[SOLVED] Expatriate packets, International human resource management – Business Finance

This is MBA – International Human Resource Management course.Deliver:1. Read “HRM Week 7-Expatriate packets requirements.docx” 2. Read “Example of Scotland_Orientation.doc” and “Example of Tokyo, Japan.doc”3. Follow the requirements and examples, Add the missing information and Delete the unnecessary information in “HRM week 7-checking assignment .docx”. 4. Correct the APA format and write the sentences and paragraphs like these two examples. 5. All the information are from the reference. I am not sure IF I can COPY the reference into the paper directly. IF it is not acceptable/ allow, Please write them in your own words. This is graduate students level paper. Please write your answers professional. Thank you. Original work. NO Plagiarism. It must be upload to the Turnitin website.If you don’t follow the rules, I will withdraw it.Yang 1
Human Resource Management Expatriate Summary
Dear Future Expatriate:
Congratulation on your new position as the regional marketing manager of L’Oreal Company based in Shanghai, China. As you know, you will be moving together with your spouse and
your two teenage children at least for a period of 24 months. This will mean adapting to the environment of a new country and city life. As a company, we have compiled a Human Resource
Management Expatriate Report for you which will provide a clear guide as to what you and your
family should expect to find in your new environment. This is the information regarding your
new region of operation and which all expatriates and their families that move into the country
need to have.
First, we have provided clear information about the country in general as well as more
detailed information about the city of Shanghai where you will be based. The city is located at
the southeast of China and this city with the highest population across China estimated to be
24.26 million. Other important general information included in the report is the Chinese Yuan
which is the currency used there. The nearest shopping malls include but not limited to The
Shanghai IFC Mall, Shanghai Plaza 66, Shanghai Jiu Guang Department Store, Super Brand
Mall, Grand Gateway, Shanghai Mei Long Zhen Iestan, Citic Square, Hong Kong Plaza, and
Shanghai New World Mall. Information on government regulations which immediately affects
your stay and your work has been provided too. The document also highlights all the benefits
that come with your new position including your monthly salary, house allowances, travel allowances among others as well as special allowances provided because of relocation such as air
ticket allowances, and disturbance allowance. Lastly, there is information on business trends in
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the country and more specifically the region where you have been posted. The best methods of
doing business in these areas are clearly stated.
As a company, we are fully supportive of you and want to make sure that you are able to
have a smooth transition in your new stay in China. This is something that may be often stressful
especially in the case of whole families but we will do our best in an effort to support you and
your family to gain the best out of this experience. As part of the support, the company will provide you with a person that already has adequate knowledge of the lifestyle that you will be
adapting to and this is Ms. Helen Chen who has lived and worked in the city for a long time. As
a company we wish you the best of lack in your new endeavors for both career and social life.
Kind Regards,
XXX
Human Resource Expatriate Manager
L’Oreal Company
General Information on China
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Geography
China occupies a vast land mass (over 9 million km2) and has three distinct climatic zones.
The northern part of the country, including Beijing, has severe winters with temperatures descending to artic levels, the central area, including Shanghai has a temperate climate and the
southern region a subtropical climate. The landscape of the country varies from region to region,
with mountains in the west and plains in the east. The majority of China’s agricultural land lies
around the mouths of the Huang He and Yangtze rivers, in the central eastern part of the country.
The south of the country is characterized by hills and low mountain ranges. The northwest is
drier, and includes the Gobi desert.
The area normally referred to as ‘mainland China’, which excludes Hong Kong, Macau and
Taiwan, is divided into 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities.
History
Shanghai began life as a small fishing town, which by 1000 AD was developing into a
busy sea port. City walls were constructed in 1553, and this is generally regarded as the date that
Shanghai attained city status. The city and its port were occupied by the British during the first of
the Opium Wars (early 19th century) after which the port was opened for international trade. In
1854, the Shanghai Municipal Council was created to manage the city’s foreign settlements. The
British and American Settlements were merged in 1863 to form the International Settlement,
while the French chose to maintain and manage their own French Concession.
Following the Sino-Japanese War (1894-95) Japan emerged as an additional foreign power
in Shanghai. Japan built the first factories in Shanghai, and other foreigners soon followed their
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example, giving birth to industrial Shanghai. In the second Sino-Japanese War (1937-45) Shanghai fell to the Japanese and was under occupation until Japan’s surrender in 1945. During World
War Two, Shanghai was one of the few world cities open to fleeing Jews, until, under pressure
from their allies, the Japanese created the Shanghai ghetto in 1941. On May 27, 1949, Shanghai
came under Communist control and many foreign companies relocated from the city to Hong
Kong. Economic reforms were finally authorized in 1991 and the government began a policy of
reducing Shanghai’s tax burden and encouraging investment. Since then, the economic growth of
the city has been 9-15% per annum and it continues to rise in prominence as a major trade and
finance centre.
Languages
The Chinese language has several major dialects. The most common dialect, spoken by
70% of the Chinese population and used for signs and notices, is Mandarin. In Shanghai, the local language is Shanghainese, a dialect of Wu Chinese, although Mandarin is the official language. The majority of people under 26 will be able to speak some English, as it is taught as a
mandatory part of the curriculum in Chinese schools.
Politics
The Communist Party of China (CPC) are the ruling political party in the country. There
are not any realistic opposition parties and political dissidents are rigorously discouraged, making it difficult to gauge the general level of support for the government amongst the populace.
The People’s Republic of China replaced the Taiwan-based Republic of China in the
United Nations in 1971 and is now considered the sole representative of ‘China’. The country
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maintains diplomatic relations with most nations of the world, although it insists that these countries recognize its claim to Taiwan and do not have any contact with the Republic of China government. China’s international relations are not without strain; there have been diplomatic incidents with the United States, Japan and many other western nations, particularly following the
government’s response to the Tainanmen Square protests in 1989. Relations with Japan remain
difficult due to Japan’s failure, in Chinese eyes, to adequately recognize the atrocities committed
during the second world war. This has been exacerbated by repeated visits by Japanese officials
to the Yasukani shrine, built in remembrance of thousands of World War Two war criminals.
Although the constitution of the People’s Republic of China guarantees freedom of speech,
the right to a fair trial, press freedom, the right to follow a religion and the right to vote, in reality
political censorship is widespread. Although individuals are accorded the right to protest, any organized demonstration is quickly suppressed. Organized opposition to the ruling party is not tolerated. Concerns have often been raised by the international community about China’s record on
human rights, with many allegations of abuses. China has the highest number of death penalty
executions in the world, accounting for roughly 90% of the world total in 2004.
Shanghai holds and important position in Chinese politics and many politicians who had risen
through the ranks in the city move on to senior government posts in Beijing.
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Holidays and Festivals in China
Economy of Shanghai
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The Chinese government has adopted a strategy of moving away from a Soviet-style centralized economy to a more mixed economy, allowing private enterprise to flourish and encouraging significant foreign investment in the country. China became a member of the World Trade
Organization in 2001. In order to stimulate foreign trade, five Special Economic Zones have
been created, with relaxed investment laws benefiting overseas investors. This scheme has been
extended to major Chinese cities, including Shanghai and Beijing.
China has one of the fastest developing economies in the world. Low cost manufacturing
is a key element of its success, with Chinese companies often able to produce goods at a price far
lower than that of their competitors. It holds a substantial share of the world textile industry and
much of the clothing sold in western department stores will have been manufactured in China.
High tech industries are increasingly well represented in the country, while satellite launches
and, in 2003, a manned space flight demonstrated new levels of technological development. The
government has reformed tax and financial systems in recent years to encourage growth in these
areas.
When Shanghai came under Communist control in 1949, many foreign companies relocated from the city to Hong Kong. Many of these businesses have now been encouraged to return
to Shanghai and the city has a booming financial and business centre with a concentration of
large multinationals. Economic reforms were finally authorized in 1991 and the government began a policy of reducing Shanghai’s tax burden and encouraging investment. Since then, the economic growth of the city has been 9-15% per annum and it continues to rise in prominence as a
major trade and finance centre. In 2005, its port was the biggest in the world in terms of cargo
throughput, and was third behind Singapore and Hong Kong for container traffic.
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An Overview of Shanghai
Shanghai is one of the four municipalities which, along with the 22 provinces and 5 autonomous regions form the People’s Republic of China. It is the largest city in the People’s Republic
of China and in administrative terms has the same rights as a province.
The city is divided into 18 districts and one county. The city centre does not fall in a single district, but is spread across several of them. The business areas are centred on Lujiazui on the east
bank of the Huangpu River and the Bund and Hongqiao areas in the west bank of the Huangpu
River. A new financial district has been constructed on the bank of the Huangpu river in Pudong.
The city hall and major administration units are located in Huangpu District. Commercial areas
include Nanjing Road, in the Huangpo District, Xintiandi and Huaihai Road in Luwan district
and Xujiahui in Xuhui District. The city faces the East China Sea and is bisected by the Huangpo
river.
Shanghai is developing at a rapid pace, with innovative architecture and high rise developments adding to the impression of a modern, forward looking city. Town planners aim to include
parks and green areas to improve the quality of life for city dwellers. Shanghai has historically
been very western in lifestyle and outlook and is a critical communication point with the western
world.
The climate is cold in the winter, with freezing temperatures and a 32 degrees average during the summer months. Heavy rain is common in early summer and the spring can be changeable, with warm periods interspersed with spells of heavy rain. The city can be affected by typhoons, but none has caused any significant damage in recent years.
Preparing for Your Move to Shanghai
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When you decide to live abroad, you should inform your tax office of the change. Some
tax authorities, including the UK Inland Revenue, have special rules for people who are going to
work abroad and will be out of the country for at least a complete tax year, enabling you to become non-resident for tax purposes with effect from the day that you leave the country.
If you keep an address in your previous country you can still pay your owed tax at term. The
problem is different when you move your furniture.
Evidence of tax paid can be demanded. Whatever the situation, we strongly advise you to
go to your local tax office and ask for details.
Customs and import to Shanghai
Import and export of currency to and from China is limited to 6,000 RMB (CNY). Additional currency must be declared to the Chinese customs staff at your point of entry or exit. Foreign currency, such as US dollars, must also be declared on import.
If your household goods are shipped to China, they will only be released once residence
and import permits have been obtained. Your removal company will need copies of your passport, residence permit, and work permit in order to make an application for an import permit.
