Articles
Practical guides for life in Shanghai, plus curated links to help you settle in and explore the city.
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Guides and articles for expats in Shanghai
Vivian Zhao
China Maternity Insurance for Couples Having a Baby in Shanghai
A practical guide to pregnancy insurance in Shanghai - delivery costs, waiting periods, congenital conditions, newborn care, complications coverage, and what to ask before you buy.
Acadia Advisory Group
How to Set Up a WFOE in Shanghai: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide
A practical walkthrough of every step involved in setting up a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE) in Shanghai — from pre-registration decisions to post-licensing compliance.
Vivian Zhao
Shanghai Expat Living Expenses & Cost Considerations
A planning guide to the cost categories expats and companies must budget for in Shanghai — housing, education, healthcare, transportation, visas, tax, and social insurance.
Vivian Zhao
Renting Old Shanghai Homes, Finding the Charms
A personal account of hunting for a longtang lane house in Shanghai — renovation pitfalls, nightsoil trucks, rental permits, and longtang worth exploring.
Acadia Advisory Group
How to Hire Foreign Expat Employees in Shanghai: Chinese Entity vs WFOE vs EOR
Three legal ways to hire foreign expat employees in Shanghai — through a Chinese entity, WFOE, or Employer of Record — including work permits, payroll, and compliance.
Vivian Zhao
Asian Tigers: International Moving and Relocation in China
Asian Tigers China - door-to-door household moves, relocation services, shared container shipping, and secure storage for expats in Shanghai and across China since 1988.
Vivian Zhao
Buying Medicine in Shanghai, My Shanghai Pharmacy Guide
A guide to buying medicine in Shanghai - prescriptions, preferred brands, safe disposal, and over-the-counter equivalents to common Western medicines.
Vivian Zhao
Family Impact on Becoming an Shanghai Expat
How family adjustment affects expat assignments in Shanghai - education, trailing spouses, failure rates, and building support networks in the international community.
Vivian Zhao
Living with Food Allergies in Shanghai
How to manage food allergies in Shanghai - allergen-free shopping, support groups, educating ayis and schools, emergency planning, and school safety protocols.
Vivian Zhao
MUTE Garage Shanghai – E-Bike Electric scooter rental subscriptions
MUTE Garage Shanghai - electric scooter subscription rentals with insurance, maintenance, membership benefits, and green transport from 280 RMB/month.
Vivian Zhao
Apartment Hunting in Shanghai: How to Find the Perfect Home
Districts, budgets, agents, and red flags - a step-by-step guide to renting or buying an apartment as an expat in Shanghai.
Vivian Zhao
Serviced Apartments in Shanghai: What Expats Should Know
How serviced apartments work in Shanghai - pricing, contracts, amenities, and when they beat a standard lease for expats.
Vivian Zhao
Having a Baby in Shanghai: Complete Guide
A complete guide to having a baby in Shanghai - maternity insurance, hospital choice, international and local hospitals, doulas, prenatal classes, breastfeeding, and registering your newborn.
Vivian Zhao
How to Adopt a Pet in Shanghai
Tips from Shanghai pet rescue volunteers on choosing the right animal, pet-proofing your home, vaccinations, licensing, vet care, and adoption organizations.
Vivian Zhao
Shanghai Expat Relocation Packages – Whats your worth in Shanghai ?
A look at how expat employment packages in Shanghai have changed - from full relocation deals to half-pat lump sums, school packages, and what companies offer today.
Vivian Zhao
Vision & Eye Care for Shanghai Expats
A guide to eye care in Shanghai - dry eye, examinations, ophthalmologists vs optometrists vs opticians, clinics, glasses markets, contact lenses, and sunglasses.
Vivian Zhao
Things You Need to Know About China Expat Health Insurance
Six essential points for expats shopping for health insurance in China - inpatient cover, emergency evacuation, local vs offshore policies, and navigating the healthcare system.
Vivian Zhao
The Benefits of Shanghai International Hospitals for Expats
Understanding the benefits and costs of Shanghai international hospitals for expats - fees, insurance, personal care, faster service, and government regulation.
Vivian Zhao
Top International Hospitals for Expats in Shanghai
A practical overview of English-friendly hospitals and clinics in Shanghai - from emergency care to family doctors and specialist referrals.