Shanghai is unlike any other city in the world. A cosmopolitan city contrasting between ancient Chinese culture and the ever-growing financial, fashion, and technology industry. It’s full of entrepreneurs, high-tech gadgets, knock-offs, dumplings, and opportunities. Moving here as an expat has its ups and downs and you either adapt or leave.
At times I never thought I could adapt but here I am approaching my six-month mark (holy crap). And while I have somehow managed to get by, I am nowhere near being able to provide all the in’s and out’s of being an expat in Shanghai.
So, I teamed up with expats from different walks of life, countries, ages, and spans of time here to share their experiences and knowledge in surviving life in Shanghai.
Meet Some of the Expats
How long do you plan to live in Shanghai?
Oh gosh. I don’t think any expat in China who has lived here for longer than 2 years can answer this. Originally, I moved to Yanti, China to teach English. I’ve lived in Shanghai for 3 years now and I currently translate text made by Chinese video game developers into English, which is then translated into 4 other European languages. I also teach a few private students part-time while attending graduate school at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. So, I still have at least a year and a half on my degree. I intend to move to another country with my girlfriend while we both simultaneously work on our thesis. Zach (Chinese name武松), 26 Expat from the United States
My teaching contract is for one year and I’ve been living in Shanghai for about 3 months now, so I plan to complete my contract and then move to another country. De-Sean, 31 Expat from the United States
There’s no expiry date on my Shanghai stay. I’m open to possibilities, to Oz to anywhere. Wherever the road takes me. Currently, I have a 3-year contract that I just started with a new fashion company, so I suppose I’ll be reassessing my happiness levels, location, career, life situation in 3-year’s time.
While I love and miss my family and oldest and dearest friends in Melbourne, I’ve changed a lot since escaping Australia 5 years ago and I don’t miss my hometown as others miss theirs. Of course, I always know it’s (Melbourne) there for me and it’s a phenomenal city, I am now older, and hopefully wiser, I want to see what else is out there. I also don’t have any dependents so living, traveling, and working overseas RIGHT NOW is the perfect time. In the future, who knows…I’m not closing any doors on anywhere or anything. Shanghai still excites me and is keeping me stimulated. I’ve always said Shanghai, the environment, people, and challenges have made the biggest impact on my life. The Vy 10 years ago would never have believed this Vy could exist. Vy, 33 Expat from Australia
I’ve been living in Shanghai for 2 1/2 years already and previously lived abroad in South Korea, Malaysia, and France. My current contract ends in June 2018 and I don’t plan to stay in Shanghai (or abroad) after that. Despite the political insanity, I’m feeling more of a pull to return to the United States than I ever have before in the past 7 years. That makes me nervous but perhaps it’s time. Kate, 30 Expat from the United States
How long have you been in Shanghai?
I’ve lived in Shanghai for 6 years and previously lived in Taipei and Tokyo! Joanna Expat from the Philippines
The fashion company I work for transferred me here for a 6 month period. Once I complete this, I will return home to London. Emma, 28 Expat from the United Kingdom
I’ve been teaching in Shanghai for 6 1/2 years and previously in Beijing. Michael, 38 Expat from Canada
What to Expect Before…
Concerns
Looking back, I’m so thankful to my bold 24-year-old self for taking the leap in moving abroad. Moving 6,000 miles away from anyone and anything I knew. I had a Skype interview, packed my entire life in a suitcase, and took off into the unknown to do a job I’d never done before. Fear had no bearing on my decisions as I was so set on an adventure. I had a zillion and one concerns but I refused to let that stop me. Kate, 30 from the United States
My biggest concerns were living on my own and making new friends. Emma, 28 from the United Kingdom
My biggest concern of moving abroad is the fear of not liking the experiences. Sometimes, what you envision a place to be as opposed to the reality of what it is can be very different and make the experiences less appealing. So far, for me, this experience is amazing! De-Sean, 31 from the United States
Mostly, the health of my aging parents and being away from family during an emergency. Michael, 38 from Canada
My first job (in Yantai) had a pretty low salary, so I was a bit worried about that. Living in a tier 3 city, though, it was more than enough! That being said, foreigners coming to China (or anywhere overseas) shouldn’t settle. You can find high-quality, decently paid jobs in the country of your choice. Even though I loved my first year, I wish someone had encouraged me to seek a job with a higher salary at first. Zach (Chinese name 武松), 26 from the United States
Being that I’m a veggie, I was definitely concerned about finding dishes without meat/meat products in it and it has been an issue. Personally, I was also concerned about being able to break out of the expat community in order to engage with Chinese people. Nadine, 22 Expat from the United Kingdom
My primary concern moving away for the first time to Hong Kong was finding employment. I was overly ambitious; I have great skills in my field but there was the language barrier I could not get past in the fashion industry in Asia. It took a while to find that first job, but luckily I had a roof over my head and support from my family. Being an adult and supporting myself was the biggest priority.