This process can take up to three weeks, so it is advisable to take any items that you will need
immediately with you as personal luggage. The following items will be subject to customs duty
upon import:
•
Many electrical goods, even if they are not new (this includes televisions, DVD players,
air conditioning units, white goods and office electronics)
•
Furniture
•
Compact discs and video tapes in excess of 100 items
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If you are taking Oriental antiques with you as part of your personal effects, they should be
described in detail in the customs schedule. Strict export rules to prevent the export of items of
historic or cultural importance have been introduced and if you cannot prove that an item was in
your possession when you arrived in China, you may experience problems when you try to export it to your home country at the end of your stay.
You will not be permitted to import a motorcycle to China unless you have diplomatic
status. It is possible to import your car, but the difficulties of obtaining an import permit make
purchasing a vehicle after your arrival a more attractive proposition.
Each resident permit holder is allowed to take one dog or cat into China. You must be in
possession of the original certificate of rabies vaccination for the animal. There is currently no
quarantine requirement at Shanghai airport. The owner should arrange for a veterinary inspection
to confirm the good health of the animal upon arrival.
Under no circumstances will you be permitted to take printed or recorded material deemed
to be detrimental to the public interest into China. Similarly, when departing, you will not be allowed to take anything with you that is viewed as compromising to state secrecy.
Passport, Visa & Permits to Shanghai
Visa Types
Health Certificate
Before applying for visas or work permits, you are required to undergo a health check to
confirm that you are not affected by any serious or infectious diseases, including HIV / AIDS. In
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Shanghai, the examination can be carried out at the Shanghai International Travel Health Care
Centre, located at 1701 Hami Lu, Tel: 6268-6408 ext 56/57. You will need to take your passport,
two passport photographs and evidence of your employment with you.
You can alternatively have the necessary tests performed by your own doctor / medical
centre before leaving your home country. If you choose to do this, you should take the following
documentation to the International Travel Healthcare Centre, where they can issue you with a
Healthcare Certificate:
•
A letter from your doctor stating that you are in good health
•
Original copies of chest x-ray, HIV test and tests for sexually transmitted diseases
•
A complete application form for a Health Certificate (available from the International
Travel Health Care Centre)
•
Evidence of your employment, including Employment License
•
Your passport
•
Two passport photographs
Entry Visa
Foreigners who wish to work in China must apply for a Working Visa (Z). This visa type
is issued to foreigners who will be employed in China , and their accompanying family members.
It is an entry visa and as such must be exchanged for a Residence Permit within 30 days of entry
into the country.
When applying for a visa, you will be asked to provide:
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•
A completed Visa Application form. The form can be downloaded from the official website of the Chinese Embassy in your home country, or obtained from the local embassy or
consulate.
•
Two 2″ X 2″ passport photos showing the applicant’s full face
•
Your Health Certificate
•
Current passport, which must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of
travel and must have more than two blank visa pages remaining
•
Employment License from either your proposed employer in China or from the provincial
or municipal labour authority, accompanied by a letter from your employer confirming
your employment in China
The fee for application for your first visa varies depending upon your country of origin.
Some examples are shown below (all fees shown in RMB):
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Employment Visas
All foreign nationals working in China require a work permit. The application should be
made on your behalf by your employer. In Shanghai, applications for work permits are processed
at the Labour Bureau Foreign Employment Administration Office, located at 215 Jiangxi Road,
Tel: 6323-3078. With your application for a work permit, you should provide:
•
Your application letter and a copy of your resume
•
The contract of employment that you have signed with your company
•
Health Certificate
•
Passport and a photocopy of the photo page
•
3 passport size photos
Residence Visa
Applicants for Shanghai Residence Permits are required to provide the following documentation:
•
Completed Shanghai Residence Permit (Overseas People) Application Form
•
A valid passport and a copy of the entry permit
•
If you are married and also applying for a residence permit for your spouse, a copy of
your marriage certificate is required
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•
If you are also applying for residence permits for your children, copies of their birth certificates are required
•
Copy of overseas degree or diploma certificate. If this is not in Chinese or English, you
must obtain an official translation from the Ministry of Education
•
Evidence of your address in Shanghai, such as a tenancy agreement
•
A six month valid health certificate – these are issued by the International Traveling
Healthcare Centre of Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine of People’s Republic of China
(No.15 on Jinbin Road, or No.1701 on Hami Road)
•
Two recent passport photographs
•
A letter from your employer confirming your employment
Your residence permit is tied to your employer. If you change employers whilst in China,
you will have to apply for a new residence permit.
You can obtain further advice on visa requirements from your consulate.
Do not mix consulate and embassy. The embassy is the representation of the State in a foreign country and is in charge of all the relations with the government of the country where located. The consulate protects and administrates the community coming from his country. However, you must usually live in the country for 6 months before you can register. You will learn all
the information by asking the Consulate.
International Removal Companies to Shanghai
When moving to Shanghai, you will have the choice of shipping (cheaper, but slower) or
having your possessions sent by air freight.
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You removals company will be able to estimate the volume of goods to be shipped, list
specific objects (including fragile items) and specify the way that furniture will be dismantled
and reassembled, prior to providing an estimate of the cost of your removal. preliminary estimate
will be established. On the day of the removal, a team will arrive to carry out the task. Every box
will be listed (necessary to check if any box has been lost). Everything should be wrapped with
specific protection. Containers are then sealed (check carefully) and forwarded to their destination. Classical problems are: containers are 32 m3 and the more you have, the longer it may take
to transport your belongings; always check the date of delivery by calling the company; check
seals at the departure and upon arrival; avoid the end of the summer holiday; and as you have to
check the furniture upon arrival, be sure to be able to read and understand the list. European
white goods will generally be useable in Shanghai, but those purchased in the USA operate on a
different voltage.
Your remover will be able to provide details of the level of insurance that is available for
your possessions whilst they are in transit. You must read the policy document carefully and ensure that you fully understand any sections that may limit the liability of the removal company in
the event of loss of, or damage to, your goods. If you require storage for some of your possessions, such as bulky items of furniture, your remover may be able to offer this service or recommend a local supplier.
It is extremely difficult to import your car into China if you do not have diplomatic status.
If you want to own a car in Shanghai, the simpler course of action is to buy one when you arrive.
The following companies offer a service to Shanghai:
•
Raffles Movers: http://www.rafmover.com/
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•
JVK International Removers: http://www.jvkmovers.com/
•
Links Relocations: http://www.linksrelo.com/
•
Excess Baggage : http://www.excess-baggage.com/
•
Allfreight:http://www.allfreight.co.uk/Moving_to_the_Far_East.html
Health Insurance & Services
How to find a General Practitioner, doctor, physician in Shanghai?
China is working towards its aim of basic healthcare availability for all of its citizens, although there is not a ‘national health service’ and everyone has to pay for medical care. Due to the
pressures placed on the public health system by an aging population and increased awareness of
general health issues, people are now being encouraged to subscribe to health insurance policies.
GP
English-speaking doctors practice at the following medical centers:
•
World Link Medical Center
•
No. 203 W Shanghai Centre 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu
•
Telephone: (86-21) 6279 7688 or (86 21) 6279 8129
•
Shanghai Seaman’s Hospital
•
505 Dong Chang Zhi Road
•
Telephone: (86-21) 6595 2822
•
MedicoAsia Group AMIC clinic
•
Zhongshan Hospital C-3F, No. 180 Fenglin Road
•
Telephone: (86 136) 8165 3773
•
Immigration Medical Centre Shanghai Power Hospital
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•
13/F, 937 West Yan An Road Shanghai 200 050
•
Telephone: (86-21) 5239 8391
Your embassy will often be able to provide you with a list of doctors or dentists from your
home country who are practicing locally.
Many health centers also have Chinese medicine practitioners who are able to speak English.
Hospitals
Shanghai has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, with international staff.
Many large hospitals also have VIP or foreigners’ clinics (gaogan bingfang) where you can expect to find up to date technology and English-speaking doctors and nurses. If you attend a private hospital, you will often be asked for a deposit or payment in advance of any treatment.
The following international hospitals and VIP clinics offer healthcare for foreigners in Shanghai:
•
International SOS – Address: 11C, Guangdong Development Bank Tower 555 Xujiahui
Road Tel: 62959951
•
World Link Medical Centres, Portman Clinic – Address: Shanghai Center, Suite 203 West
, 1376, Nanjing West Road Tel: 62797668/ appointments: 62798678 E-mail: admin@worldlink-shanghai.com
•
World Link Medical Centres, Hong Qiao – Address: Mandarine City, Unit 30, 788 Hong
Xu Lu Tel: 64055788
•
AEA International Address: 189 Zhongshan Xi Lu Tel: 62590099
•
Huashan Worldwide Medical Center Foreigner’s Clinic Address: 15th Floor, Zong He Lu,
12 Wulumuqi Lu Tel: 62483986
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•
Huadong Hospital Foreign Clinic Address: 2nd Floor, 221 , Yanan West Road Tel:
62484867
•
Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University Address: 197, Ruijin Er Road Tel:
64370045
•
Renji Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University Address: 145, Shandong Middle
Road Tel: 63260930
•
Zhongshan Hospital Address: 180, Fenglin Road Tel: 6404 1990
Dental Services
•
Arrail Dental Address: Unit 204, Lippo Plaza, 222 Huai Hai Zhong Road Tel: 53966538/
53966539/ 53563380
•
Dr. Harriet Jin’s Dental Surgery Address: Room 17C, Sun Tong Infoport Plaza, No. 55
Huai Hai West Road Tel: 5298799 E-mail: harrietjin@online.sh.cn
Ambulances are not generally well-equipped and it may be better to take a taxi or your
own vehicle to the hospital in the case of an emergency.
Vaccines and Medicines in Shanghai
Medical costs are generally low, however, and most well-known general medicines are
widely available.
Visitors are often advised to have vaccinations prior to departing for China; your government’s website will list the recommendations currently in force.
Pharmacies
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China has strict rules on the import of medicines and not all drugs commonly prescribed
to westerners will be readily available. You are allowed to bring small amounts of prescription
drugs into the country in your personal baggage. You should bring a copy of your prescription
with you as customs officers may need to check it.
Chinese medicine is of course popular and Chinese remedies are readily available from the
many stores in the city.
International healthcare, medical insurance in Shanghai
Until recently, healthcare in urban areas was provided for free, but due to the pressures
placed on the public health system by an aging population and increased awareness of general
health issues, people are being encouraged to subscribe to health insurance policies.
If you are not provided with insurance by your employer, you will find a wide variety of
companies offering medical insurance to the expatriate in China. As with all insurance purchases, it is important to compare the policies on offer carefully, paying particular attention to
the ‘small print’ and exclusions of each policy to ensure that you fully understand the level of
cover provided. Almost all policies will exclude pre-existing medical conditions from cover,
while others may exclude ‘high risk’ leisure activities, the definition of which can vary from policy to policy. Many policies have a limit on the amount payable per treatment, or in a given calendar year and some even limit the number of days hospital stay that you will be covered for.
