The Shanghai expat guide is a comprehensive international relocation guide that tells you everything you need to know about this major chinese city.
Our guide was written by William Coon and Marcos Mallada and last published on Tuesday 8th March 2011, it's the 3rd edition.
The “oriental Paris”, the “Pearl of the Orient” or even the “whore of the East” were names coined at the beginning of the past century to express the splendor and miseries of Shanghai, which at that time was one of the economic, and vice, capitals of the world. After the break imposed by the Maoism, the city has awaken again to recover its place as one of the cultural, artistic and economic epicenters of the XXI century. Foreigners have also returned to its urban landscape, fortunately without the former colonial connotations.
The name of the city means literally “above the sea” - shang (上 ): above / hai (海): sea. Scholars reason that this comes from the great influence of the ocean in the development of the city, but there is also a theory that the city was simply, at one time, in the coastal line. Its origins are in the X century, when it was born as a small commercial village thanks to its privileged position next to the Huangpu River, one affluent of the Yangtze. Its first population boom was in the XII century, when Shanghai received many refugees from the conquered Dalian. But Shanghai started to be what is today during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912), when the Western powers were interested in it as a port of entrance for its products to the rest of the country through the Yangtze River. …
The full guide contains over 25 chapters of information covering all practical aspects of moving overseas; from fulfilling legal obligations through to choosing a home for your family. Written by expats, for expats, we do not give you the “official version”, we give you the “real version” and that’s exactly what you will need to have the best possible start to your new life in Shanghai. You can purchase our Shanghai guide by clicking on the links on the right-hand side of this page. If you have a discount code you'll be able to enter it before you make your payment.Basic information
Currency
As with the rest of mainland China, Shanghai uses the Renminbi (RMB) which literally translates to “People’s Money”. The difference between Yuan and Kuai is only in terminology, not in value. It is basically the same as the American Dollars and Bucks. Yuan is more formal; Kuai more colloquial. Kuai is pronounced with Mao; Yuan with Jiao. There are 10 jiao/mao in a single yuan/kuai.
Language
Shanghai is probably the city in Mainland China where English is most widely spoken. However, “widely” is a relative term and Mandarin is still the language that you will need to get by. There are two variations of Mandarin spoken in the city. The Shanghainese speak Shanghai Hua to one another and Putong Hua to people from outside the city who are unlikely to understand the thick dialect.
Time zone
Shanghai is on China Standard Time which is UTC +8 or GMT+7. The city does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST)
Dialing code
China: +86
Shanghai: 21
Fixed line numbers in Shanghai have 8 digits; mobile phone numbers have 11.
Temperature
Shanghai weather is at its best in spring and autumn. During the peak summer months (July and August) temperatures can reach a scorching 95°F (35°C). This heat often combines with a sweltering humidity of 80% or more. The summer months are also Shanghai’s rainiest. Fall (September, October) can be windy, with the occasional typhoon. In winter, evening temperatures often drop below zero (32°F).
Electrics
A good adaptor will always come in useful. Standard Type A, common Type I and Type C plugs can all be used in this outlet. The upper and lower outlets can be used at the same time. Across the board, voltage in China is 220V 50 Hz.
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This is a free preview of the Expat Info Desk Guide to living in Shanghai