The second time around a year later, in Shanghai, was a little different. Whilst in Hong Kong, I was offered a position in Shanghai that was truly too good to pass up. So, when I made the decision to go to mainland China, my primary concern switched from finding employment to having no support network and feeling helpless with what seemed like the most basic tasks ie: connecting the internet at home. These things make you a different person; allowing you to be vulnerable, forcing you to ask for help and learn. Vy, 33 from Australia
My main concerns before moving to Shanghai were finding outdoor activities due to the smog in the city and finding new friends. Gini, 31 Expat from Germany
My biggest and only concern when moving to Shanghai was how alone I might feel. Sofia, 29 Expat from Spain
Thoughts from Family and Friends
Well, I had gone through a tough year prior to leaving home, and to be honest, they probably hoped for it to be a magic cure. There was a huge sigh of relief when they saw the smile on my face again and me thriving in an environment and country so foreign to them. Vy, 33 from Australia
They were all very excited for me, free accommodations for them when they visit! Emma, 28 from the United Kingdom
Many of them didn’t really get it, ya know? But everyone was supportive. I have three friends that have been motivated enough to follow suit! One lives in Japan currently and two are in Korea. I’m sure they get paid plenty more than I did when I started teaching! Zach (Chinese name 武松), 26 from the United States
My family was understandably apprehensive the first time around but I am so lucky to have had their never-ending support! My friends from back home all thought I was crazy, I’m quite sure. “You’re so brave! I could NEVER do that!” type of responses. Kate, 30 from the United States
Two of my older sibling have lived abroad at various times (one of them in Guangzhou) so I feel like my family wasn’t too concerned but more excited for me. My friends thought it was a bit madder, China to them seems like a whole other world which I guess, in some ways it is. A lot of them were concerned it would be a huge culture shock and worried that I couldn’t get on the normal internet. Not many of them had plans to visit, mainly because of the distance but also because China doesn’t scream ‘holiday destination’. Nadine, 22 from the United Kingdom
They were sure I was crazy and I hadn’t thought about it very well- and they still think so! Sofia, 29 from Spain
What I Wish Someone Had Told Me
Learn to poop while squatting. It’s not so bad. It’s actually the way your body is biologically designed to poop. Isn’t that swell? Poop Poop Poop! Zach (Chinese name 武松), 26 from the United States
Bring your required medicine. It can be very expensive to go to a foreign clinic and local clinics or hospitals are not very clean or easy to maneuver. Jason, 37 from Taiwan
Always stand your ground with employers and read the Chinese Labor Laws. Make sure to be assertive. Michael, 38 from Canada
If you’re serious about studying Chinese, don’t half-arse it! Make sure you rent a nice flat that you’re happy to live in. Get involved with a group of some sort, be it a sport or something you’re interested in. It will make your time in Shanghai much more enjoyable. Nadine, 22 from the United Kingdom
I wish someone had told me about these Apps for Living in Shanghai they will make your life so much easier and best of all…they’re FREE!
Visa’s, Immigration, and Moving
There are various types of work permits and visa’s depending on your circumstance. Generally, if you are moving to Shanghai, chances are you’ll obtain an X1 or X2 visa (student visa) or a Z visa (employment visa). Requirements vary based on the university or employer.
I put together a list of requirements for obtaining a Z visa as a foreign teacher here. Once you arrive in China, you are required to get a medical checkup to receive your residence permit and you can read about my fun experience right here.
Challenges
Of course, the visa was one of the biggest challenges. In addition, medical care, food (not only the sanitation but the nutritional values), and air pollution are pretty common challenges amongst expats moving to China. Joanna from the Philippines
Obtaining a work/residence visa and having all relevant documents from my employer. It took a very long time! Emma, 28 from the United Kingdom
Learning a new job while fighting fatigue and illness. I was sick for at least a third of the time during my first year in China! Michael, 38 from Canada
Visas are always a faff, but I got most things sorted out within my first few weeks. Finding a flat was a big stress. Central locations are expensive especially for students and it’s safe to say, I hated my grotty flat. I also found it challenging being with international students. They all seemed to view Shanghai as a party paradise and a place to get the best ‘year-abroad’ photos. Whereas I joined sports teams and made Chinese friends moving totally away from the international student vibe. Granted, I made other international friends but rather ones that chose to be here for work and were a lot more engaged in living here rather than just visiting. Nadine, 22 from the United Kingdom
My visa!!!! I had to go back to Spain twice in 2 months until I got all my paperwork approved! Sofia, 29 from Spain
Personally, my biggest challenge is dealing with the blatant corruption and bribery that happens within the educational system. It’s rampant and so against my moral code. Kate, 30 from the United States
The transition from Hong Kong to China was relatively easy with employment already secured. My biggest challenge was overcoming the small things in day-to-day life with language barriers. I was the only foreigner in my business and had no one else to get advice from in terms of where to eat, where to buy groceries, what was safe and what wasn’t, how to navigate public transport etc. Now I know there are some incredible resources! A good VPN, APPs like Bonapp, Explore Shanghai, and Pleco. Publications like SmartShanghai, That’s Shanghai, City Weekend, Timeout Shanghai, and support groups like GGI (Girl Gone International) to ask questions in. Vy, 33 from Australia
Why do you need a VPN?
