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