If you need to make a claim, make sure that you fully understand your insurance company’s requirements. Many insurance companies will require that the doctor/dentist who provided
the treatment completes part or all of the claim form; while he or she might find this task a nui-
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sance, you may have to insist if you want your claim to be successful. There are also cultural differences with regard to the level of information that is released to the patient and in some cases,
you may find that you have to be persistent in order to get full details of your treatment from
your doctor.
Dental insurance policies are also available, often as an add-on to medical insurance policies, but they can be very expensive. Check carefully what the policy covers, particularly with
regard to routine work such as examinations, x-rays and dental hygiene services.
Living in China
Embassy / Consulates Location
USA
1469 Huaihai Zhong Rd.
Shanghai 200031
Tel: +86-21-64336880
Fax: +86-21-62798401
E-mail: shngi-cs@international.gc.ca
Website: http://shanghai.usembassy-china.org.cn/
GERMANY
18th Floor,188 Wujiang Rd.
Shanghai 200041
Tel: +86-21-62172884
Fax: +86-21-62714650
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E-mail: info@gk-shanghai.org.cn
AUSTRALIA
L22,CITIC Square
1168 Nanjing Xi Rd.
Shanghai 200041
Tel: +86-21-52925500
Website: http://www.shanghai.china.embassy.gov.au/
Opening Hours: 08:30 to 17:00 Monday to Friday, except public holidays
CANADA
604, West Tower
1376 Nanjing Road (West)
Shanghai 200040
Tel: +86-21-62798400
Fax: +86-21-62798401
E-mail: shngi-cs@international.gc.ca
Website: http://www.shanghai.gc.ca/
SPAIN
No.12 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu
Tel: +86-21-63213543
Fax: +86-21-63211396
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FRANCE
12F, United Plaza
1468 Nanjing Xi Rd.
Shanghai 200040
Tel: +86-21-61032200
Fax: +86-21-61352089
E-Mail: info@consulfrance-shanghai.org
Website: http://www.consulfrance-shanghai.org/
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to17:30pm.
GREAT BRITAIN
Suite 301, Shanghai Center,
1376 Nanjing
Xi Lu
Tel: +86-21-62798103
Fax: +86-21-62798254
E-Mail: britishconsulate.shanghai@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://www.uk.cn/bj/index.asp?city=4
ITALY
11A,11B, Qihua Tower No.1375
Huaihai
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Zhong Lu
Tel: +86-21-64716980
Fax: +86-21-64716977
SWITZERLAND
22F, Building A,
Far East International Plaza No.319
Xianxia Lu
Tel: +86-21-62700519
Fax: +86-21-62700522
E-Mail: Vertretung@sha.rep.admin.ch
Website: http://www.eda.admin.ch/china_beishan/c/home.html
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am – 12 pm.
U.A.E.
UAE Embassy
191 Ta Yuan Diplomatic Office Building
Beijing
Peoples’ Republic of China
Tel: + 86 10 653 27561
Fax: + 86 10 845 14412
E-mail: info@uaeemb.com
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Housing
Finding Accommodation, Flatsharing, Hostels in Shanghai
The most popular districts for expatriates in Shanghai are Puxi and Pudong, where you
will find a good selection of expatriate housing. Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu River and
the names of these districts mean ‘East’ (Pudong) and ‘West’ (Puxi), referring to their position in
relation to the river.
Puxi is the bustling ‘downtown’ area of Shanghai. It is ideal if you like to be close to bars,
restaurants and shops, but more crowded than the east side of the river. Within Puxi, the following areas have proved popular with expatriates:
•
Hong Qiao area – located just 15-20 minutes from downtown Puxi, this popular areas
benefits from excellent transport links, a selection of international schools in the vicinity
and easy access to shops and other amenities. It was mainly developed in the 1990s and
has a high expatriate population. It is a good choice if you prefer to rent a villa rather than
an apartment, although prices reflect the area’s convenience. Hong Qiao is an excellent
choice for families, as many of the city’s international schools are based in this area.
•
Lu Wan, Jing An and Xu Hui areas – These central areas offer a plethora of large serviced
apartments. Due to space limitations, you will not find villas to rent in the central areas.
Expatriates choosing to live in the downtown areas will benefit from having most amenities within walking distance and better opportunities to integrate into the Chinese community.
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•
QingPu, Ming Hang, Xin Zhuang, Song Jiang and Zhudi town areas – these suburbs are
located in the west and south west and are further from the city centre, but prices are consequently considerably lower. If you have school-age children, these areas are worth considering due to their proximity to international schools.
Pudong is the more peaceful, green side of the river and is popular with people seeking
quiet surroundings:
•
Jin Qiao area – Jin Qiao has become a new expatriate haven, with a good choice of high
quality villas and apartments on offer. Many residents prefer the area to Hong Qiao due
to its choice of leisure facilities and international schools. Those who hope to become
more integrated into Chinese society may be disappointed; the area is rather lacking in
Chinese culture and character
•
Kang Qiao area – this area has expanded in recent years and benefits from its proximity to
the British International School and Shanghai Community International School. Some
parts of the area are close to industrialized zones, so it is not considered as attractive as
neighboring areas.
When considering your choice of location, it may help to consider the following:
•
What will my journey to work be like? Is there good public transport, or if I choose to
drive, is there a problem with traffic congestion during peak commuting periods?
•
How close are major roads and international airports?
•
Is there a suitable international school close by for the children, or if they are younger, a
nursery where they can be cared for during the day?
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•
Are social and leisure facilities located nearby?
•
Will the area give me the opportunity to interact with local people and learn more about
my host country?
Most expatriates will rent apartments and these are available in a range of sizes. Generally,
apartments will be fully furnished, although you will often be given the opportunity to choose
what you would like to keep and what you would like to have replaced. This can be useful if you
have decided to bring only a small selection of favorite household items from home. Generally,
kitchen appliances will be included. Serviced apartments may include extra services such as concierge, fitness centre, or maid service.
For a taste of old Shanghai, it is occasionally possible to rent an old detached house, often
with a private garden, dating from the 20s or 30s. The majority of old houses are privately owned
and you should pay careful attention to the state of the property, as they require a great deal of
maintenance to keep them in good condition. These properties are very sought after, with rental
prices reflecting the exclusivity of the property.
Some tips for finding accommodation
In the advertisements section of the English language newspapers:
•
Shanghai Daily
On the internet:
•
Space – luxury properties to rent or to buy
•
Shanghai Brian Real Estate – apartments, villas and serviced apartments in all areas
•
Shanghai Metropolis – apartments and villas on both sides of the river
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•
Shanghai Properties – dealing with high-end serviced villas and apartments
Youth Hostel
Shanghai’s two youth hostels are located in the historic part of the city, close to the Bund.
•
The Captain Youth Hostel is located at No. 37 Fuzhou Rd, Shanghai City, 200080. Tel.
86-21-63235053 Fax. 86-21-63219331
•
Email: captain@captainhostel.com.cn
•
Rooms start from 50 RMB per night.
•
The Shanghai Hiker Youth Hostel is located at 450 Jiang Xi Zhong Road, Shanghai.
•
Tel. 86-21-6329-7889
•
Email: mingtown@vip.163.com
Rent house or flat in Shanghai
Rented apartments in Shanghai are generally well equipped and are often offered fully furnished. Furnishings normally include television, stereo system and kitchen appliances. The majority of expatriate apartments will have a telephone line installed and ISDN or ADSL can be requested.
The cost of renting a furnished apartment in Shanghai is between 7,000 and 10,000 RMB
per month, dependant upon the quality of the apartment. Serviced properties can cost considerably more. Villa rental prices in purpose built expat complexes vary from 20000 to over 50000
RMB per month, whereas old houses often cost in excess of 60000 RMB per month.
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Flat sharing is becoming increasingly popular in Shanghai. To share a good-quality apartment,
you can expect to pay in the region of 2000 – 3000 RMB per month. English language newspapers and on-line forums carry advertisements from people seeking flat sharing partners.
The Lease
Most apartments in Shanghai are rented under the terms of a one year lease, although it is
sometimes possible to find an apartment to rent for a six month period. Longer leases, of two to
three years are sometimes offered and these can be tailored to include one year ‘fixed’ with a further year or two of optional tenancy. The terms of the lease will be written in both Chinese and
English, although under Chinese law, it is the Chinese version that will be used in the event of
any legal dispute. It is usually possible to request that your lease includes the ‘diplomatic clause’,
allowing you to end the agreement after a set period in the case of unforeseen changes to your
circumstances, such as being recalled to your home country.
Landlords will ask for a deposit of between one and three months’ rent as security against
any damage that you may cause to the property. The deposit should be refunded once you have
returned the property in good condition and settled any outstanding utility bills. The rent for the
property is paid in advance, directly into the landlord’s bank account, on either a monthly or a
quarterly basis. The landlord pays a 5% tax on the rental income and should issue you with a receipt called a ‘fapiao’. If your employer claims tax deductions in China for some or all of the cost
of your accommodation, you will be asked to provide them with this receipt as evidence of the
rent paid.
The landlord must take out buildings insurance for the property, but it will be your responsibility to take out a contents insurance policy for your personal belongings, if you require one. If
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you rent a high end property, for example in a complex of serviced apartments or villas, the management fees, fitness club membership and utilities are included in the rental amount.
As soon as you move in, your landlord should register you with the local police, for which they
will need a copy of your passport. If your landlord is not willing to register you, you should go to
your local police station yourself, within 30 days of moving into your rented property and present your passport and lease agreement. Failure to register with the police within this timeframe
will result in a hefty fine, which increases each day.
As with rental contracts the world over, a standard clause will be included stipulating that
the property must be kept in good condition and you will be responsible for the cost of any degradation not attributable to normal wear and tear. If you rent a furnished apartment, it will be
equipped with a range of goods, usually of a high standard. An inventory will be prepared when
you move into the property and included as an appendix to the contract. At this time, you should
also read the water and electricity meters. The inventory will be checked when you leave the
property and any damaged or lost items will be replaced at your expense.
Buy house or flat in Shanghai
There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Shanghai, but it remains relatively uncommon. Although the major international banks and many of the local banks will offer
mortgages to foreigners, subject to proof of income, the banks’ demands for a hefty 30% of the
purchase price as a deposit for the purchase probably helps to discourage prospective buyers.
It is strongly recommended that you consult an experienced Chinese solicitor prior to contemplating buying property. He or she will be able to give you up to date advice on the current and
proposed legislation regarding ownership of property by foreigners.
