Communication Concerns
I studied Mandarin in college, how well will that prepare me for living in Shanghai ?
Well, depending on your knack for languages, most people that have studied Chinese before arriving in Shanghai, are shocked by their inability to carry on any type of conversation. This is in part due to the differences in accents between the Mandarin studied at foreign universities and the Mandarin that is spoken in Shanghai. Living in a Mandarin speaking country will present more communication problems that attending a 6 hour-a-week university Mandarin class!
I hear that citizens of Shanghai speak “Shanghainese,” will I be able to understand them ?
Native Shanghai citizens do speak “Shanghainese,” the local dialect that is vastly different from Mandarin. However, the good thing is that 99% of people under the age of 50 speak fluent Mandarin as well. When you encounter a Shanghainese local, he/she will not attempt to speak “Shanghainese” with you, only Mandarin.
Being that Shanghai has a major Western influence, do many people speak English ?
It is true that Shanghai has more English-speakers than any other city in China, however the typical every day Shanghainese citizen cannot speak English in any form or fashion. Most English-speaking Chinese are college educated businessmen and women, mainly concentrated in the international parts of downtown Shanghai. Speaking and understanding Mandarin is an integral part of Shanghai.
So basically if I don’t speak Chinese I’m dead ?
Far from it. You won’t be able to haggle over prices, or vent your frustration in hope for a little more than a condescending smile from your confused taxi driver, that’s for sure. But you will still be able to get around. Road signs also carry the names of the streets in “pinyin” (the romanized version of Mandarin). Worst case scenario, have your destination written in Chinese and show it to your taxi driver.
How do I order food if restaurant staffs don’t speak English ?
Most menus in better restaurants also carry an English description of the dishes. Very helpful and also of great entertainment value. If there is no English available on the menu, there will be pictures of the dishes. If no English and no pictures, there’s always McDonald’s. Just kidding…
Health Concerns
Is it safe to eat the food and drink the water in Shanghai ?
Overall, the food is safe to eat. While Chinese food safety and sanitation procedures are not quite up to par with Western standards, overall, the food is safe to eat. Local meat should be cooked thoroughly and vegetables must be washed before consumption. The occasional stomachache may occur, but its nothing any over-the-counter medication can’t cure. Now local tap water on the other hand, should never be drank. Bottled water is readily available at most convenience and grocery stores, and many restaurants. All local water should be boiled before consumption as tea, coffee etc. Brushing your teeth or taking a bath with local water presents no problem.
What if I experience an emergency and need to go to the hospital ?
There are hospitals all throughout Shanghai, along with minor emergency clinics and doctors’ offices. Most hospitals have special foreign wards to treat foreign patients, with some employing English-speaking, foreign trained doctors. Being that this is the case in only some hospitals, communication can present a problem. In some cases of specialized, complicated surgical procedures for foreigners, a Shanghai hospital will stabilize the patient and transfer him/her to a Hong Kong hospital.
Should I retain health insurance for any medical needs ?
Health insurance is widely advisable. While health care in China is less expensive than in foreign countries, bills can add up. Every kind of insurance is available to foreigners in Shanghai: medical, dental, optical, life etc. Insurance obtained outside of China is accepted as well; check with your current insurance company to determine if your plan will cover you for your stay in China.
Monetary Concerns
What is the most frequently used type of payment in Shanghai ?
Like most other countries, cash is the most common form. RMB, the Chinese currency, is accepted as payment for virtually all realms of services rendered. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diner’s club) are also accepted in a growing number of shops, grocery stores, restaurants, bars, hotels and other local places of business. Checks are generally used for payment of large sums of money and are not accepted for everyday items such as food, drink, transportation etc. It is advised to always carry some cash on your person.
Are ATMs widely available in Shanghai ?
Yes, ATM machines are available all throughout Shanghai. Most major ATM cards are accepted at local ATM machines. However, many foreigners choose to open their own bank accounts at local banks in Shanghai to avoid the expensive, international withdrawal fees.
In what form should I bring my money to Shanghai ?
Traveler’s checks are always the safest and most secure way to travel with money. The Chinese government will allow you to bring $10,000 (US) in foreign currency in the country without imposing a duty. While it is not advisable to carry around that kind of money, international certified checks are accepted at major banks and wire transfers from foreign financial institutions are also a common way to get your money into China. Many foreign banks also operate in Shanghai.
Where do I exchange foreign currency ?
Any bank has an exchange counter where you can safely have your currency exchanged into RMB. While perfectly safe to do so, the rates offered by most banks aren’t great. You will show your passport to the bank teller and get a receipt for the amount of money you exchanged. Keep that receipt in case you ever want to have RMB exchanged into foreign currency. Also keep in mind that even while having a receipt, the amount of foreign currency you can get cannot exceed the amount you had previously exchanged.
And if I want a better rate ?
Some mom and pop stores actually do exchange your dollars or euros or other foreign currency. They do offer better rates. Theoretically, the chances of stumbling upon fake bills are greater if you choose to do it this way, but I must say it’s never happened to us. Needless to say you don’t get a receipt here.
Housing Concerns
I will be studying in Shanghai, do I have to live in an on-campus dormitory ?
No, you do not. While dormitory housing is available and commonly used, many foreign students prefer to live off campus in a rented apartment. This route is comparatively less expensive and provides more convenience due to the school-imposed restrictions on dormitory living. Apartments are available in any size and generally start at 1500 RMB ($185 US) per month, depending on the amenities, location, etc.
If I rent an apartment what type of rental contracts are available to me ?
Renting an apartment will require you to sign at least a 6-month lease. Usually, longer- term contracts are more favorable to both parties: the landlord and the tenant. Deposits, returned on the last day of your contract, are required on all types of apartments. The usual amount of your deposit is 2 months rent.
What if I sign a 1-year contract, for example, but I need to return home unexpectedly before the contract expires ?
This is a tricky question. While unexpected emergencies do occur, negotiations with your landlord are possible. It is a good idea to bring up this possibility before you actually sign the contract. It may involve forfeiting your deposit or some other form of reimbursement.
Is it possible to get cable and internet connections in my apartment ?
Yes. Cable TV, satellite, broadband internet access etc. are all available to you. Sinefun can assist you in acquiring whichever amenities you desire at the most affordable rates.
Visa and Passport Concerns
Do I need to a visa to enter China ?
Citizens of most countries are required to have valid passports and visas to enter Shanghai. The type of visa required depends on the nature and duration of your stay in Shanghai. Please contact Sinefun to determine if a visa, or what type of visa, is required for your entry and stay in Shanghai.
Can I extend my visa in Shanghai ?
Yes. But different regulations apply to different visas and different situations. Make sure you contact us with the specifics of your situation, so that we can arrange your extension.
What is my visa has expired ?
Needless to say that this is an undesirable situation. You will be fined 500 RMB for each day your visa has been expired, with the combined fines amounting to maximum 5000 RMB. While some may think that’s not too bad, be aware that such a fine may also bring about other consequences, such as possible denial of re-entry, etc.
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