Move to Shanghai
- Thread starter adahc
- Start date
alitraxx
Registered User
I lived there for 3 years. I lived in Hongqiao since there were a lot of family / kids kind of places, but there are several areas equally good for families with kids. If you are concerned about pollution (it's BAD), consider Pudong. It might depend on where you or your husband are going to work since traffic is bad. You can check out http://www.shanghaimamas.com.cn/ for more help. Good luck! You can message me if you have any other questions.
Hi, I moved to HK from Shanghai at the end of 2007. I lived in Pudong, my decision was based on distance from my husband work, facilities on the residential development and places to walk to. Plus potential to meet other expat mums. Oh yes, I was also pregnant - so I wanted to be near a good hospital.
I didnt find the polution much different to HK to be honest, however the traffic is worse and a little harder to get around. We opted for a driver, I personally do not think taxis are an option with children - especially in Shanghai - but everyone differs. You will also need to decide whether you prefer a house or an apartment. I lived in a great apartment block called the Shimao Riviera, they had great facilities, kids play room, outdoor wave pool with beach area etc. Lots of expats, and young families, a play group, easy access to afew play grounds, and a kids play centre called the Activity box. I was just over the river in Pudong. City supermarket (one of the best import supermarkets) was walkeable, plus other shops, restaurants, fake market .
However friends who wanted more space preferred Jingqiao in Pudong, where they could find a house. Lots of families and play groups out there too.
Its harder to settle into Shanghai than HK, but it can be a great place to live, it is important you meet people (other expat mums) quickly, and they will help you find your feet. I still know lots of people out there, and can answer any questions about specific topics if you have any. Otherwise this could be a long post with all my advice. Either post again or PM me. Good luck with the move.
I didnt find the polution much different to HK to be honest, however the traffic is worse and a little harder to get around. We opted for a driver, I personally do not think taxis are an option with children - especially in Shanghai - but everyone differs. You will also need to decide whether you prefer a house or an apartment. I lived in a great apartment block called the Shimao Riviera, they had great facilities, kids play room, outdoor wave pool with beach area etc. Lots of expats, and young families, a play group, easy access to afew play grounds, and a kids play centre called the Activity box. I was just over the river in Pudong. City supermarket (one of the best import supermarkets) was walkeable, plus other shops, restaurants, fake market .
However friends who wanted more space preferred Jingqiao in Pudong, where they could find a house. Lots of families and play groups out there too.
Its harder to settle into Shanghai than HK, but it can be a great place to live, it is important you meet people (other expat mums) quickly, and they will help you find your feet. I still know lots of people out there, and can answer any questions about specific topics if you have any. Otherwise this could be a long post with all my advice. Either post again or PM me. Good luck with the move.
adahc
Registered User
Thank you so much. This is a great help already. What estate agent did you use? i went into Shanghai expat website and it seems most of the agent are very dishonest and wants to get the ost money out of you. I must say I'm scared.
RE: Shanghaimama websie, I visited and can not find the forum!!! I'm pretty hot with computer and all but this site is really confusing!
I will check out Shimao Riviera soon. It sounds just what we want.
Why do you say that SH is harder to settle in than HK?
RE: Shanghaimama websie, I visited and can not find the forum!!! I'm pretty hot with computer and all but this site is really confusing!
I will check out Shimao Riviera soon. It sounds just what we want.
Why do you say that SH is harder to settle in than HK?
Hi, from what I remember I dont think the Shanghaimamas website is the same as Geobaby with forums.
As for my comment on harder to settle, well there a few things that come to mind, but please bear in mind you used to it and adapt. I loved Shanghai, so please dont be put off. Just be prepared.
1. You will stand out. Expats are a much smaller community in Shanghai, so often you and especially young children and babies will be stared at, approached and the locals may even try and touch and pick up your kids.
2. Language - few people speak English - learning Mandarin is a must, even just the basics for taxis, food shopping etc.
3. Supermarkets - the big supermarkets mostly sell Chinese products with some imported food. There are some smaller specialist shops with imported stuff, but you cant buy everything you need there. There is less choice and you cant always find what you want. You may find something you like foodwise, then it may not be available again for another few months.
4. You should be careful where you buy fresh fruit, veg and meat, I tended to use the specialist supermarkets such as City Supermarket alot.
5. It is sometimes tricky to get around with your stroller. Even if there is a lift expect to fight your way in if its busy -few people will give way to a mother and child. The chinese prefer lifts to using escalators or walking up stairs.