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If you sell your property in China, you will be exempted from Capital Gains Tax provided
you have owned it for more than five years.
Hotels and Bed and Breakfast in Shanghai
Bed and Breakfast accommodation is not widely available in Shanghai. The city has plenty
of hotels, ranging from simple hostel-style establishments to grand 5 star palaces. A three star
hotel in the city should cost between £60 and £100 per night. The major international hotel
chains are well represented in the region and you will find examples of familiar brands in the city
centre.
Budget:
•
City Hotel Shanghai: 5-7 Shan Xi Road South Shanghai 200020, Tel: +86-21-62551133,
rooms from £35/$65
•
Motel 168 – Jinqiao Road New Jinqiao 179, Shanghai 200085, bright budget hotel with
rooms from £15/$25 Tel: (+8621)63168168
•
Jin Jiang Inn Tel: (+8621)38744588 and Rujia Inn (+8621)54614638 are motel chains
with locations throughout China, offering comfortable rooms from as little as £12/$20 per
night
Mid-range:
•
Jianguo Hotel Shanghai: 439 Cao Xi Road Xu Jia Hui Shanghai 200030, Tel: +86-2164399299 – Fax: +86-21-64399433 rooms from £85/$160 per night
•
Regal Shanghai East Asia Hotel: 800 Ling Ling Road Xu Hui District Shanghai 200030,
Tel: +86-21-64155588 rooms from £45/$80 per night
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•
Rainbow Hotel Shanghai, Shanghai 2000 Yanan Road West Shanghai 200051, Tel: +8621-62753388, rooms from £60/$110
Luxury:
•
Four Seasons Hotel: 500 Weihai Road Shanghai 200041, Tel: +86-21-62568888, rooms
from £200/$375
•
Pudong Shangri-La Shanghai: 33 Fu Cheng Road Pu Dong District Shanghai 200120,
Tel: +86-21-68828888, rooms from £150/$275
•
Renaissance Pudong: 100 Changliu Road Pudong Shanghai 200134, Tel: +86-2138714888, rooms from £105/$195
•
JW Marriott Hotel at Tomorrow Square: 399 Nanjing West Road Shanghai 200003, Tel:
+86-21-53594969, rooms from £95/$180
Gas, Electricity, Water in Shanghai
Electricity in China is 220 volts/50 hz. Most buildings have universal outlets that can handle a wide variety of plug shapes. Those using US appliances will require an adaptor to handle
the difference in voltage between the US and Chinese power supplies.
If you are renting a property, use of utilities, up to an agreed limit, may be included in
your rent, particularly if you rent a serviced apartment. If you are required to settle your utility
bills directly, you will be required to provide evidence that no charges are outstanding before
your security deposit is returned by the landlord.
In the event of a power or water supply emergency, the following hotlines are available:
•
Power Supply Hot-line: 95598
•
Water Supply Hot-line: 962450
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•
Gas Supply Hot-line: 962777
Emergency services in Shanghai
The emergency numbers in Shanghai are:
•
Fire: 119
•
First Aid / Emergency Ambulance: 120
•
Police: 110
You should be aware that the ambulance service is much smaller than in many western
countries and is mainly used by the hospitals and for the transport of road accident victims. If
you need to get to a hospital urgently, it is generally faster to take your own transport or to call a
taxi.
The following hospitals in Shanghai operate and Accident and Emergency service:
•
Shanghai United Family Hospital and Clinic Tel: 5133 1999
•
Shanghai Children’s Medical Centre Tel: 5873 2020
•
Shanghai Huashan Hospital Foreigner’s Clinic 15th floor Tel: 6248 9999
•
Shanghai Huadong Hospital Foreigner’s Section, 2nd Floor Tel: 6248 3180 ext. 3106 BP:
6329 5588
•
Shanghai No. 1 People’s Hospital International Medical Centre Tel: 6306 9485 (Appointments) Tel: 6306 9480 (Administration)
•
Ruijin Hospital Tel: 021 6437 0045 x 668101 (Outpatients and Emergencies only); Tel:
6324 0090 x 668202 (24-hour house calls)
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Education and Childcare in China
School system in Shanghai
Due to the high number of foreign workers in Shanghai, the range of schools available is
impressive and it is likely that your children will be able to follow the curriculum and school system of your home country.
The state-funded schools are not usually a good option for the children of expatriates, as
they are geared towards meeting the needs of the local Chinese population and all tuition takes
place in Mandarin. The standards of private schools are generally high and your children will
have the benefit of leaving with an education and qualifications that will be recognized when you
return home.
School hours are 8 a.m./8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Many international schools organize a
school bus service, for which an annual subscription is payable.
International Schools in Shanghai
•
The British International School Shanghai
•
Nursery, Primary and Secondary
http://www.bisshanghai.com
•
Founded in 2002, the school has two campuses, in Puxi and Pudong, and offers the English National Curriculum and IB Diploma Program to students from 18 months to 18
years. Through its approach to High Performance Learning, based on applying models
previously reserved for ‘gifted and talented’ groups to all students, they help all their students to achieve beyond expectations.
•
Annual tuition fees for the 2014-2015 academic year: 96,210 to 271,530 RMB
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•
Shanghai American School
•
Pre-nursery to Grade 12
•
www.saschina.org
The largest international school in China, with 2300 pupils from over 40 countries, the
school offers an American-based curriculum. The school has two campuses, Puxi and Pudong.
•
Annual tuition fees for the 2006-2007 academic year range from $11500 for kindergarten
to $20000
•
Ecole Francaise de Shanghai
•
Maternelle, elementaire and college/lycee
•
http://ef.shanghai.online.fr/
•
The school offers French curriculum at all levels. Pupils also receive lessons in English,
Mandarin and Chinese culture.
•
Annual tuition fees for the 2006-2007 academic year range from 39047 RMB for maternelle to 94131 RMB for lycee
•
German School of Shanghai
•
Kindergarten to Abitur
www.ds-shanghai.de
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•
Founded in 1995 the German School and Kindergarten Shanghai comprises of two locations – the EuroCampus in Puxi and the German School in Pudong, which was newly
opened in 2007.
•
The German School Shanghai offers education from Kindergarten to high school graduation (German and international).
•
Concordia International School
Pre-school (3 to 4 year olds) to High School
www.ciss.com.cn
The school offers the American curriculum, with a complementary selection of Chinese
and Asian study options
•
Annual tuition fees for the 2006-2007 academic year range from 138,850 RMB for preschool to 185,300 RMB for Grade 12
•
Shanghai Community International Schools
•
Nursery to Grade 12
•
www.scis-his.org
•
The school offers tuition based on the American curriculum, that aims to meet the requirements of many western countries by adopting best practices from around the globe.
SCIS is made up of four schools, located in Pudong, Hongqiao and Hangzhou. The
school runs many special interest courses for its students, as well as offering support services for pupils with special needs.
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•
Annual tuition fees for the 2012-2013 academic year range from 65,000 RMB for nursery
to 210,000 RMB for Grades 6-12
•
Yew Chung International School of Shanghai
•
Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary
•
http://www.ycis-sh.com/
•
The school was the first international school in Shanghai to be officially recognized by
and registered with the Chinese government. It has three campuses, at Hongqiao, Gubei
and Pudong. The Gubei campus offers boarding facilities for pupils whose families are
working elsewhere in China. The school’s curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England, which is augmented with Chinese language and culture lessons and violin instruction. The is used for Years 10 and 11, while the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) is used for the last two years of Secondary school, Years 12 and
13.
•
Annual tuition fees for the 2006-2007 academic year range from 141,100 RMB for kindergarten to 171,000 RMB for secondary school
•
Dulwich College International School
•
Pre-school to age 16
www.dulwichcollege.cn
•
The College offers the National Curriculum of England and Wales and uses the International General Certificate in Secondary Education (IGCSE) in Years 10 and 11. From
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September 2007, the College intends to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program to Post 16 students and is currently undergoing the authorization processes. The opportunity to study Mandarin as a foreign language is offered from Year 1
to Year 9.
•
Shanghai Rego International School
•
Primary and Secondary
http://www.srisrego.com/
•
The school offers the National Curriculum of England and Wales and the International
General Certificate in Secondary Education (IGCSE), followed by GCE A and A-S level.
Daily Mandarin Chinese lessons are included in the curriculum for all students up to and
including Year 9 (aged 13 – 14). In Year 10, the subject becomes optional but may be
taken at IGCSE Second Language Mandarin. It is also offered at ‘A’ Level. Advanced
Mandarin speakers take the IGCSE exam early and move on to AS level.
•
Annual tuition fees for the 2006-2007 academic year range from 125,000 RMB for foundation stage (3-5 year olds) to 186,000 RMB for 16 to 18 year olds and include one set of
school uniform and use of the school bus
Language courses in Shanghai
Mandarin Courses are available at:
•
Fudan University
•
280 Zhengtong Road
•
Tel: 6564-2222
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•
Foreign Affairs Office: 6511-7628
•
Fax: 6564-1875.
•
Website: www.fudan.edu.cn
•
Tongji University
•
1239 Siping Road, 200092.
•
Tel: 6598-2200
•
Foreign Affairs Office: 6598-3611
•
Shanghai International Studies University
•
550 Dalian Road West.
•
Tel: 6531-1900
•
Foreign Affairs Office: 6536-0599
•
Fax: 6542-0225.
•
Ease Mandarin
•
Tel: 6466 8403
•
Fax: 6466 8404
•
Email: easemandarin@online.sh.cn
Childcare, Babysitting in Shanghai
Childcare
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Having a maid, or ‘ayi’ is very common in China. The salaries are relatively low and maids
do not generally live in, so you will not need to find accommodation for her. Many maids do not
speak any English and those who do will charge a premium for their services. Maids usually
work 8 hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week and their tasks can include childcare, cooking, shopping
or cleaning. They are often willing to return to your home in the evening for baby-sitting, if required. They have a weeks holiday for Chinese New Year, for which it is also common practice
to pay a bonus, plus 3 or more days of holiday for the National May Day and October Day holidays.
Maid Agencies:
•
Shanghai Maid Service
•
Rm. 1602/1610 43 Lixi Road
•
Tel: +86-21-62259172
•
Nanny Agency
•
Room 103 Mei Long Er Cun Yimei Road
•
Tel: +86-21-64557202
•

Yue Li Housework Services
•
102, 34, Lane 151 Wuxing Rd
•
Tel: +86-21-58448931
•
Fan Wei Nanny Agency
•
57 Xihuan Road
•
Tel: +86-21-64881752
•
Jie Mei Nanny Agency
•
130 Yuyao Road
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•
Tel: +86-21-62279039
A good selection of kindergartens and nurseries provide child care during the day for your
children. Many of these will be Mandarin-speaking, but they often accept foreign children. The
majority of nurseries will only accept children of 2 years or above.
