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inexile
Newbie
Joined: Dec 06, 2004
Posts: 7
Status: Offline
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  Posted:
Dec 06, 2004 - 09:52 AM |
 
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| Post subject: Newbie question du jour - Do I need a car in Shanghai? |
Hello all - sorry to bother those of you who are undoubtedly sick and tired of questions like this from people soon to be on the way to Shanghai, but I wasn't sure of a better way to get a straight, no BS answer.
The question is...Do I need a car in Shanghai? My company has offered me an expat package that includes a car, but doesn't include some other things like housing assistance, or trips home, which I think are also important. Sometimes these things are included in our expat packages, it just so happens that in my case they aren't. I was thinking about trading the car for some other things that I think might be better. I plan to rent an apartment in the city and my office is also in the city. I haven't had my "look see" trip yet so I don't know where things are located. All I know is that the office is on the other side of the river from Puxi. I'm not sure that is even spelled right because I've only heard it spoken by name, never seen it in writing. I'd like to live in the "happening" part of town while being as close to work as possible. I am perfectly happy to take the metro to/from work. Should I try to trade the car benefit?
Again, sorry to those of you that endure these questions day in and day out, but many thanks to those that can provide insight.
-Currently "in exile" in the U.S. |
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Magnolia
Board Biatch
Joined: June 01, 2004
Posts: 31071
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Dec 06, 2004 - 09:59 AM |
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Sounds like your company is in Pudong. Pudong is pretty large and spread out, so depending on where the office is, you could have a large commute if you don't live close. However, it could also be just over the river, which means that the commute is shorter (although still devilish).
Puxi has the vast majority of entertainment and dining venues, although Pudong has a few and more and more are opening.
Do you know if your office is located near a Metro stop? If so, then you would probably want to look for housing along the line 2. Does the package include a driver or is it just a car? If just a car, then I would probably forget about it. Driving here is very different than it is in the US ... not that many expats drive; taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. |
_________________
BOYCOTT BENSON SALON |
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inexile
Newbie
Joined: Dec 06, 2004
Posts: 7
Status: Offline
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Dec 06, 2004 - 10:07 AM |
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Magnolia,
Thanks for the info. Yes, now that you mention it, Pudong is where the office is, I only heard the name of the area in a brief conversation and couldn't remember it. I don't have any idea if it's close to the metro or not, I'll find out. Also, it's just the car, no driver...I don't rate high enonugh for that yet...
Thanks again! |
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SHMSPAC
Reacher
Joined: Sep 01, 2004
Posts: 236
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Dec 06, 2004 - 11:22 AM |
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Inexile
If you will be working in Pudong, which is what it sounds like, let me know where, as I also live there, and I will be glad to help you get the information you need, also I’m sure all here will give you advise as to what to bring, or will have difficulty getting in Shanghai, which isn’t much.
As for the car, Magnolia has given you very good advice, without a driver, a car in Shanghai is like brining sand to the beach, you just don’t need it. Taxis a very inexpensive, and until you become familiar with getting around, taxis are a better solution, as is the Metro. As for trading the car for another benefit, this is a good idea. I would suggest that you trade for whatever will help you reduce your Gross income, as I recall, the earning cap for expats is $70K per year, before you pay tax, in the US. The value for a car, without driver, in Shanghai, I would estimate at 8K to 12K RMB per month, but this largely depends on the manufacturer, but use the number as a guide for negotiations.
Don’t be concerned about asking questions, and yes most will have been asked before, but we all have had to make the transition, so you will find most people on this site are very helpful.
If you send me a PM, and ask specific questions, I will provide you with detailed information, such as I know it, having lived here going on year 5.
Talk to you later……. |
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rsaracho
Seeker
Joined: June 11, 2004
Posts: 50
Status: Offline
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Dec 06, 2004 - 02:38 PM |
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Me and my husband were relocated to Shanghai six months ago. Our package DID NOT include a car, and it is NOT something I miss or I wish I had!!!. I am from Mexico city and even though traffic is crazy over there, it's nothing compared to the chaos going on here, I'm not sure if I would drive here!
Public transportation is excellent. Taxis are inexpensive, but if you are planning on living in Puxi (west of the river) and working in Pudong (east of the river) you might want to consider taking the METRO instead of a taxi every day.... Traffic can be hectic at times and you can be stucked at the tunnel or one of the bridges for over an hour... (plus it can get expensive.... 4 or 5 USD may not seem like a lot at first, but if you take the taxi twice a day,, it adds up )
I live in Pudong and go to Puxi every day by metro, just keep in mind that taking the metro at rush hour means dealing with thousands of chinese people pushing and running over you. I don’t personally mind it at all….. but I can understand that a LOT of people can find it overwhelming! .... Take that into consideration when deciding where to live!!!
My advice:
- Trade the car for another BENEFIT, you won't miss a CAR here!
- Find out if your work in Pudong is near a metro station
- If you don't mind the crowds of the metro at rush hour find a place to live in Puxi near the metro Line 2. There's A LOT more going on in Puxi than in Pudong.
- If you can't deal withy the crowds of the metro be prepared to spend 8-10US daily for transportation or find a place to live in Pudong...you can always take a taxi whenever you want to go to Puxi. |
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niko
Rocker
Joined: Aug 23, 2004
Posts: 602
Status: Offline
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Dec 06, 2004 - 07:01 PM |
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a private car is not very important here,subway,taxis...more important,the situation of traffic here is not very well,especially in Puxi,and many traffic rules for drivers. a new one like u,must be very confused about it.parking fee is expensive and sometimes you have to spend much time to find a parking lots,if you're in downtown,it will be more difficult.
so i suggest u not to buy a car at present.you can consider to own one car when you get used to the life here. |
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