Having a VPN while traveling is a necessity for a few reasons. First of all, some countries (hi China) won’t let you access many sites that you’re accustomed to using without one. Think Instagram, Google/Gmail, YouTube, Facebook, etc. Next, by using a VPN, you’ll be able to change your virtual location which allows you to get better deals on flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. It’s also important to remember to clear your cookies when changing VPN locations.
Culture Shock
Difficulties, Challenges, and Concerns
Spitting…EVERYWHERE! It’s very common to walk about the city and hear people hawking up G-d knows what, spitting on the sidewalks and everywhere you walk. De-Sean, 31 from the United States
No English-speaking taxi drivers! Also, the etiquette on the lift. Emma, 28 from the United Kingdom
The manners…the spitting, burping, and farting openly in public! Gini, 31 from Germany
There are so many but I would say the dishonesty that appears frequently in business dealings would be the biggest culture shock for me. Dating and meeting women would come in a close second. Michael, 38 from Canada
The most difficult thing to get used to has been the air pollution. Jason, 37 from Taiwan
I’ll never get used to the Chinese government. Though it doesn’t affect me massively, in the line of work I’m in, I see a lot of people who want to get out of China. They are concerned mainly about the government taking their money and their property and also their children’s education. China lacks some basic fundamental freedoms: freedom of speech, the right to property, and access to information. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the idea that this is the country my Chinese friends live in.
Interaction en masse is a battle. I found it so hard at first how everyone just pushes, shoves, and ignores (or is not aware of) basic courtesy, and though this is certainly not true of every Chinese person, it does make riding the metro or even walking down the street a challenge. Also, I’ve never seen so many people walking around on their phones at any one time! Nadine, 22 from the United Kingdom
The way of counting with the hands- I thought this was universal. It’s not! Sofia, 29 from Spain
Women’s Rights
Women in Shanghai are treated very specially, I mean this in a good and pampered way. If you want to marry (a Shanghainese woman) one, you need to have a house and a car before even asking for their hand. Jason, 37 from Taiwan
In the Philippines, men give up seats for women on the metro but in Shanghai, men rush to take the seats and don’t offer them to women or the elderly. Joanna from the Philippines
The only thing I’ve noticed is that the men here in Shanghai don’t hold open doors for women. Other than that, nothing stands out to me. De-Sean, 31 from the United States
Women are treated well in China, as they are in Canada. Harassment towards women is much lower. Michael, 38 from Canada
The Chinese girls I am friends with are all pretty sporty and independent but they sometimes find that the male side of the frisbee team isn’t always supportive of female leaders. Generally, though, in the sports sphere, women are treated with respect. I also work with some very strong women who are career-driven and respected in leadership positions or part of a hard-working team.
However, I have many male Chinese friends that have mentioned to me on various occasions that Chinese girls are spoiled and make for jealous girlfriends. They often can’t make it to social events because their girlfriends will be too jealous. They’ve said they wish their girlfriends would have hobbies or come and play frisbee but they just sit at home and watch TV or play games on their phones. Many Chinese girls are very into their looks and their online presence. This behavior stems from parents/grandparents spoiling daughters from a young age and now as young adults, they are indulged in their emotions.
I really hate to make these broad-sweeping statements because I personally don’t know many Chinese girls like this and am only seeing this from a second-hand perspective.