•
Tiny Tots International Pre-School and Kindergarten
•
Address: 43 Fuxing Lu, 7888 Hu Min Lu Shanghai 200031, China
•
Tel: 6431 3788
•
Fax: 6433 2468
•
2-6 years
•
Bingchangtian Kindergarten
•
Address: 38 Lane, 1178 Shang Cheng Lu, Pudong Shanghai, China
•
Tel: 6876 2010
•
3 -6 years
•
Dasong Kindergarten
•
Address: 645 Chang Ping Lu Shanghai, China
•
Tel: 6215 7502
•
3 -6 years
•
Small White Pigeon (Private) Kindergarten
•
Address: 58 Lane, 301 Hong Shan Lu, Pudong Shanghai, China
•
Tel: 5874 3772
•
2-6 years
•
Golden Bean
•
Address: 25 Lane, 501 Yan Chang Xi Lu Shanghai, China
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•
Tel: 5661 2872
•
3 -6 years
•
KinderWorld International Kindergarten
•
Address: 2nd Floor, Somerset Grand Shanghai, 8 Jinan Road Shanghai, China
•
Tel: 6386 7880
•
Fax: 6387 7131
•
18 months – 7 years
•
Shanghai Rainbow Bridge International Kindergarten
•
Address: 2381 Hong Qiao Lu Shanghai, China
•
Tel: 6269 0913
•
2-6 years
•
Fortune Kindergarten
•
Address: 1361 Dong Feng Lu Shanghai, China
•
Tel: 5875 1212
•
2 -6 years
•
Shanghai Utsukushi Gaoka Montessori
•
Address: 788 Hongqu Road, Minhang District
•
Tel: 6405 6318
•
3 -6 years
•
IPP Longbai Kindergarten
•
Address: 2461, Hong Qiao Road Shanghai 200035, China
•
Tel: 6268 8320
•
Fax: 6268 8728
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•
2-6 years
•
New Century Kindergarten
•
Address: 181 Guilin Dong Jie, Gui Lin Lu Shanghai, China
•
Tel: 6475 2305
•
3-6 years
•
Soong Ching Ling Kindergarten
•
Address: 3908 Hong Mei Road Shanghai, China
•
Tel: 6242 2881 / 6242 9851
•
Fax: 6242 2881
•
Yang Pu Art Kindergarten
•
Address: No 2, Lane 101, Shaung Yang Lu Shanghai, China
•
Tel: 6543 7011
•
3-6 years
Babysitting
If you are looking for childcare for the evening, the simplest and safest solution is to ask
your neighbors and friends.
The classified advertisements sections of English language newspapers may have advertisements from students seeking babysitting work to earn a little extra money.
Landline phone in Shanghai
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The dial code for China is +86. Major cities have a two digit dialing code in addition to
this; Shanghai’s code is 21. Local Shanghai telephone numbers have eight digits. If you are calling within Shanghai, you do not need to use the 21 code.
Telephone booths are widely available in the street, as well as in hotels and restaurants.
You can buy phone cards in post offices, news kiosks and some hotels.
Fixed line services are provided by Shanghai Telecom / China Telecom. Most expatriate
apartments will have a telephone line already installed and this can be upgraded to ISDN or
ADSL for a small installation fee.
Mobile Phone in Shanghai
China uses the GSM standard for mobile phone communications. You can purchase a Chinese SIM card from one of the two main suppliers: China Mobile and China Unicom. If your
current mobile phone is not compatible with the Chinese network, you can acquire a Chinese
mobile phone relatively cheaply from one of these suppliers, from electrical shops, or by hunting
for a bargain at one of the many mobile phone markets around the city.
China Mobile offer a pre-paid SIM card for $28, which you can recharge at shops throughout the country by purchasing recharge vouchers. They offer the option to set up your balance
checking and recharge prompts in English, and have English speaking customer service staff.
China Unicom offer ‘ru yi tong’, a pre-paid, rechargeable SIM card.
Both of these services have the advantage of not requiring credit checks or monthly payments.
The recharge vouchers, used to add credit to your account, are widely available in electronics
shops and in news kiosks.
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TV & Internet in Shanghai
Television and Radio
In order to receive European language TV channels, you will need a satellite dish. Many
apartment blocks and complexes marketed to the expatriate community are equipped with satellite receivers. European language television is also available via the Dream or AsiaSat satellites
and installation of a suitable satellite dish to enable you to access these services will cost in the
region of 1800 – 2000 RMB.
Internet
Arranging home internet access via DSL, ISDN or dial-up is straightforward. The main
ISP is China Telecom and you can request a connection at any of their shops. You will need to
show your passport and provide your last month’s phone bill. You will not be asked for payment
when the line is installed; the charges will be added to your telephone bill.
Internet access in China is filtered to screen out sites that are deemed to be against the ideals of the country. The government’s censorship of web sites includes blocking access to the following types of site:
•
Sites of political groups
•
Religious sites
•
Pornographic content
•
Sites including news items covering subjects that at suppressed in the Chinese media,
such as freedom of speech, democracy and police brutality
Internet cafes are widely available in Shanghai. Some addresses:
Yang 45
•
Conker Internet Cafe
•
1954 Xin Zha Lu, Shanghai
•
Tel: 6218 8985
•
Modern equipment, in a non-smoking air-conditioned environment. Drinks and snacks
served. Open 24 hours.
•
Shanghai Library Internet Cafe
•
1555 Huaihai Zhong Lu Shanghai 200032
•
Tel: 6445 5555 (Library)
•
Modern equipment and plenty of space, located in the local library.
Free wireless internet access is available in the Super Brand Mall (168 West Lujiazui
Road, Pudong, Shanghai) and at a selection of hotels, cafes and restaurants around the city.
Newspapers
The Shanghai Daily is an English language Shanghai-based newspaper, featuring news
from all over mainland China.
China Daily also features news from around mainland China.
The Shanghai Star is a weekly tabloid focussed on news from the city and its surrounding
areas, with sections for expat news.
Mail, Post office in Shanghai
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Post offices are usually open from 8.30 or 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. The Chinese Postal Service is
reliable, reasonably priced and generally fast, with overnight delivery being the norm within
China. Airmail letters rarely take longer than 5-10 days to arrive at their destination.
It will help if you address your letters and parcels in Chinese. The post office has staff who
will translate addresses, but this will add to the elapsed time taken for your letter to reach its destination and may not always be accurate. The postal code is required to mail a letter within
China.
Stamps are not self-adhesive and you will need to glue them to your letter or parcel.
The postal staff may want to inspect the contents of any parcels before they are sent, so it is advisable to seal packages while you are at the post office. Normally, CDs and DVDs will not be
accepted for posting.
Many international courier companies operate in China, including DHL, UPS, TNT and
FedEx.
Bank services in Shanghai
The currency of China is the renminbi yuan (abbreviated to RMB or CNY), of which the
three units of currency are Yuan, Jiao and Fen (1 Yuan = 10 Jiao = 100 Fen). You can import or
export up to 6,000 RMB without special permission; larger sums must be declared to the Chinese
customs service.
Many international banks have a presence in Shanghai and offer both current and deposit
accounts. Working hours for banks in China are usually 8.30 or 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. seven days a
week. When you open your bank account, you simply need to show your passport and provide a
small cash deposit with which to open the account. You will be asked to complete an application
Yang 47
form, which may be in Chinese, so it is advisable to take a Mandarin-speaking friend with you to
assist you if necessary. You will not normally be issued with a cheque book, but you will receive
a debit card, which can be used to pay for goods and withdraw money from ATMs.
Everyday purchases are commonly made using cash. You will often find that smaller
shops are not able to process card payments, or are only equipped to deal with Chinese credit
cards. ATMs are available at many of the international banks and have instructions in English.
All major credit cards are accepted in hotels, large shops and airports.
Public Transportation
Bus/Coach
Shanghai has a comprehensive bus network, with over 1000 bus lines. Broadly speaking
(with a few exceptions!) the city centre bus lines have numbers and the suburban lines have
names.
The type of bus can be identified from the number:
•
Under 30 – trolley buses (except 18 and 21)
•
30 to 200 – ordinary buses
•
200 to 299 – peak hour buses
•
300 to 399 – night buses
•
400 to 499 – cross river buses
•
500 to 599 – special lines
•
600 to 699 – special lines Pudong
•
700 to 799 – suburban buses
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•
800 to 999 – special lines
The named buses are usually descriptive of their routes, for example:
•
Tunnel Line 1 to 6 – go through the tunnel under the Huangpu River
•
Bridge Line 1 to 6 – cross the bridge over Huangpu River
•
Airport Line 1 to 7 – connect Pudong Airport to the city centre
•
Airport Special Line – connects Hongqiao Airport to the city centre
Fares for ordinary buses cost either 1 RMB or 1.8 RMB, and if you ride in an air-condi-
tioned bus you will be charged 2 RMB. Some bus lines make an additional charge if you are
traveling longer distances.
A rechargeable card (Shanghai Public Transportation Card) is also available for those
making multiple trips and can be purchased in metro stations and kiosks for a refundable fee of
30 RMB. The card can then be credited with funds at metro stations and many of the city’s convenience stores. It is valid on all types of public transport, including the city’s metro system.
The enquiry number for bus services is 16088160
Train
The Shanghai metro currently has six lines, on which the trains usually run at 5 minute intervals. It uses a combination of underground trains and elevated light railways to transport over
a million passengers each day. A further 12 lines are under construction or planned for the longer
term. All Shanghai metro stations are accessible by disabled travelers. Trains and platforms are
crowded during the rush hour, and the newer lines have plexiglass doors on the platforms, which
only open when a train has arrived in the station. These are being retro-fitted to the older lines to
improve safety.
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Screens on the platform show the time of arrival of the next two trains. Once inside the
train, screens display details of the next stop. There are also audible messages notifying passengers of the next stop, in both Mandarin and English.
The standard fare is 3 RMB for journeys under 6km, after which an a further 1 RMB is
charged for each additional 10km travelled. The exception to this is Line 5, where journeys under 6km cost 2 RMB and all other journeys cost 3 RMB. Tickets for single journeys are available
from vending machines in the station, which accept both coins and notes, or from a ticket booth.
A rechargeable card (Shanghai Public Transportation Card) is also available for those making
multiple trips and can be purchased in metro stations and kiosks for a refundable fee of 30 RMB.
The card can then be credited with funds at metro stations and many of the city’s convenience
stores. It is valid on all types of public transport.
