Tips for families relocating to Shanghai. Find out more at http://www.ycis-sh.com/

1. WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN MOVING TO
SHANGHAI

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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:

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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!

12. 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!

13. 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

14. 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