I think there is still very much influence from parents and boyfriends that put pressure on women to get married. In comparison to England, I have literally no pressure to get married and have children. My family and friends just want me to succeed and have a good job and do the things I enjoy. Nadine, 22 from the United Kingdom
I think women in China are treated respectfully. This has been my passive observation as a man. Women are usually admired; the Chinese find foreign women extremely beautiful. Zach (Chinese name 武松), 26 from the United States
Societal Norms
Babies with open pants being encouraged to do their business on the sidewalk! Kate, 30 from the United States
The Chinese love to order a lot of food and eat family-style. More often than not, they will try to pay the bill. They are very generous, especially to guests. Try to take turns paying as they will often not let you split the bill. They also will bring you small gifts just because or to cheer you up. Gini, 31 from Germany
The squat toilets and discarding toilet paper into the trash bin instead of flushing it. De-Sean, 31 from the United States
Chinese seem to be a lot more superstitious. They are big into their bead bracelets, lucky cats, and red signs everywhere. Some of it can be for decoration and celebration like our Christmas trees etc, but also China is officially without religion. I feel like this leads people to hold onto charms and luck in a way that just doesn’t exist in England. Nadine, 22 from the United Kingdom
The spitting on the streets!!! Sofia, 29 from Spain
Chinese people have this quality…it’s difficult to explain this, but every single foreigner who has spent any amount of time over here understands it. The Chinese people do not seem to invest the same value in the organization, time management, and detail that we have in the west. Sometimes, it can be very frustrating. I get examples of this all the time at, say, my graduate school. You may be used to an educational system in the west where at the beginning of each semester you get a syllabus with clear deadlines, a description of courses, grading criteria, and more. This is not the case in China. Even questions such as, “how many credits am I receiving for this class?”, are a complete mystery to everyone. Zach (Chinese name 武松), 26 from the United States
Stereotypes
On my first trip to mainland China to sign my first employment contract. I realized how modern and clean Shanghai is. I had expected that all of Shanghai would look much like Tianzifang with the old Shikumen-style building in the labyrinthine of alleyways. Added to this China was much more technologically advanced than the rest of the world who was still on WhatsApp and Viber, if you haven’t discovered the magic of WeChat, download it now, right NOW. Vy, 33 from Australia
Most people think that all of mainland China is poor people living in poor conditions. Jason, 37 from Taiwan
Racism. Being that I am an African-American man, I was told by many Americans that Chinese people were racist towards people of African descent and that they didn’t think dark skin was beautiful. Contrary to that belief, I found that isn’t the case. Chinese people aren’t racist, they are uninformed. Chinese people learn most of their information from the (censored) media. Most times, it has nothing to do with race but being a foreigner, regardless of how you look. De-Sean, 31 from the United States
The stereotype that China is a restricted country with a punitive approach. China is quite fair to its citizens. People are not living in fear over here and are quite content with their country. Michael, 38 from Canada
Many people think that China is super dangerous. I think China can be dangerous for Chinese people 100% but as a foreigner, I’ve never felt safer. Compared to the city I lived in England which can be quite dangerous for a young woman, Shanghai poses almost no threat to my personal security. Nadine, 22 from the United Kingdom
A common stereotype is that Chinese girls have great skin, they really don’t. At least not all of them! Sofia, 29 from Spain
There are lots of things but if I had to just pick one, it would be the stereotype that everyone looks the same. They certainly do not! Zach (Chinese name 武松), 26 from the United States
The Basics
Cost of Living
The rent in Shanghai costs much more than in Manila but food and daily living can be at par or just slightly more expensive if you don’t go to the western places where the prices are a bit higher. Joanna from the Philippines
The cost of living in Shanghai is relatively expensive compared to most of Asia. Compared to the United States, though, I’d say it’s at least 50% cheaper. De-Sean, 31 from the United States
It’s not as cheap as one would expect. The rent is definitely higher in Shanghai but food and transportation is very cheap. Michael, 38 from Canada
It really depends on your lifestyle. I’m able to live very comfortably and save up a pretty penny here. Kate, 30 from the United States
Melbourne is pricey to live in. But Shanghai at times can be very similar. It depends on your expectations. Organic fruit and vegetables/ imported meats, to what type of beer you want to drink, gym memberships, utilities, or the standard of apartment you prefer. It’s all very relative. If I want to live as I do in Melbourne, my cost of living would be very similar. Vy, 33 from Australia
It depends on what you’re looking for. You can find apartments from 3,000RMB to 10,000RMB+. Sofia, 29 from Spain
Food
The local food is much cheaper but western food can be more expensive than I thought, it’s nearly as much as in London. I will definitely miss xiao long bao and I will be happy to never see chicken feet again! Emma, 28 from the United Kingdom
Here you can have lunch for 6RMB or for 120RMB. Buying groceries and cooking at home can make a difference. I can only base this on fresh produce though, which is cheaper and taste much better here. The canned food here is another world, I don’t dare touch them when it comes to the Chinese versions! Sofia, 29 from Spain