A high speed Maglev train runs from the Longyang Road station on Metro Line 2 to the
airport. Opened in 2003, the train can reach speeds of 267 km/h and completes the 30km trip to
the airport in just over 7 minutes. Fares are relatively expensive. A further Maglev train is
planned to connect Shanghai with Hangzhou, with a projected completion date of 2008.
Two major railway routes run through Shanghai: the Jinghu Railway, which runs from
Beijing to Shanghai, passing through Nanjing, and the Shanghai-Hangzhou Railway. There are
two main rail stations: Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai South Railway Station. Trains
depart every day for destinations throughout the country. A variety of different fares are available, largely based on the level of comfort required on the journey.
The Railway Inquiry number is 63179090.
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Airport
Shanghai is served by two international airports, Shanghai Pudong International Airport
(PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA).
Pudong International airport is located 30km from Shanghai city centre. It can be reached
in 8 minutes from the city centre by using the high-speed Maglev train, or you can choose from
five bus lines which serve different areas of Shanghai. Airport bus no. 1 runs between Pudong
International Airport and Hong Qiao International Airport (journey time: 30-40 minutes), while
airport bus no. 2 runs to Shanghai Exhibition Centre. Other routes serve Zunyi Road, Dongjiagwan Road and Shanghai Railway Station. Taxis are available at the airport and the journey time
into the city is between 25 and 40 minutes, dependant upon traffic conditions.
Flight Inquiries and General Information line (Pudong): 38484500
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) is the older of the two airports and is now used primarily for domestic flights. Taxis are available at the airport and the journey time into the city is
about 15 minutes. Buses provide a cheaper option and a number of routes into different districts
of Shanghai operate from the airport.
Flight Inquiries and General Information line (Hongqiao): 62688918.
Taxis
Competition amongst taxis in Shanghai is fierce and as a result prices are competitive.
Many local people will take taxis for short trips, even if they own a car. The initial price is displayed in the taxi, after which the distance travelled will be metered and you will be charged accordingly. Customers commonly sit in the front passenger seat of taxis; in fact the meter may be
set up to be visible only from the front seat. It is not required to tip your taxi driver.
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Relatively few of the taxi drivers speak English. It is a sensible precaution to have the
name of your hotel, business address and home address written in Chinese on a card so that you
can simply show the driver where you want to go. Some taxi drivers will, however, try to take
you on the ‘scenic route’ if they think that you are a tourist. Check the price first, by asking at
your hotel or the airport. Touts at the airport will charge 2 to 4 times the going rate for a taxi ride
into the town centre – avoiding them and getting into the queue for licensed taxis will save your
money!
Cars
Rising incomes have seen levels of car ownership increase dramatically during recent
years. Traffic can be dense in Shanghai, particularly in peak periods and local driving techniques
mean that driving is not for the faint-hearted. Driving in mainland China is on the right-hand side
of the road. Shanghai is connected to the surrounding area and other major towns by national expressways, which have a ‘G’ prefix. The city has six elevated expressways, known as skyways, as
well as 18 expressways, prefixed with an ‘A’. The road signs on expressways are displayed in
both Chinese and English.
If you want to drive in Shanghai, you will need to apply for a Republic of China driving
license, as international licenses are not recognized by the Chinese authorities. To apply for a
Chinese license, you will be asked to provide the following documentation:
•
Your passport, plus one photocopy
•
Original Residence Permit, plus one photocopy
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•
Valid driving license from your home country plus a photocopy. Your license must be
authenticated overseas by an embassy or consulate of the Republic of China, or Representative Office, Liaison Office or other office duly authorized by the Ministry Of Foreign Affairs.
•
If your license is not in English, a Chinese translation must be provided and authenticated
by an embassy or consulate of the Republic of China, or Representative Office, Liaison
Office or other office duly authorized by the Ministry Of Foreign Affairs.
•
Certificate of physical examination for driving license application, available from public
hospitals
•
Two recent passport photographs
Go to the Shanghai Vehicle Management Bureau at 1101 Zhongshan Bei Yi Lu (tel 6516
8168) to take the Driving Adapt Test (on the third floor of Building 6). Afterwards, you will be
required to take a multiple choice exam (in English). If you have held your driving license in
your home country for less than 3 years, you may also be required to take a road test.
It is almost impossible to import your own car to China, so you will probably plan to purchase a new or second hand car in the country. There is a wide range of second hand car dealerships in Shanghai and foreigners are not restricted from buying cars.
Many people consider having their own car too much trouble and instead choose to rent a
car with a driver when needed. These are readily available and reasonably priced. Car hire firms
at the airport are able to provide a car with driver, if required.
Car Hire contacts:
AVIS
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•
Chang Ning Head office
•
No.1387 Chang Ning Road
•
021-62410215
•
021-62344901
•
8:00-20:00 Mon.-Sun.
•
Pu Dong Station
•
No.2988 Zhang Yang Road Pu Dong
•
021-58335759
•
021-58333321
•
8:00-20:00 Mon.-Sun.
•
Hong Qiao Airport
•
Waiting Lounge B
•
021-62680862
•
021-62681842
•
8:00-20:00 Mon.-Sun.
•
Lu Wan Station
•
No.596 Fu Xing Middle Road
•
021-64730543
•
021-64150174
•
8:00-20:00 Mon.-Sun.
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•
Pu Dong Airport
•
Pu Dong International Airport Waiting Area
•
021-68346668
•
021-38480736
•
8:30-20:30 Mon.-Sun.
City Map: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/
Social Security in Shanghai
Both employees and employers in China pay contributions to the Social Security scheme.
These are used to fund healthcare, state pensions, unemployment benefit and other state benefits.
You may be able to continue paying social security contributions in your home country. If this
option is available to you, it is advisable do so in order to preserve your right to a full EU state
pension, for example.
Shopping in Shanghai
Shops in Shanghai are usually open from 8.30 or 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and are open seven
days a week, including on public holidays. Many large supermarket chains, such as Auchan, Carrefour and Metro have a presence in China and these open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Haggling is expected in most shops apart from large department stores and supermarkets. It is not normal to
haggle when buying food. Many smaller shops will not accept credit cards, or will only have
point-of-sale equipment for Chinese payment cards, so it is wise to keep some cash with you.
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Distinct shopping areas have evolved over the years, with streets specializing in particular types
of products. Some examples are:
•
Huai Hai Lu – Luxury items and clothing
•
Dong Tai Lu – Antiques
•
East Nan Jing Lu – Pedestrian Mall
•
Qu Yang Lu – Electrical accessories
•
Fu You Lu – Accessories
•
Fu Zhou Lu – Bookshops
•
Heng Shan Lu – Leisure and entertainment
•
Tai Kang Lu – Entertainment
•
Huang He Lu – Food
•
South Yun Nan Lu – Food
•
South Mao Ming Lu – Cafes and bars
•
North Si Chuan Lu – Traditional Chinese items
•
Yi Shan Lu – Furniture
If you want your shopping experience to include a little more local color, why not take in
one of Shanghai’s markets? The most famous in the Xiangyang Market in Huaihai Zhong Lu,
open daily from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and selling a huge range of clothing, shoes, accessories,
bags, gifts and silk items.
The Dong Jia Du Lu Market specializes in fabrics and offers a goods choice of silks, linens
and men’s suit fabrics.
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Puan Lu Childrens Market (10 Puan Lu, Jinlin Lu) is hidden away in the basement underneath a park, but is worth seeking out for its choice of clothes and shoes for young children.
Pubs, Cafes and Restaurants in Shanghai
Cafes/Pubs/Bars
Shanghai has a good selection of cafes and bars, catering to all tastes and budgets. You
might also like to try a traditional Chinese tea house for a refreshing drink during the day.
A few addresses:
•
Cloud 9 Sky Lounge
•
87/F Jin Mao Tower, 88 Century Boulevard
•
Tel: 5049 1234
•
Amazing views of Shanghai from this bar at the top of the world’s highest hotel, the Hyatt. Attractive decor and good ambience.
•
Arch Bar and Cafe
439 Wukang Lu (by Huahai Zhong Lu)
Tel: 6466 0807
Lively cafe with bright decor and trendy clientele. Soups, salads and sandwiches during
the day, cocktails at night!
•
Bar 1931
•
112 Maoming Road
•
Tel: 6472 5264
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•
Quiet and cozy bar/cafe, decorated with memorabilia from 1930s Shanghai. Serves
Shangainese snacks.
•
Peace Hotel Jazz Bar
•
20 Nanjing Xi Road
•
Tel: 63216888
•
Visit to enjoy a performance from the in-house jazz band. Music begins at 8pm every
night.
Restaurants
Shanghai cuisine is often borrowed from the surrounding provinces. Fish, eel and crab and
prepared with alcohol and served raw. Sugar is often used, frequently with soy sauce, resulting in
a piquant savory flavor. You may be served lime and ginger flavored ‘1000-year-old eggs’,
braised meat balls or chicken baked in lotus leaves. Seafood is popular, including the local delicacy, Shanghai hairy crab. Dim sum are readily available as a snack and are a speciality in
Shanghai.
•
Nanxiang Mantou Dian
85 Yu Yuan Road, Old Town God’s Temple
Tel: 6355 4206
This extremely popular dim sum restaurant is something of a Shanghai institution.
Queues are often lengthy, but the dim sum are reputed to be amongst the best in town
•
M on the Bund
•
7/F, No. 5 The Bund (at Guangdong Lu)
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•
Tel: (86-21) 6350-9988
•
More expensive than average, this restaurant offers fine dining with a superb view of the
Bund and the Huangpu river. During the summer you can enjoy outdoor dining on the
terrace. Menu is primarily modern European, with some Asian and North African influences
•
1221
•
1221 Yan’an Xi Lu (Fan Yu Lu)
•
Tel: 6213 6585
•
A lively, modern restaurant serving good quality Chinese and Shanghainese food. English menus are available.
•
Hatsuhana
•
House 9, 3911 Hongmei Lu (by Yan’An Xi Lu)
•
Tel: 6261 6179
•
An ‘all you can eat’ sushi restaurant – the quality is good and prices very reasonable
•
Face
4 Ruijin Guesthouse 118 Ruijin Er Road
•
Tel: 64664328
•
A little taste of the country in Shanghai, this country house has attractive grounds and a
verandah where you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink before dining at one of the two restaurants.
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Cinema, Nightclubs in Shanghai
Cinema
Shanghai has a large selection of cinemas, screening both Chinese and Hollywood movies.
