Residents » Overview » Considering China

Living and working in Shanghai means amazing career opportunities, exciting language challenges and a fascinating cultural immersion. Living on the cheap is relatively easy here, but if you want a decadent night out, there are plenty of choices. You can enjoy food from all over Asia, mingle among a large, diverse expatriate community and participate in the fastest growing economy in the world. Shanghai life, however, comes with frustrations: it's crowded, noisy, and chaotic. People push on the subway, bicycles squeal at incredibly high decibels, and the language barrier frustrates. Also, Shanghai may be within a unique economic zone but don't forget you're still in China – foreigners must follow strict visa regulations and are seen as outsiders.

The last five years have brought incredible growth to the city but it’s no longer a get-rich-quick destination – Shanghai real estate may be in danger of overheating and fewer companies enjoy open market share. The good news? Shanghai is now a much easier place to live as an expat – with world-class hospitals, a wide range of western-standard accommodation, and dozens of accredited international schools.