6. The public toilets are awful, and babychanging is hard to find.
7. Harder to find English speaking help (Ayi's) in Shanghai. You can find Filipinos and some English speaking CHinese, but many people opt for non English speaking help and learn to speak Mandarin very quickly. I didnt think this was an option for me with a new baby, so hunted down someone that spoke English.
You will feel alot more like you are in China, and it will feel very different. But hopefully will enjoy it too. I am planning a trip back next month just to visit my friends.
Happy to answer any more questions. Also have a friend that runs a Bumps to Babes group in Shanghai, she would be happy to help you I am sure if you would like me to introduce you.
As for my comment on harder to settle, well there a few things that come to mind, but please bear in mind you used to it and adapt. I loved Shanghai, so please dont be put off. Just be prepared.
1. You will stand out. Expats are a much smaller community in Shanghai, so often you and especially young children and babies will be stared at, approached and the locals may even try and touch and pick up your kids.
2. Language - few people speak English - learning Mandarin is a must, even just the basics for taxis, food shopping etc.
3. Supermarkets - the big supermarkets mostly sell Chinese products with some imported food. There are some smaller specialist shops with imported stuff, but you cant buy everything you need there. There is less choice and you cant always find what you want. You may find something you like foodwise, then it may not be available again for another few months.
4. You should be careful where you buy fresh fruit, veg and meat, I tended to use the specialist supermarkets such as City Supermarket alot.
5. It is sometimes tricky to get around with your stroller. Even if there is a lift expect to fight your way in if its busy -few people will give way to a mother and child. The chinese prefer lifts to using escalators or walking up stairs.
6. The public toilets are awful, and babychanging is hard to find.
7. Harder to find English speaking help (Ayi's) in Shanghai. You can find Filipinos and some English speaking CHinese, but many people opt for non English speaking help and learn to speak Mandarin very quickly. I didnt think this was an option for me with a new baby, so hunted down someone that spoke English.
You will feel alot more like you are in China, and it will feel very different. But hopefully will enjoy it too. I am planning a trip back next month just to visit my friends.
Happy to answer any more questions. Also have a friend that runs a Bumps to Babes group in Shanghai, she would be happy to help you I am sure if you would like me to introduce you.
moomoo14mar
New member
Relocating to Shanghai
Hi, i m new to this forum (recommended by my fren).
i will be coming with 2 gals and hv a few queries which i hope someone can help out with:
1. any comments on the Shanghai Singapore International school?
2. any difference between the 2 campus - Minhang and Xuhui?
3. is school bus safe?
4. any tips on how to get domestic helper i.e. Auntie (Ah yi) in Shanghai? planning to get a full time one...
5. planning to get an apartment near to Cloud9 shopping mall i.e. zhongshan park...any recommendation? prefer new ones with facilities for children.
6. how much will it cost to hire a driver?
thanks
Hi, i m new to this forum (recommended by my fren).
i will be coming with 2 gals and hv a few queries which i hope someone can help out with:
1. any comments on the Shanghai Singapore International school?
2. any difference between the 2 campus - Minhang and Xuhui?
3. is school bus safe?
4. any tips on how to get domestic helper i.e. Auntie (Ah yi) in Shanghai? planning to get a full time one...
5. planning to get an apartment near to Cloud9 shopping mall i.e. zhongshan park...any recommendation? prefer new ones with facilities for children.
6. how much will it cost to hire a driver?
thanks
cheriebuzz
Registered User
Hi Mel, Ada, Moo moo,
I am planning to move to shanghai after my delivery due in mid september
I have just got back from shanghai last month was a new experience compared to Hongkong, and honestly i was happy keeping the house spotless & just being with my husband.
But Its great to know that there are expats out there who are also moms and living in shanghai. I wanted to keep in touch with you all and love to get to meet all of you too in the near future. I wouldnt mind if you would mail me or pm on here what ever is comfortable!
look forward to hear from all the happy moms in shanghai! and stay healthy and happy !
xx cherie
I am planning to move to shanghai after my delivery due in mid september
I have just got back from shanghai last month was a new experience compared to Hongkong, and honestly i was happy keeping the house spotless & just being with my husband.But Its great to know that there are expats out there who are also moms and living in shanghai. I wanted to keep in touch with you all and love to get to meet all of you too in the near future. I wouldnt mind if you would mail me or pm on here what ever is comfortable!
look forward to hear from all the happy moms in shanghai! and stay healthy and happy !
xx cherie