I LOVE Jian Bing and I will miss that hearty $0.72 breakfast when I leave. I will happily never witness any number of mystery meat dishes again! Kate, 30 from the United States
Dumplings- ALL the dumplings, from potstickers to in soup to xiao long bao. Vy, 33 from Australia
I love 麻婆豆腐 (Má pó dòufu) so much! Basically, all the veggie spicy food that China has to offer. Their spicy cauliflower is amazing! I could definitely live without seeing dead animals hanging around restaurants and also glutinous sticky rice pudding, it’s pretty gross! Nadine, 22 from the United Kingdom
Hotpot is insane, especially the Beijing style. I wish we did it in the states. I don’t think I’ll miss the 醉虾, “Zuixia,” or “Drunken Shrimp.” All I’ll say about these is, I will hands down, never eat something that doesn’t come to the table already dead! Zach (Chinese name 武松), 26 from the United States
I love the dumplings and spicy Sichuan food but I could definitely do without the chicken feet! Gini, 31 from Germany
The fried dumplings, soup dumplings, noodles, and street BBQ! I don’t care too much for the fried sweet corn pies or the fake sweet mayonnaise…yuck! Joanna from the Philippines
Transportation
Whether you are walking, biking, on a scooter, or driving; do not trust the traffic light. You still need to check the traffic from both ways even if there’s a green light. Jason, 37 from Taiwan
Local Chinese will try to charge you a higher price when purchasing goods or riding taxis without meters. Michael, 38 from Canada
Sometimes I think taxi drivers don’t pick me up because they can’t be bothered to deal with a foreigner. Nadine, 22 from the United Kingdom
I’m from Texas, which is an area completely built on “car scale”. Texans drive quite politely. From a foreigner’s perspective, China seems to have a lawless road where chaos abounds, especially to the scooter drivers. Chinese people seem to have a sixth sense about exactly when they need to stop their car before something bad happens- foreigners do not have this. That being said I’ve been on the road long enough now (without a major accident) that I’ve gotten quite used to it. It is possible to become one with the madness. Zach (Chinese name 武松), 26 from the United States
Transportation- from Mobikes, taxis to the metro to owning an e-bike, the efficiency, cost, and options never ceases to amaze me in Shanghai. Vy, 33 from Australia
Language
The language barrier has been one of the most difficult hurdles that I’ve faced since coming here. De-Sean, 31 from the United States
Many foreigners don’t think it’s important to learn Chinese in Shanghai but I would disagree. I think upon arriving in China you should learn basic Chinese. Michael, 38 from Canada
I have been learning for two and a half years and speak basic conversational Chinese. Learning Chinese definitely opens more opportunities, especially in terms of forming friendships with Chinese people. Nadine, 22 from the United Kingdom
I came here not even knowing how to say nǐ hǎo (hello), but I’ve learned a lot just by hearing people talk. I am fluent in English, French, Spanish, and have started to get Chinese classes. I’m amazed by them, it really depends SO much on the teacher! Sofia, 29 from Spain
I currently speak English, Chinese, elementary Spanish, and my Turkish is improving. I started learning Chinese after arriving in China but it wouldn’t hurt to learn some basics before arriving. Of course, it’s useful to learn Chinese while living in China but language acquisition is more about doing a little bit every day and persevering even on those days when you’re not feeling motivated. Zach (Chinese name 武松), 26 from the United States
Safety
There is hardly any crime in Shanghai. Compared to the United States, the gap between the two is like heaven and earth, honestly. Given that I’m a former police officer, I could spend days talking about this but for the purpose of this interview, let’s just say, I love being in a place that isn’t “gun-happy”, in my opinion. De-Sean, 31 from the United States
It’s much safer here. I’ve not once felt unsafe since living here or witnessed any crime. Emma, 28 from the United Kingdom
At face value, the crime rate seems to be way lower than in my home country. However, while violent crime may be low, property crime is high. Also, crimes related to corruption are much higher here in China than in Canada. Michael, 38 from Canada
On the surface, it seems like a crime here is pretty much non-existent (other than people stealing bikes). Crime in England seems to be if not more serious than certainly more reported. As previously mentioned, I don’t ever feel unsafe in China but walking home at night in England can definitely be a scary experience. The crimes reported seem to be that of maltreatment of elders or rape but even then it’s not a topic that is discussed a lot. I’d say a petty crime like robbery and mugging doesn’t seem to happen or perhaps they are just not reported. Nadine, 22 from the United Kingdom
I feel MUCH safer in Shanghai than I do in most places in the United States. Kate, 30 from the United States
Crime is not a large issue at all! I never feel any fear or discomfort, even if I’m out alone at night. Occasionally someone will have their bikes or scooters stolen, but that is usually due to negligence on the vehicle owner. That’s mostly as bad as it gets. Oh yeah, don’t buy a brand new iPhone 6 from a guy on the street. Spoiler alert, that ain’t an iPhone 6! Zach (Chinese name 武松), 26 from the United States
Shanghai is the safest city I have ever been to. I feel completely safe in a cab on my own, walking home at any hour of the night or early hours of the morning. I feel like the worst thing that could happen to me is my bike (e-bike) being stolen or my wallet being picked from my pocket on the subway. Once you know that’s a possibility you take precautions and life is peachy. I’ve had 2 e-bikes stolen but realistically at the end of the day, well… it’s just money. Vy, 33 from Australia
