shock, crowds, and pollution. These and other issues can make those first few months overwhelming.
Prepare for the move by reading up on the city with this free guide or contact our multilingual consultants directly with any concerns or questions you may have at info@maxviewgroup.com.
MAXVIEW GROUP provides home search, visa application, and settle-in services for individuals and corporations in China.
The Maxview Life team is dedicated to helping foreigners adjust to life in China with a treasure trove of news, guides, hints, tips, and even recommended vendors/service providers. Have questions? E-mail us at info@maxviewgroup.com.
