An Expat Talks about Living in Shanghai, China

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Shanghai

How long have you lived there?

3 years

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

American Women's Club Shanghai Shanghai Expatriates Association

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Traveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

As in any expat community there are things that one can do and cannot do. This is still a communist country but Shanghai feels much more freedom.

For the most part, anything goes as long as it is not critical of the government.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

The best way to come into this country is to be hired as an expat from another country.

It is difficult, but not impossible to find a job here if one moves first here hoping to find a job. One will be hired as a local though and have to live as the locals do.

Western companies will not hire one just because you are all ready living here. Be aware this country is very education conscious and degrees mean a lot. Just make sure if you do decide to come here and find a job, answer this question to yourself.."Why would a company hire you when they could get someone with a more advanced degree than you have, that speaks three other languages and the companies pay far less for these people?"

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

Shanghai, in some ways is a very modern city like Tokyo or New York but very interesting between the duplicity of the modern and old at one time.

Expat lives revolve around whatever they'd like it to be, whether it is school or family or sports or social clubs. One can find ones interest in some manner here.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

See above.