| Shanghai has been called the "Paris of the East" and | | | | months before actual lease start date. They would |
| the "Queen of the Orient." Rich with history, Shanghai | | | | prefer to rent out to another tenant who can begin |
| first opened its door to foreigners for trade in the | | | | the lease earlier. Before signing the lease agreement, |
| 1840's. The resulting international community | | | | do ensure that all agreed-to additional requirements |
| contributed to Shanghai's unique character, | | | | (including accurate furniture list) have been accounted |
| architecture, fashion and food. The Japanese invasion | | | | for. It's next to impossible to ask for anything after |
| of 1937 forced most of the foreigners to flee the | | | | lease has been signed. |
| city and it would be 50 years before international | | | | Shanghai is regarded as a safe city. You are unlikely |
| influences would return to this alluring metropolis. | | | | to hear about or experience violent crime. However, |
| Today Shanghai is China's most cosmopolitan city and | | | | just to be safe, most housing compounds for expats |
| is regarded as the economic powerhouse of mainland | | | | are guarded. The most common form of crime in |
| China. Shanghai will be hosting the World Trade Expo | | | | Shanghai is pickpocketing in crowded places. |
| in 2010, which will showcase famous landmarks such | | | | Expats tend to send their children to one of the |
| as the Pearl Tower, the world's tallest hotel and the | | | | many international schools in Shanghai. Compared to |
| world's longest arch bridge. | | | | other countries, the international schools in Shanghai |
| Initially, most newcomers are struck by the city's | | | | are relatively young. Nevertheless, these schools are |
| vastness, the pace of development, the population | | | | first-rate with very qualified teachers. For those with |
| density and the chaos and energy of the city. There | | | | children under 10 years of age, spaces are at a |
| is a feeling that Shanghai is a city on the move, | | | | premium. It is recommended that you submit your |
| developing at a fast pace. It is more modern than | | | | child's application as early as possible. School typically |
| imagined. Skyscrapers stand in stark contrast next to | | | | starts during the last week of August or the first |
| old communist dwellings, giving the city a sense of | | | | week of September. The school year ends in mid- to |
| time and change. | | | | late June. |
| The look and feel of the city can be quite deceptive. | | | | Driving your own vehicle is not necessary. In fact, |
| Many things do not get done as quickly or work as | | | | driving in Shanghai is rather difficult and dangerous - |
| reliably as in a western country. The "bright lights, big | | | | as the roads are packed with aggressive drivers. If |
| city" image of Shanghai tends to give a much better | | | | you already have a driver's license from your home |
| surface impression than the reality of daily life. | | | | country, you can obtain a Chinese driver's license by |
| However, Shanghai is constantly changing and | | | | taking a series of tests (which do not actually involve |
| improving its modern facilities. Western interests are | | | | driving). |
| catered to more and more. | | | | An alternative is the Metro (subway system), which |
| Natives to the city speak Shanghainese, the local | | | | is clean, fast and well-run. Since crossing the river by |
| dialect. Everyone understands and nearly all speak | | | | car can leave you stuck in traffic jams, the Metro is |
| standard Mandarin - as required by the government | | | | a good way of avoiding this - especially if taxis are |
| for state employees. English competency is probably | | | | scarce (when it's raining and during rush hours, for |
| the best in mainland China. The employees in most | | | | example). Expats should be wary of traffic |
| hotels speak English very well. Most other non-English | | | | conditions-especially during the first few weeks of |
| speakers such as taxi drivers are getting used to | | | | the assignment. When walking, driving, or riding a |
| visitors, but most are still only able to understand | | | | bicycle, it is important to never assume that |
| "yes," "no," "hello" and "good-bye." Learning a few | | | | someone has seen you and will take action to avoid |
| key Mandarin phrases definitely helps. | | | | colliding with you. |
| To obtain an "L," "F" or "Z" Visa, a transferee must | | | | Most expats are put off by the crowded nature of |
| provide a copy of his/her passport, ten | | | | public transport and the fact that many passengers |
| passport-sized photographs and a copy of his/her | | | | tend to push. Taxis, therefore, are the overall |
