Any Singaporeans living and working in Shanghai?
Tags : property, business, travel, technology, nightlife, events, food, food
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samanthachua
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Joined: June 24, 2004
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 Posted:
June 24, 2004 - 02:16 PM |
 
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| Post subject: Any Singaporeans living and working in Shanghai? |
Hi!
I am a Singaporean and will be shifting to Shanghai soon.
We are in the midst of packing everything for the move. Boy, it's a tedious task! We intend to travel to Shanghai soon to look for accomodation. Any advise on which area to live in that suits our Singaporean lifestyle?
Frankly, I do not know if I can adapt to the lifestyle in Shanghai. Do you think it will be a hardship posting? I have given up my job in Singapore and hope to find some work in Shanghai. Hope to hear some views from fellow Singaporeans on how they find living and working in Shanghai. Is it so different from Singapore? or even better?
Also, are the standards of living better and more expensive than Singapore?
Sorry to ask so many questions.
Thks!
Samantha |
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okido
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Joined: Sep 14, 2003
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June 24, 2004 - 03:01 PM |
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I just made a comparison between Shanghai and Taipei with scale. Now it's Singapore. Boy, Shanghai will get so little point.
Shanghai is 20 times dirtier, 30 times more chaotic, 40 times for "sanitized" than Singapore. Terrible, huh?
How about transportation is 5 times less expensive, traffic regulations are 50 times lose, things are 4 times cheaper and weather is 4 times better (Shanghai has four seasons and Singapore has only one.)
Now back to the scary things - foods are 5 times more oily, fruits are 10 times less with varieties, people are 10 times rude (I mean people bumping you, elbowing you without saying sorry. Not that they are bad.)
I think Singaporeans will enjoy Pudong and Gubei more because these two areas are new and relatively cleaner. For families, these two places will provide some precious open space for kids to run and play.
I am not Singaporean but have friends are. They seem to enjoy Shanghai a lot. Some complaints with traffic, pollution are understandable. Seldom hear them really upset about things here. |
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samanthachua
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Joined: June 24, 2004
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June 24, 2004 - 03:16 PM |
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wow! seems quite a lot for me to bear.... seems like a lot of hardships... 
not that i am very disciplined or polite... but just felt that saying sorry is basic courtesy... sigh... guess I have to throw away some stuff that my teachers have been trying hard to instil on us since young...
oopss... better don't complain so much.... better get serious. What if I really need to stay in Puxi, which area do you think is cleaner, safer with lots of privacy but close to common amenities like supermarkets, clinics, etc...
btw, do you have any idea if they have channels like Star Movies, Cinemax or Hollywood. I need a variety of English movies channels, else I cannot imagine the kind of boredom I will have.
Did you hear anyone complaining about food? The thought of oily food irks me....
You mentioned about the comparison between Shanghai and Taipei, may I know where can I read the post? I am curious. |
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okido
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Joined: Sep 14, 2003
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June 24, 2004 - 03:55 PM |
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| Post subject: Any Singaporeans living and working in Shanghai? |
| samanthachua wrote: |
What if I really need to stay in Puxi, which area do you think is cleaner, safer with lots of privacy but close to common amenities like supermarkets, clinics, etc...
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Look for apartment or house in Gubei area. Don't know if you have kids but many foreign schools are there or around there. There is a Garrefour where you can buy none chinese cooking materials and foods. But, if you are looking for Singapore or Malay stuffs, you will have to go to Parson on Hui Hai road. Anyway, you will get those information from other Singaporeans after you arrive.
TV channels - you buy satellite service and put the disc, you can get lots of foreign channels, including Intalian, Spanish, etc. But if just to kill time, why not buy movie DVDs. It's about Rmb7 - 10 per disc. I have watched more movies than I had watched in my WHOLE LIFE after coming to Shanghai.
Food - when go to the restaurants, insist less oil, less salt and no MSG. It's actually getting than two years ago. I think more and more local people are aware of how oily and salty their dishes are and how that would affect health. It's not a big problems actually.
| samanthachua wrote: |
You mentioned about the comparison between Shanghai and Taipei, may I know where can I read the post? I am curious. |
Here it comes ----
Taipei vs. Shanghai - Imagine a 10 times bigger and 5 times dirtier Taipei. Taxi drivers are 3 times nicer. Categories carried in CVS and supermarkets are 2 times less. Driving manners are 3 times worse but traffice is 2 times worse only. Replace motorcycles with bicycles. They are equally "beyond the law". People are 1 time louder. (Sometimes are as noisy and loud.) Services are 3 times less sophiscated. Variety of restaurants are probably 2 times less. (Very short of good yet less expensive Sushi bars and Ramen shops.) What else? Oh! Difinitely nothing like the splendor nightmarkets Taipei has.
No place like Laopasa either. |
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speckie1
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Joined: Apr 19, 2004
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June 24, 2004 - 04:04 PM |
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Hi Samantha.
Are you coming over on your own, or are you following your partner over?
You mentioned a "we" in your posting.
It's not that bad 
All you need is a little bit of tolerance and a little bit of street smart and you could survive anywhere.
Hardship? It's relative, isn't it? Imagine the poorer folks living on the streets trying to eke out a living for themselves.