The Workplace
Opportunities
There are a lot of organizations and communities across various industries filled with inspiring individuals from all walks of life. Every expat has an interesting story about what brought them here. I’ve never felt that inspired and driven while living in France. Edouard, 25 from France
There are a wealth of part-time jobs that range from corporate training to private tutoring. There are many opportunities in the film and fashion industry, as well. Michael, 38 from Canada
The opportunity to work on and be engaged in different projects outside of my area of education. My family always says to me now; ‘who would’ve thought you would be into fitness?’ I was the only one in my family who grew up not playing team sports and only discovered running when I was in my mid-twenties. All the other different roles; charity supporter, event planner, entrepreneur, writer, editor, social media extraordinaire, spokesperson, marketer, website builder, mentor, model and this is all aside from my day job in fashion… Being hard-working, open, and positive will open lots of doors but none of it happens without blood, sweat, and tears. Vy, 33 from Australia
The Expat Community
I met people through Meetup.com groups and WeChat group events such as GGI (Girl’s Gone International). Emma, 28 from the United Kingdom
Shanghai has a great expat community, so it’s easy to meet other foreigners. There are a lot of forums and websites that provide you with information about places to go and meet people. Also, Chinese people are very friendly so it’s easy to meet someone waiting to cross the street. De-Sean, 31 from the United States
It’s super easy to meet people. It’s harder to connect on a deeper level sometimes. I came to Shanghai with a ready-made friend group of my grad school cohort and coworkers and have branched out from there. Also, Tinder is a great place to meet people! Kate, 30 from the United States
In the first week of apartment hunting, I met a foreign couple in an agent’s car, we were both looking for the same apartment and standard in Jing’an. We saw some horrific apartments that day. Little did I know what I saw then was the going standard in that price bracket. They invited me to a Kungfu Comedy night that evening at Masse. I felt like it was a bit weird at first; 1 afternoon together apartment hunting and they asked for my WeChat contact? Now I realize how it’s totally normal to meet and get someone’s contact straight away. After that, it was so easy to make friends. Shanghai is the sort of place where friends circles expand really quickly, then contract after 2-3 years then again. It’s an ever-shifting friendship circle. Vy, 33 from Australia
I met people while attending Jiao Tong University, at friends’ parties, and common friends. I met some really awesome friends and neighbors from many countries but many of them have left, returning to their home countries for various reasons. Joanna from the Philippines
You Said What…!?!?
I was asked why I need to wash my hands before eating if I’m using silverware or chopsticks. Sofia, 29 from Spain
“Can you teach my son American football?” Michael 38 from Canada
I’ve been asked whether all Americans own guns. Kate, 30 from the United States
I’ve Changed…
I’m much more open to trying new things and more confident. I’m more relaxed and able to go with the flow as a lot of things don’t go as planned. I have found Shanghai more livable than I thought. It’s such a cosmopolitan city which I wasn’t expecting. Emma, 28 from the United Kingdom
Since living in Shanghai, I am much more worldly, tolerant, and open-minded! Joanna from the Philippines
Of course, there have been changes. It happens so gradually that you don’t even notice it. Especially over 6 years. I am definitely more tolerant of people and have a greater understanding of Chinese culture, history, and people. Michael, 38 from Canada
I feel more focused on my career and studies. For a while I went through a phase of becoming part of the negative social interaction here, i.e. getting annoyed at people on the metro for shoving me or not understanding why people don’t pay attention when they walk, or when they just plain shout at each other. But now I always try to react in a more positive way which usually helps me maintain a positive feeling. It also helps breakthrough a few people rather than just perpetuating the circle of negativity. Even though I’m still technically at university, I feel I am not a student anymore, I’ve matured a fair bit, and though I’ve always been independent I feel like living in China has opened the future up to life outside England even if it’s not in China. Nadine, 22 from the United Kingdom
Living and traveling abroad has challenged me in ways I could never replicate by staying in the United States. I’m a lot more willing to say “no” to stuff that doesn’t make me say, “HECK YEAH!”. At first, I was super active and social, trying to see and do everything Shanghai has to offer. Now I’m a cat lady who just wants to stay home. Kate, 30 from the United States
Lots of things! I’m a bilingual American- we need more of those! Honestly, I just understand more about how the world works now. Living somewhere radically different is not just an experience of seeing things and taking them in- it’s a very personal experience. I have had major assumptions from my life changed. I acquired new hobbies that I never thought I would be interested in -for example, improvisational theater and Chinese calligraphy. Some days will suck, but it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone, but I would to almost everyone! Zach (Chinese name 武松), 26 from the United States
I am less healthy here! Jason, 37 from Taiwan
Gosh, where do I start? So many singular words come to mind.