Films in other languages are screened by specialist clubs:
•
Cine-Club de l’Alliance
French language films
6/F, No.297 Wu Song Lu
•
Tel: +86 (0)21 6357 5388
•
German Consulate Auditorium
•
German language films
181 Yongfu Road
•
Tel: +86 (0)21 6433 6953
A list of Shanghai’s cinemas is available on the Shanghai Cultural Information website.
Nightclubs
•
Luna
•
Unit 1, Lane 181, Xintiandi, Tai Cang Road
•
Tel: +86 21 6336 1717
•
Outdoor seating, a mediterranean menu, great selection of drinks and live music make
this a popular weekend venue for locals and expats alike.
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•
Babylon
•
180 Maoming Nan Road
•
Tel: 64452330
•
This club is always busy, but is spacious enough to remain comfortable. Dance floor,
chill out area, and a roof garden.
•
Real Love Disco
10 Heng Shan Road
•
Tel: +86 (0)21 6474 6830
•
Large dance floor and loud music, catering to a predominantly 20-something crowd. If
the dancing wears you out, there are bowling lanes downstairs.
•
Rojam
4F Hong Kong Plaza, 283 HuaiHai Middle Lu Pu Xi District
•
Tel: +86 (0)21 6390 7181
•
One of the leading lights of the Shanghai club scene, Rojam houses two dance clubs, 11
karaoke rooms, a restaurant, a lounge, and a VIP room. The music is house and techno
and the decor trendy modern industrial. Guest DJs.
Theatre, Opera, Museum in Shanghai
The Chinese Opera is not ‘opera’ in the sense that we think of it in the West. This fascinating art form combines Chinese folklore, symbolism and drama and includes dancers, singers,
clowns and acrobats. Elaborate costumes, traditional make-up and masks make it easy to identify
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the traditional characters. The Yi Fu Theatre, at 701 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu district, specializes
in Chinese Opera performances.
The Shanghai Grand Theatre was designed by the French architect, Jean-Marie Charpentier and is located on Central Boulevard / Huangpi Road South, in the northern part of the People’s Square. Opened in August 1998, the theatre now hosts operas, musicals, ballets, symphonies, chamber music concerts, spoken drama and Chinese operas. The Shanghai Grand Theatre
building contains three separate theaters: the 1800-seat Lyric Theatre, the Drama Theatre with
750 seats and the smaller Studio Theatre with 300 seats.
The Shanghai Concert Hall, located at No. 523 Yan’an Road (E) in the Huangpu district,
was built in 1930 in classical European style. The city’s major orchestras, including the Shanghai
Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Opera, Shanghai
Traditional Chinese Orchestra and Shanghai National Music Ensemble have chosen the concert
hall as their regular venue and it also plays host to visiting orchestras and performers from
around the world.
Details of concerts and cultural events are available in English on the Shanghai Cultural
Information website.
Shanghai Museum
Located on the People’s Square in the Huangpu District, the Shanghai Museum houses a
comprehensive collection of ancient Chinese art, including celebrated collections of ceramics,
paintings and calligraphy. The museum was originally founded in 1952 and quickly developed
into a major centre for research and preservation. In 1992, the Shanghai municipal government
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allocated the museum the land for its current location, and the new museum building was opened
in 1996 after three years of construction. The museum houses eleven permanent galleries, as well
as three halls for temporary exhibitions.
The Bund
The Bund is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai and is protected from
the adverse effects of new development by rigorously imposed height restrictions for new buildings in the area. Its buildings represent many architectural styles, including Art Deco, Neo-Classical, Gothic, Renaissance and Romanesque and most have remained largely unchanged externally since the 1930s. Shanghai has one of the largest concentrations of Art Deco architecture in
the world, thanks to the huge growth of the city in the 1920s and 1930s. The buildings originally
housed banks, consulates and the headquarters of most of the major financial institutions operating in Asia. The Bund was also home to the Shanghai Club, located at no.3 the Bund, which was
the meeting place of choice for British expats in years gone by.
Yuyuan Gardens
Considered to be amongst the finest gardens in China, the Yuyuan gardens have had a
troubled history. Since they were first established in 1559, they have seen periods of neglect, occupation of the Town God Temple by the British during the Opium Wars in 1842, occupation of
the gardens by Chinese troops during the Taiping Rebellion and damage caused by the Japanese
in 1942. The Shanghai government undertook the task of restoring the gardens to their former
glory between 1956 and 1961, after which they were opened to the public. Yuyuan garden occupies 2 hectares and includes six areas:
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•
Grand Rockery – including caves, gorges and cliffs reaching up to 12 meters high
•
Sansui Hall – built in 1760 as a place to entertain guests, it is the largest structure in the
garden
•
Inner Garden – first laid out in 1709, with rockeries, ponds, pavilions and towers
•
Jade Magnificence Hall – furnishings include rosewood pieces from the Ming dynasty
•
Lotus Pool – includes a pavilion in the lake
•
Ten Thousand Flower Tower Garden – has areas separated by tile edged walls, each ending in a dragon’s head.
Jing’an Temple
Constructed in 247 AD, the Jing’an temple predates the founding of the city of Shanghai in
1292. Originally built beside the Suzhou Creek, the temple was relocated to its current position
in 1216. The current temple was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty. During the Cultural Revolution, it was used as a plastics factory. It was converted back into a Buddhist temple in 1983 and
completely renovated in 2003.
The temple houses the Hongwu Bell, a Ming Dynasty copper bell weighing 3.5 tons. The
largest sitting jade Buddha in the country, at 3.8 meters, can be admired in the Jade Buddha Hall
of the temple.
Address: No.1686, Nanjing Road W.
Opening Hours: 7am to 5pm.
Longhua Temple
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Longhua Park, located on the Longhua Road in the south of Shanghai, is famed for its temple and pagoda. Built in 242 AD, Longhua is the oldest temple in Shanghai, as well as the largest. A huge, three-meter high copper bell, weighing five tons, is struck in a ceremony on 31st
December each year, to mark the coming of the New Year. In front of the temple, the Longhua
Pagoda stands 40 meters high. The pagoda has been rebuilt several times but still remains in the
style of the Song Dynasty. The temple complex is particularly crowded in late spring, when the
peach trees are in bloom and the temple fair takes place.
Opening Hours: 7am to 4.30pm.
Sport and Activities in Shanghai
There are strong sporting traditions, going back centuries, in China. In 2004, FIFA officially acknowledged China as the birthplace of football. A forerunner of the modern game of
football, known as cuju, was first played in China 2000 years ago. The Chinese Football Association was founded in the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and today Chinese football enjoys
an enthusiastic following and international success, with the women’s national side taking second
place at both the World Championships and the Olympic Games and the men’s side qualifying
for the 2002 World Cup.
Golf is popular and in 2005 the HSBC Champions tournament was introduced at the
Shehsan Golf Club in Shanghai. The prize fund of $5m is higher than for any golfing event previously held in Asia and attracts top professional players from around the world to the city. Further information about the tournament is available on the HSBC Golf web site.
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Physical fitness is an important element of Chinese culture and you will often see group
exercises taking place in parks and schools before work starts for the day. Martial arts are popular and many different styles and techniques are practiced throughout the country.
Basketball is a favorite amongst the young and the NBA has a huge following in China. Many
urban youngsters meet to play in their spare time.
The traditional Chinese sport of dragon boat racing has gained worldwide popularity.
Teams in long, narrow rowing boats, decorated with ornate dragons heads, compete against one
another, rowing to the beat of a drum. It is thought that the sport originated in South Central
China 2500 years ago, and formed part of the ritual celebrations and worship of the Asian
dragon, a water deity. There are now dragon boat racing teams in many countries and it is
thought that up to 50 million Chinese are actively involved in the sport. A world championship
tournament takes place every two years, and many festivals and racing weekends are organized
worldwide.
At Work in Shanghai
Work Usage in Shanghai
The normal working week in China is Monday to Friday. Normal working hours are from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break. Chinese employees work 8 hours per day, to a
maximum of 44 hours per week, with a minimum of one day off per week
China has three major annual holidays:
•
National Day, on October 1
•
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), late January to mid February
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•
Labour Day (May Day), May 1
These aren’t one-day holidays: workers get at least a week or two off for Chinese New
Year and one week is quite common for both National Day and Labour Day. Students generally
get at least four weeks off at Spring Festival and a 9-day (two weekends framing a work week)
break for the other two holidays.
The Contract
When accepting an offer of a job in China, you should receive a formal contract from your
employer, setting out the conditions of employment, salary to be paid and the benefits that the
employee can expect to receive in addition to his or her salary, such as contribution towards accommodation, car or children’s education. The contract of employment should also set out the
conditions for termination of the contract by either party (the employer or the employee). Contracts may have a fixed end date, or may be left open ended. If the end date is specified, the contract can be renewed upon expiry with the agreement of both parties.
The contract will be issued in both English and Chinese. In the event of an employment
dispute, the Chinese contract of employment will be used as the point of reference.
Pension plans in Shanghai
Even if you are contributing to the Chinese social security scheme via deductions from
your pay, you will need to ensure that you have adequate pension scheme coverage.
If you are working for a large multinational company, your package should include membership of a corporate pension scheme. There are many providers, including the international
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banks, who offer personal pension schemes should you need to arrange to make additional contributions.
In order to protect your entitlement to the state pension in your home country, it is advisable to continue making payments to your home country’s social security scheme for as long as
possible. Many countries offer expatriated staff the opportunity to make voluntary contributions
during their absence from the country.
Benefits package in Shanghai
Benefits commonly offered to employees of large multinational companies in Shanghai
may include:
•
Tax equalization package (the company will top up your earnings to ensure that you are
no worse off in terms of net pay in your host country than you would have been in your
home country)
•
Contribution towards accommodation costs
•
Contribution towards school fees for your children
•
Company pension scheme
•
Company medical insurance
When negotiating a package, you should bear in mind that expenses that are considered
‘work-related’ in other countries are often not tax deductible in China. For example, if your employer gives you an additional allowance each month as a contribution towards your accommodation, it will be considered as income for the purpose of taxation. Benefits payable in this way
should be considered in terms of their net value, i.e. the amount of money that you will receive in
your bank account after all deductions have been made.
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Tax system in Shanghai
If you live and work in China for more than 183 days, you will be liable to pay Chinese
taxes on all income received whilst in the country. Personal Income Tax is charged on a sliding
scale, ranging from 5 to 45%. If you also receive income from overseas, you will be taxed in
China on your worldwide income, with a tax credit given against any tax already paid in other
countries.
Taxable pay is calculated by reducing monthly income by the permitted tax free earnings
of 4800 RMB per month for foreigners (1600 RMB for Chinese).
Income tax is charged as follows:
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Tax is deducted from your pay each month by your employer and paid over to the authorities.
