Shanghai, China π¨π³
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Shanghai is the largest city in China and a global financial hub, known for its modern skyline and rich cultural history. |
| π₯ Population | Approx. 24 million |
| π» Internet Speed | Average 100 Mbps |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 CNY β 0.14 USD, ATMs widely available, major cards accepted |
| π° Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended |
| π Power | 220V, 50Hz, π Type A/C/E sockets |
| πΆ SIM Card | Providers include China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom with prices starting around Β₯100 for basic data plans. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | Common banks include HSBC, Citibank, and local options accepting international cards. |
| π Accommodation | Options range from serviced apartments to Airbnb with price averages around Β₯5,000 - Β₯12,000 per month depending on the area. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. |
| π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, ζΏε€©δΈ (Fang.com), and local real estate agencies offer various short-term rental options. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Mingtown Nanjing Road Youth Hostel starting at Β₯150 per night. |
Working and Networking
| π’ Best Coworking Space | WeWork in Jing'an offers modern facilities and networking opportunities. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | LβAvenue CafΓ© has a great ambiance and Wi-Fi, perfect for remote working. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Meetups and various expat groups regularly hold networking events, check platforms like Meetup.com. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | The Shanghai Expat group on Facebook often lists social gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi Chuxing is the dominant ride-hailing app, like Uber. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobike and Ofo offer bike-sharing services throughout the city. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Huangpu River beaches like Jinxiu Road Beach are about 40 minutes away. |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | China Eastern Airlines serves many regional destinations. |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | Air China and China Southern are major carriers operating internationally. |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | Connected via G1501 and G60 highways, facilitating easy travel. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station connect to major cities. |
| π Public Transport Passes | Shanghai Public Transport Card offers discounts; Β₯30 deposit plus top-up required. |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | High-speed trains are available for regional cities, travel can be booked via the China Railway app. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | Ruijin Hospital is one of the top hospitals in Shanghai for expats. |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Pure Yoga offers various classes with multiple locations. |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Anytime Fitness have outlets across the city. |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundries like Laundry World provide service across the city, with delivery options available. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | Ele.me and Meituan are popular food delivery apps with wide selections. |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) at Din Tai Fung. |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Pure & Whole offers healthy vegan meals at various locations. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | Lady M serves exquisite cakes and is popular among locals. |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | Tongchuan Road Food Market offers affordable local snacks. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | JD.com and Alibaba are leading e-commerce platforms in China. |
| π Grocery Delivery | Freshippo offers grocery delivery services with a large selection of produce. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Bund has numerous popular bars and clubs with stunning views. |
| π» Local Brewery | Shanghai Brewery produces craft beer and offers brewery tours. |
| π· Wine Bars | El Coctel offers a fine selection of wines in a cozy atmosphere. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | Nanjing Road is famous for its variety of street food options. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | The Italian eatery Mercato by Jean-Georges is a must-visit for Italian food lovers. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Bund showcases Shanghai's iconic skyline, while Yu Garden offers a glimpse into the city's history. |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Shanghai Museum displays ancient Chinese art, and M50 is great for contemporary art. |
| π° Historical Sites | Jade Buddha Temple is a must-see for its intricate architecture. |
| π Religious Sites | St. Ignatius Cathedral represents beautiful Gothic architecture. |
| π Annual Events | Shanghai International Film Festival is held annually, attracting global filmmakers. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | Tianzifang offers a mix of arts, crafts, and cafes in traditional Shikumen buildings. |
| π Theater Venues | Shanghai Grand Theatre features a variety of performances including opera and ballet. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | Yuyuan Bazaar is a great place for shopping traditional crafts and souvenirs. |
| πΌ Music Scene | The Bandstand in Fuxing Park offers free performances and a vibrant local music scene. |
| π¨ Street Art | The walls of M50 Creative Park showcase impressive street art. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | The Shanghai Cooking School offers classes to learn traditional Chinese cooking. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | The Power Station of Art hosts contemporary art exhibitions. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The former French Concession features beautiful colonial architecture. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | Shanghai's unique culture is reflected in its traditional lifestyles and cuisines. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | Zhujiajiao Water Town offers scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden provides an escape into a lush environment. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Huangpu River Promenade offers scenic routes for cycling and walking. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | Oriental Pearl Tower offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Shanghai Wetland Park is a good spot for birdwatching. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Lujiazui Riverside Park has designated areas for picnics and gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | SF Express and EMS provide reliable parcel delivery services across China. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Beijing Zhongguancun Technology provides various tech repair options. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have public ping pong tables available for use. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | Mandarin House offers language courses aimed at expats. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | Shanghai Library is a central spot for reading and studying. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | Shanghai Community Center hosts a range of events and classes for expats. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Street Fighter Cafe offers gaming facilities and an energetic atmosphere. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | While gambling is restricted in mainland China, some expat clubs offer other games. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯80,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯3,200,000) |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯50,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯2,000,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯90,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯5,400,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯60,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯3,600,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯85,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯6,800,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯55,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯4,400,000) |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% typical on dividends |
| π¦ Tax System | Resident-based income taxation with progressive rates up to 45% |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| π§Ύ VAT | 13% standard VAT rate |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations apply. |
| π Property Tax | Annual property tax based on rental income or value, local regulations may vary. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | 3% to 5% depending on property type. |