Gratitude. Independence. Openness. Confidence. Acceptance. Ambition.
When you are thrown into the deep end you learn how to swim- real quick, or at least float. I discovered things about myself that I didn’t realize were there. I somehow on a daily basis strive to be the best version of myself and I have this self-sacrificing nature that allows me to help others.
When you leave with nothing but 1 suitcase, you realize what’s really important to you. Why do I need matching cushions on my couch back in Melbourne or why do I need to buy that designer dress for that engagement party? Material things don’t matter anymore, the people and experiences do. Work/ life balance is the priority and the road to happiness and being grateful for every aspect of that is what I where I’m traveling.
Sure, I have bad China days, but they are only days, not weeks, and not months. I’m able to pull myself out of a bad mood or an unpleasant situation really quickly. Sometimes that’s a morning workout, sometimes it’s quality Superwoman Unicorn time (my female posse), sometimes it’s solved with the Mercato three cheese and truffle pizza and farm egg… I make the decisions about my own life and I’m stronger than most. Vy, 33 from Australia
Traveling
Check out some of my travels within China here and here and here and don’t forget this one.
Within China, I’ve traveled to Xiamen, Shandon, Anhui, Chengdu, and Beijing. Other places I’ve been to are Malaysia, Boracay, Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Czech Republic, Italy, France, and Spain. I recently returned from a trip to the United States where I visited New York and Washington DC. Joanna from the Philippines
So far, I’ve just explored Shanghai. It’s a really large city with so many things to see and with it being so diverse, there are so many opportunities to meet people from all walks of life. Next month, I plan to travel to Beijing to visit some temples and of course, see the Great Wall! One cannot go to China and not see the Great Wall! De-Sean, 31 from the United States
Travel is about a tenth of the price than at home! I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Nanjing, Beijing, Xian, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. Emma, 28 from the United Kingdom
The language barrier is obviously an issue when traveling around China and to be honest, I haven’t traveled much since I’ve been here. I’ve only traveled to Japan, Hong Kong, and a few places around China. Edouard, 25 from France
I’ve only been to Seoul, South Korea so far. Gini, 31 from Germany
Within China, I’ve traveled to Huangshan, Hangzhou, Putuoshan, and Suzhou. I’ve also been to Thailand twice, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines four times, and Hong Kong four times. Michael, 38 from Canada
I’ve traveled a fair bit within China and a little within Asia. Places like Nanjing, Fuzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu, Beijing, Harbin, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Jiuzhaigou, Dali, Guilin, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Nadine, 22 from the United Kingdom
Since Shanghai has been my home base, I’ve traveled to Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, The Philippines, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Canada, and Vietnam. Kate, 30 from the United States
I’ve traveled to tons of places! In China I’ve gone to Beijing, Sichuan, Xi’an, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Anhui, Qingdao…just to name a few! Internationally, I’ve been to Thailand and the Philippines and plan to do some more soon! Zach (Chinese name 武松), 26 from the United States
Countries I’ve traveled to include: Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau, Germany, Spain, France, London, Philippines, Vietnam, and OZ of course. US cities: Seattle, San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York, and Los Angeles. Within China: Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Tianjin, Beijing, Shenzhen, Xiamen…I’m sure there’s probably a few more I’m forgetting. I’m on my 2nd passport and I had to get the bulky frequent traveler passport. In the last 18 months, I’ve left the country 21 times. I travel frequently for work and play! Vy, 33 from Australi
I Love Shanghai
I love the diversity of people here. You meet people from different countries and cultures all the time! Jason, 37 from Taiwan
Definitely online shopping! Also, the efficient transportation system and banking (Alipay and WeChat). Joanna from the Philippines
The experience. China is unique with its beautiful countryside, diverse culture, preserved history, and of course…the pandas! De-Sean, 31 from the United States
It’s exciting when everything is so new. I’m enjoying exploring and having these new experiences. Emma, 28 from the United Kingdom
My job, being a teacher, is my favorite thing. It’s the greatest reward to see the progress in my students and know that I am a part of it. Traveling is a close second. Michael, 38 from Canada
My Chinese friends and work opportunities. Being part of the Chinese frisbee community is amazing, so much fun and a lot of opportunities to travel and make friends. Also 麻婆豆腐 (Má pó dòufu), I love Sichuan food! Nadine, 22 from the United Kingdom