| resume. If accompanied by a spouse, a copy of the | | | | favorite for expats. Fortunately, they are relatively |
| marriage certificate needs to be provided. If | | | | inexpensive and make it easy to get around. |
| accompanied by children, a copy of each child's birth | | | | While on assignment in Shanghai, it would be |
| certificate needs to be provided. For de-facto | | | | advisable to steer clear of talking about certain |
| spouses, a visit to the local consulate is necessary to | | | | political issues. When handing over a name card, do |
| obtain a relationship certificate so that the | | | | so using both hands at the same time. This is a sign |
| non-working partner may apply for a residence visa. | | | | of respect. If you find yourself in a conflict situation, |
| Spouses are not allowed to work with a visitor's visa. | | | | a better way to get what you want is not to raise |
| However, if they find a job, they can apply for a | | | | your voice but to calmly persist. Local residents tend |
| work permit before starting the job. Teaching English | | | | to react to another's anger equally or more strongly. |
| is an occupation that is high in demand and little or no | | | | Loud voices are used quite frequently and often |
| experience is required. | | | | what sounds like an argument is just a lively |
| Cash is the most common form of payment used | | | | discussion - for example, when bargaining for goods |
| although larger supermarket chains and upscale stores | | | | at a local market. |
| will accept local ATM/debit cards. Hotels catering to | | | | Relative to other parts of mainland China, Shanghai is |
| foreigners will accept international credit cards. | | | | known for having the most liberal and |
| Restaurants and major shopping chains often accept | | | | forward-thinking residents. They welcome foreigners |
| credit cards as well, but it is still advisable to keep | | | | living in their city and are eager to learn more about |
| cash on hand at all times. | | | | international cultures. Shanghaineses are also |
| Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu River. To the | | | | renowned for their business acumen and their |
| west of the river is Puxi and includes the Luwan, | | | | negotiating skills. They are quite western in their |
| Changning, Xujiahui, Hongqiao and Minhang districts. | | | | fashion, pursuit of material items and monumental |
| The latter two are the most popular living areas for | | | | drive for success. |
| expats with children due to a good supply of housing | | | | Chris Draeger, Group Vice President, Crown |
| compounds and community facilities. These areas are | | | | Relocations |
| also closer to international schools with campuses in | | | | Crown Relocations has been providing international |
| Puxi. | | | | moving and relocation services since 1965. With 200 |
| To the east of the river is Pudong. The suburban | | | | offices in 50 countries, Crown has "people on the |
| districts (Jinqiao, Kangqiao, Nanhui) in this area are | | | | ground" in all the major Expat communities around |
| newer than Hongqiao and due to the ever increasing | | | | the world. Crown provides a range of services to |
| presence of companies in this part of the city; many | | | | help Expats and their families move and settle into |
| spacious housing compound and schools as well as | | | | their new home ranging from Orientation Tours, |
| community facilities are available. Inner city living | | | | Home finding, School Search and more. Crown also |
| (Luwan in Puxi and Lujiazui in Pudong) is usually a | | | | organizes Expat Clubs with regular events to help |
| popular choice for most couples or singles allowing | | | | people meet and socialize with other Expats. |
| them close proximity to shops, restaurants and | | | | We also serve corporate clients as they develop and |
| nightlife. | | | | manage the relocation policies and employee benefit |
| Almost all expats rent their homes. If budgets allow, | | | | programs for the staff moving overseas. Services |
| it is better to rent from a developer. Private landlords | | | | include expense management, program development, |
| can be unreliable by comparison. If you're from the | | | | policy counseling, customized online reporting and full |
| US, UK or Australia, the housing you'll find will often | | | | departure and destination services for the employees. |
| not be of the quality you're used to. | | | | Crown is a private organization headquartered in |
| It's advisable to finalize permanent accommodation | | | | Hong Kong, with European HQ in London and |
| two months before the actual relocation. Most | | | | Americas HQ in Los Angeles California. |
| landlords are not willing to wait more than two | | | | |