Unemployment Benefits in Shanghai
Unemployment benefit is payable in China provided that the following conditions are met:
•
One full year of insurance premium has been paid, for example via social security deductions from wages / salary
•
The unemployment is not voluntary
•
Unemployment has been registered and application for reemployment filed
The level of benefit is below the minimum wage, but above the amount considered necessary to
live on in urban areas.
Before going back | Shanghai
If you have rented an apartment or house, you will need to give notice to your landlord of
the date that you intend to vacate the property. If you paid the utility bills directly, advise the
utility companies in writing of your departure date and arrange for meter readings so that the final bills can be drawn up and settled before you leave. If you paid your bills by standing order, it
is advisable to cancel these with your bank, in order to avoid any incorrect debits from your account.
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As you needed to complete forms when you left, you will need to fill in forms when you
return. The easiest way is to contact the consulate where you are registered to sort out your situation.
You will have to establish a fully detailed inventory of your furniture. A moving form attestation is often demanded when you pass the border (you can ask for it at your Consulate).
You will have to think about school registration if you have children.
References
Expat Guides Shanghai. (November 9, 2006). Retrieved July 4, 2016, from EasyExpat.com:
http://www.easyexpat.com/en/guides/china/shanghai.htm
2016 / 2017 / 2018 Chinese Public Holiday Calendar. (n.d.)Retrieved July 4, 2016, from Travel
China Guide: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/calendar.htm
The employee you have chosen to send on this overseas assignment will be
going with a spouse and two school age children for a specified period of
time (usually somewhere between 18 and 36 months) to a specific city in a
specific country.
You will need to mention that when you create your expatriate orientation
packet you will be including both general information about the
particular city and country you have chosen (e.g., currency, exchange
rate, language, schools, taxes, political structure, climate, etc.)
and specific HR information (e.g., compensation package, relocation
allowances, spousal/family assistance, cultural and/or language
training, benefits, tax offsets, etc.).
You will also need to include in your final packet information as to
business etiquette and how business is done in your city.
111 Business Avenue
Washington, DC 24242
November 16, 2002
Dear Future Expatriate:
Welcome to the XYZ International Team. We are very pleased that you have
decided to accept a position in our Scotland office. While you will not be
transferring for nine months, we would like to take the time to familiarize you with
some of the aspects of Scotland you will be encountering and some details on
your Scotland assignment.
Scotland is one of our most popular International assignments. We are very
proud of the relationship this office has with the local community and we are sure
you will enjoy your time in Scotland. Because it is part of the United Kingdom,
you may be under the impression that life and business operates just the same in
Scotland as it does in the United States. While there are many similarities, there
are also many differences. We would like to familiarize you with some of them so
that you and your family will be able to adapt more quickly and learn to enjoy
your three years in Scotland.
The following is an Orientation Guide to Scotland and our International Program.
It is not meant to teach you every Scottish nuance but to give you some
background information so that you may adjust more easily. This information has
been compiled over time with the help of our past and present Expatriates in
each of our subsidiary countries. It is full of questions our employees have asked
and we have researched the answers. The Orientation Guide is divided into
three sections. The first section contains general information on the country.
The second section contains information specifically related to business and
business practices in the country. The third section provides information on
company specific policies and practices that you will experience before and after
your arrival in Scotland.
I hope you and your family will be very happy in your new assignment. If at any
time you need further assistance, please contact me or any other member of the
Expatriate training team and we will be happy to assist you.
Best wishes,
xxx
Vice President of Expatriate Training
XYZ Company
General Information on Scotland
Where is Scotland Located?
Scotland is one of four nations that form the United Kingdom. The other three
are England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland occupies the northern part
of the island of Great Britain. Scotland is 31,510 square miles in area. The four
major cities in Scotland are Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Bundee. Our
office is located in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Edinburgh is located in the
Southeastern section of Scotland. Scotland includes some 790 islands in varying
sizes. The three main geographic regions are the Highlands, the Central
Lowlands, and the Southern Uplands.
The Scots are very passionate about the fact that they are separate from
England and are their own country.
See Attachment 1, for a basic map of Scotland.
What is the Scottish Government like?
Scotland’s government is divided into four tiers. Local government is divided into
29 unitary authorities and three island authorities. A new Scottish Parliament,
based in Edinburgh, was elected in 1999. The Scottish Parliament is responsible
for most aspects of Scottish life. The National Parliament in London is
responsible for defense, foreign affairs, and taxation. The European Parliament
in Belgium exercises powers vested in the European Union. Scotland has its
own legal, judiciary, education, and banking systems that differ from the rest of
the United Kingdom.
What is the Population of Scotland?
The last population Statistics for Scotland came out in 1991 with a population of
5,102,400. The city of Edinburgh had 441,620 residents in 1993.
What Language is spoken in Scotland?
The official language of Scotland is English. While there are some differences
between “American English” and “Scottish English.” Scottish English draws
somewhat from French and Gaelic.
Approximately 86,000 Scots, primarily in the North and West, speak Gaelic.
Scottish Gaelic is similar to the other Celtic languages (Irish Gaelic and Manx
Gaelic) and can be understood among people who speak any Celtic language.
There are fewer than 1,000 people who only speak Gaelic and cannot speak
English. Although you will not need to know Gaelic in order to communicate with
Scots, there are some terms you might want to be familiar with in order to
understand the nuances of what the Scots are trying to convey.
See Attachment 2 for some Scottish Vocabulary.
What kind of dress is worn in Scotland?
Everyday dress in Scotland is similar to that of the United States, although
business dress leans more toward the conservative. (This will be discussed
further in the Second Section of the Orientation Guide.)
Traditional Scottish Dress includes what is known as the Tartan. The Tartan is a
patterned wool cloth that is specific to Scottish Clans or family-based groupings.
Men wear tartans in the form of kilts and women in the form of pleated skirts.
Most other forms of tartans are sold only to tourists.
What is the flag of Scotland?
The Scottish flag is the cross of St. Andrew, also known as the Saltire. It dates
back to the 12th century. St. Andrew was an apostle of Jesus in the Christian
religion and was put to death by the Romans in Greece by being pinned to a
cross of this shape.
What is the Weather like in Scotland?
During the summer months, temperatures in Edinburgh range between the lower
50s and upper 60s in Fahrenheit. During the winter months, temperatures range
from the lower 30s to the lower 40s in Fahrenheit. The west of Scotland tends to
be warmer than the east, while the Highlands are artic-like.
Edinburgh receives average rainfall of 27 inches. This area has less average
rainfall than the rest of the country.
What kind of air transportation is available in Scotland?
Scotland has 4 international airports in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and
Prestwick, the first two being the primary airports. Flights are available
domestically and internationally. Many large airlines operate in the area,
including American Airlines, British Airways, Continental, and many others.
In order to pass customs in Scotland, you and your family will need Passports
and Visas, because you are staying more than 6 months. We will soon be giving
you the required paperwork to fill out and we will process these through the
Expatriate Training office.
What Electric Current is used in Scotland?
The voltage in Scotland is 220/240 AC, 50 Hz. In order to use any foreign
appliances, you will need adapters and transformers. Americans voltage is 110.
Plugging your appliances or electronics in will cause them to short circuit without
a transformer. Some electronics, such as clocks, will not work properly when
plugged in because the cycles are different. We suggest you use batterypowered clocks, or purchase clocks when you arrive.
What kind of Food do they eat in Scotland?
Scottish cuisine heavily contains meats and fish, usually without heavy sauces.
The Scots are known for their venison, salmon, Aberdeen Angus beef, and
cheeses. Oats are very common because of the cold, wet soil.
See Attachment 3 for descriptions of some common Scottish foods.
What is Driving like in Scotland?
Like the rest of Great Britain, Scots drive on the left side of the rode as opposed
to the right as in the United States. This will take a lot of time to get used to.
You will have to obtain a driver’s license from the United Kingdom upon your
arrival. You will be assisted in doing so upon your arrival. In order to obtain an
UK license, you must be at least 17 years of age. If you have 16-year-old
children who can drive in the United States, they will not be able to do so in
Scotland until they turn 17. You must pass a theory and practical test in order to
obtain your license.
You must also have valid insurance to drive a car. Some American insurance
companies do not cover driving abroad. Check with your carrier in the states
before you leave to see if they can cover you overseas. If they do not and you
need assistance finding an insurance carrier who will cover you overseas, please
contact our office.
Gas in Scotland, as in the rest of Europe, is sold by the liter and is expensive
relative to the prices in the United States.
The roads in Scotland are up to date and comparable with United States
Highway systems. Roads connect to the rest of Great Britain. Roadside
assistance is available, as it is in the United States. Scotland and the U.K. also
have an extensive public transportation system including bus and rail.
How do you obtain Medical Care in Scotland?
Almost all of Scotland’s doctors and hospitals are part of the National Health
Service. The National Health Service has hospital and general practitioner
services that are free to everyone. Other services, such as eye tests, dentistry
and prescribed medicines are usually charged for. These free services are
available only to U.K. residents and certain E.U. nationals.
For most Americans, medical expenses must be paid in full at the time of the
visit, and claims filed with your insurance company after the visit. XYZ
employees, regardless of their host country, are covered just as its Scottish
employees are. The company pays for all medical services with the exception of
those mentioned above.
What form of Currency is used in Scotland?
Scotland has its own banking system and issues its own banknotes that are
referred to as pounds (£). The banknotes are good in Scotland and are generally
accepted elsewhere in the United Kingdom, although they are not legal tender.
Scottish banknotes are issued in the following denominations £1, £5, £10, £20,
and £100. Three different banks have the authority to issue notes in agreed
upon colors; £5 notes are blue, £10 brown, £20 maroon/purple, £50 green and
£100 red. This is also the color scheme followed by the Bank of England. The
Royal Bank of Scotland is the only bank that continues to issue £1 notes, which
are progressively being replaced by coins.
While the Euro is growing as accepted currency in Europe, the United Kingdom
has been resistant to the change. Pounds are still the currency of choice.
Exchanges rates are the same for both Scottish and English notes. £1 was
equal to approximately $1.56 on November 16, 2002. Exchange rates are highly
stable between the U.S. dollar and the Scottish/British pound.
How does the Cost of Living in Scotland compare to the U.S.?
According to the Expat Forum, goods and services that would cost $100.00 in the
United States would cost $140.00 in the United Kingdom. This puts Scotland in
the higher Cost of Living End compared to other large countries throughout the
world. According to this index, the United Kingdom measures very closely to
Argentina, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Japan and Switzerland are the only two
countries on the list that rate higher than the United Kingdom.
This is one of the cost of living adjustments you received with your pay. In order
to maintain the same quality of life, yo…
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