How amazingly open people get when they come here! Sofia, 29 from Spain
I feel like my answer should include a plethora of cultural wonders, but in reality, I’m at the point where it’s just about the money. Kate, 30 from the United States
The people I’ve met over here and the freedoms I’ve experienced. Shanghai is truly an international community and I feel like I’ve grown into a part of several communities in which I feel like I can add value. Zach (Chinese name 武松), 26 from the United States
The diversity of people I have met, from far and wide. The people around me give me energy and keep me laughing, smiling, and learning. And of course, FItFam is the beast that keeps my life vibrant, energetic, and where I find most of my connections. There’s something about seeing those raw, unjudgemental 6-am faces sweating it out daily and winning before anyone has even heard their alarms. Vy, 33 from Australia
I love learning about an exciting new culture, people, and language in one of the biggest cities in the world! Gini, 31 from Germany
The people and the communities. They’re the reason I moved back here after 2 months back in Europe last year. I felt I could make more opportunities happen for myself – which I have – and had already met so many inspiring people my first 3 months in Shanghai that I knew there were plenty more to connect with. No regrets. Edouard, 25 from France
But I Miss…
Cheez-Its and clean air! Kate, 30 from the United States
I miss cheese! Gini, 31 from Germany
Normal supermarkets. The Chinese ones here are kind of dirty and the international ones are super expensive I miss being able to get normal food that I know is safely produced for a reasonable price. I miss general public hygiene ie: clean bin collections, not spitting, and less smoking. I also miss Terry’s Chocolate Oranges!!!! Nadine, 22 from the United Kingdom
The kindness and courtesy of total strangers. People in Taiwan don’t want to take advantage of others. They are kind and they will give up their seats to the needy which is not a common occurrence here. Jason, 37 from Taiwan
The fact that even strangers are willing to help, you don’t find that often here in Shanghai. Strangers are not always kind to one another. And of course, I miss food from home and not having to worry about food safety. Joanna from the Philippines
The high-quality foods such as meats, fruits, and vegetables. Michael, 38 from Canada
Definitely the weather! I’m from Florida, so coming to Shanghai in the winter almost killed me! Thankfully, it’s warming up now. De-Sean, 31 from the United States
I miss my friends and family the most. Emma, 28 from the United Kingdom
It gets harder to be away from friends and family. Whereas people who live in the states can fly home for a few hundred dollars and arrive within a few hours, I have forfeited that ability. I’ve missed the birth and most of my niece’s first two years of life. Even now, my grandfather and my great uncle are ill and I don’t suspect I’ll be able to see them again. That can be tough. Things like food aren’t as much of an issue for me. Zach (Chinese name 武松), 26 from the United States
Besides from my nearest and dearest. I miss Mammas cooking. Although the F&B (food and beverage) scene is really taking off here, it just doesn’t compare to the quality of the food made in Melbourne, especially my Mamma’s- but I bet everyone says their mums cooking is the best. Vy, 33 from Australia
Advice
Take the leap of faith! Leave the stereotypes behind and keep an open mind! Be open to new life experiences and when in China, do as the Chinese do…well, the good aspects at least! I’ve made some of the best memories of my life in Shanghai. There may have been hurdles but if anything, it has increased my patience and tolerance for things. In the midst of adapting, always remember to stay true to yourself. Joanna from the Philippines
I would say to be tolerant and open-minded. Every country has their own way of doing things so just learn to embrace it. De-Sean, 31 from the United States
Do it!!!! Don’t turn down any invitations and be prepared for slow internet, no matter what! Emma, 28 from the United Kingdom
Always stand your ground with employers and read the Chinese Labor Laws. Make sure to be assertive. Michael, 38 from Canada
If you’re serious about studying Chinese, don’t half-arse it! Make sure you rent a nice flat that you’re happy to live in. Get involved with a group of some sort, be it a sport or something you’re interested in. It will make your time in Shanghai much more enjoyable. Nadine, 22 from the United Kingdom
Don’t think too much about the decision, just jump into it! Sofia, 29 from Spain
Don’t dwell. Appreciate each crazy moment you’ll experience. Surround yourself with the kind of people you want to be like and always, always carry tissue! Kate, 30 from the United States
DO IT. It was honestly the best decision of my life. I have done things, seen things, and been places that were on and off my list and every experience is an eye-opener. Every time I go to the Bund, my eyes light up like its Christmas. Shanghai is still magical to me. Vy, 33 from Australia
Anyone can pick up and move across the world, the hard part is staying!
Want more on Shanghai? Check out the posts below!
