Pros and cons of moving to Shanghai

One of the most influential cities in China, Shanghai is a bustling and sprawling metropolis that offers expats a fusion of East and West, old and new. Still, as with any city in the world, there are benefits and drawbacks to living in Shanghai.

Below are a few pros and cons of moving to Shanghai that you should consider before making the leap.

Accommodation in Shanghai

Buildings in Shanghai generally expand vertically rather than horizontally. That said, there are a variety of housing types to choose from, and you should be able to find something to your liking.

+ PRO: Variety and convenience in the property market

Shanghai is dominated mainly by apartment-style housing, but there are also numerous villa compounds. Of course, one may also find a combination of the two in the form of a penthouse. It is convenient that many landlords offer fully furnished accommodation, and most compounds will have some sort of clubhouse or small shop nearby.

- CON: Difficult balance between pricing and location

Housing prices in Shanghai have skyrocketed over the years. Sometimes, even low-quality housing will be extremely pricey if it’s in a central area or suburb. Similarly, villas might be less affordable and usually located in more secluded areas due to the need for greater space. Often, one has to compromise between location, pricing and housing quality.

Accommodation in Shanghai 
Areas and suburbs in Shanghai

Lifestyle in Shanghai

It’s very easy to get out and about in Shanghai. From its rich cultural history and sightseeing opportunities to its bustling nightlife, you can always find interesting things to see and do in and around the city.

+ PRO: Variety of activities

From art shows to music festivals, there will always be an event going on in Shanghai. You can explore the city, stroll down Nanjing Pedestrian Street or walk around the French Concession. At night, you can visit the Bund area for a beautiful view of the Huangpu River and choose to dine at high-class restaurants or on delicious street food.

- CON: Weather

The weather in Shanghai is frequently quite extreme. Sweltering heat and humidity in the summer keep people indoors, and winters can be quite harsh and dry. Remember that when it’s hot out, most buildings and the subway are kept at extremely cool temperatures, and vice versa in the winter.

Lifestyle in Shanghai 
Weather in Shanghai

Safety in Shanghai

+ PRO: Little to no crime

Shanghai has low levels of crime, and expats will rarely hear of major crimes. This means that walking around in the evenings is relatively safe.

- CON: Reckless behaviour on the streets and pickpocketing

Drivers and pedestrians rarely abide by the law if they can help it. Running red lights and jaywalking are common. In crowded areas, carelessness may cost one a phone or wallet. So, while Shanghai is fairly safe, we advise expats to take the usual precautions.

Working and doing business in Shanghai

+ PRO: Great work benefits

Most people are sent to Shanghai for work, and many companies offer to cover monthly housing costs, provide a driver, or reimburse for food. Being paid in a different currency may also mean being able to afford many more commodities than the locals.

- CON: Language and ideological barriers

It can be quite frustrating to deal with the language barrier in the workplace, and aspects of business culture may also be difficult to understand. Nonetheless, you’ll likely have bilingual colleagues who can assist with this. In some businesses, having personal relationships may be beneficial, but one may see instances of nepotism or someone pulling strings.

Working in Shanghai

Getting around in Shanghai

+ PRO: Travelling around the city is easy

It’s extremely easy to get around Shanghai. With multiple subway lines, a plethora of bus routes and a never-ending stream of taxis, you shouldn’t have a problem getting from one place to the next. With a personal driver, these commutes will be made even more convenient. Of course, for shorter distances, you can always cycle or walk.

- CON: Rush-hour traffic can be chaotic

During rush hour, navigating through the city may seem almost impossible; it might take a two-hour taxi ride to cover a 30-minute commute. While the metro is probably the most reliable time-wise, commuters can be caught in a never-ending stream of people.

Getting Around in Shanghai

Local culture in Shanghai

Many expat families have full-time drivers and ayis – domestic helpers who often cook, clean and babysit. There may be varying viewpoints on this aspect of life here.

+ PRO: Welcoming expat community

Expat communities in Shanghai are usually quite welcoming, and it’s possible to even make friends with local Chinese neighbours. While the Chinese don’t habitually smile at strangers, foreigners are treated respectfully.

- CON: Chaotic environment

People tend not to abide by traffic laws and cut into queues. Littering in the streets is also quite common. New arrivals will also see beggars in wealthy parts of the city and people selling everything from pirated DVDs to jewellery on the streets.

Cost of living in Shanghai

The cost of living in Shanghai is high, but with a bit of research and budgeting, you can score some serious bargains.

+ PRO: Cheap local goods

From clothes to food, buying locally produced goods could actually be quite a bargain. It’s also common to haggle for lower prices at fabric or farmer’s markets.

- CON: Imported goods are expensive

If you are used to branded goods, you should be prepared to pay high import taxes. You may also be hard-pressed to find reasonable prices for items like avocados, cheese, and cherries, which are rarer in China.

Cost of Living in Shanghai

Education and schools in Shanghai

Almost all expats enrol their children in an international school. These schools offer curricula similar to those of the USA or the UK; some are religiously affiliated.

+ PRO: Great education and facilities

Each international school is different, but they all employ highly qualified instructors. The curriculum itself is also on par with any other private school. Thanks to charging sizeable tuitions, international schools offer their students top-notch facilities, from high-grade science labs to expansive sports fields. Many schools are also adopting a more technology-based education that involves personal computers for each student.

- CON: Long commutes to school

The commute to school could take a very long time, depending on where you live and where the school is located. Most students will take a bus to school, but those in more centralised areas may be able to walk. Students who live further away often find themselves stuck in traffic when trying to get home if they participate in after-school activities.

Education and Schools in Shanghai 
International Schools in Shanghai

Healthcare in Shanghai

+ PRO: High-quality private healthcare

In Shanghai, the better your insurance, the better the service and benefits you will receive. Those who have international health insurance provided by an employer can bypass most queues, and many hospitals even offer a ward especially for foreigners. Fewer people see these doctors, so they can devote more time to each patient.

- CON: Expensive

Bypassing queues could mean paying several times more for a checkup than locals do. This may or may not affect an expat, depending on the level of healthcare insurance their employer offers. If you have to purchase your own health cover, it will be pricier.

Healthcare and Health Insurance in Shanghai