There are many Singaporeans here, with different sorts of experiences and interests and you're bound to find some here without too much difficulty.
It's best you can experience Shanghai for yourself and make your own conclusions.
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okido
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June 24, 2004 - 04:35 PM |
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To second what Speckie just said, it's not that bad. On the other hand, Singapore is uncomfortably too clean for me. I don't even dare to drink water on the streets! Not sure if it's against the law!
I have a friend moving from Singapore to Shanghai for her daughter to attend La Salle design school. Both of them are adopting and enjoying their time in Shanghai so far.
The city is still developing. It is doomed to have lots of constructions, hence, pollution is unavoidable. Many local people use to have to fight hard to get a little something, it explains the pushing, rushing and elbowing.
By the way, I did say taxi drivers are lot nicer than that of many other places. Most of them are very polite and considerate. At night they even will wait until the female passagners to enter the building before they drive off. |
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samanthachua
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Joined: June 24, 2004
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June 24, 2004 - 05:06 PM |
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Yes, I will be coming over with my hubby. Juz the 2 of us. 
It's not that I am afraid of hardships.... juz that I feel that we should not be worst off with this move..... we do have an option to stay in Singapore but we thought that we should experience something different while we are still "young" - errr ... not very young lah.... 
I am not really prepared to change my lifestyle or eating habits with this move.... hopefully I can get food stuff that we are so used to having in Singapore. Are there anything that I need to bring that I cannot or difficult to find in Shanghai?
From what I have read in other posts, unless you like to party a lot, Shanghai is basically a place to work but not to enjoy life???
Accomodation is my priority now. Will be dropping by soon. May I know which is better: Serviced Apartments or Apartments? Are Apts better than those condos in Singapore? Are rentals much more expensive? I have a map of Shanghai. Got me confused.  |
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samanthachua
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Joined: June 24, 2004
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June 24, 2004 - 05:20 PM |
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Oh, so considerate for the taxi drivers to do that!!! I am glad.
Hahahaha.... Singapore isn't that strict! Clean? Man-made. We have cleaners everywhere.... most importantly, no one will fool around where $$$ is concerned - a fine. Of course we don't wished to be fined for littering.
Yeah, I heard pollution is a big problem. Luckily we don't have sinus problems.
One of my girlfriends was joking with me that I should guard against the pretty Shanghai girls.  Too many stories told. Most of them negative. I think everywhere is the same. Difference is whether who takes more initiative.
The La Salle Design School must be really good, else I don't think any Singaporean will move to an Asian country for the sake of education, except for Chinese Language or History. |
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miewmiew
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Joined: July 21, 2003
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June 24, 2004 - 06:03 PM |
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Hi Samantha!
Glad that another fellow S'porean is coming to SH.
Good to read (use a quick & selective style) through the past discussions in Forum for a very good feel of almost all aspect of SH, eg food, housing, etc...
Cheers! |
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izanami
PopStar
Joined: Jan 27, 2004
Posts: 1037
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June 24, 2004 - 06:11 PM |
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Shanghai is not that bad. It is not always dirty, it is pretty clean along the main shopping streets. As for the real dirty places, these tend to be quite local places, and if they are real clean, they kind of lose their 'soul'.
As for Shanghai girls, you don't have to worry about them. Every city has its fare share of pretty girls and not so good looking girls. They are pretty in the sense of being slim and fair, but the tanned and sultry Singapore look is nice too. Shanghai has their own CPGs (shanghai party girls) and Singapore has its own SPGs (sarong party girls). And those are just mere stereotypes. At the end of the day, it's about communication as well as good looks. (but I think Singapore men who have failed miserably in Singapore will find it easier to get a girl here in Shanghai...simply because there are many more girls here and also Singaporean men are viewed as good family men with economic success here).
Actually, i think it's a great city to explore with your husband. Especially if you are young...lots of cool things around. and it's true that your money goes further here. It will help that you speak Mandarin.
shanghai has a wider selection of bars (and more customers for the atmosphere) than Singapore. But the clubbing scene in Singapore is better.
don't think u will have to change your lifestyle much in Shanghai. I find that there's not much compromise other than the bad air, crowds, and lack of English publications (no Borders at Wheelock Place, no Kinokuniya at Takashimaya!).
As for rude people, bad environment...etc...well, it's a good way of widening our horizons and get out of that Singapore cocoon. (besides, I think Singaporeans are not always that polite themselves.) It's a matter of economic status and educational levels. I have met very polite Chinese (tend to be professionals) and very rude ones too.
I've been around the world, and i must say that Singapore is just quite 'sterile' and too orderly that it is more the exception.
From a career perspective, getting that international exposure is always good.
for a female...there's mango, benetton, sisley, nafnaf here. no zara. shoes can be overpriced for the poor design. cosmetics here are expensive because of import taxes. if you use brand name stuff like Lancome, get it in Singapore. decent fashion availability here (better than singapore for breadth of selection), i find myself buying lots of clothes. also, there are good hairstylists and beauty services, and very affordable.
"not that i am very disciplined or polite... but just felt that saying sorry is basic courtesy... sigh... guess I have to throw away some stuff that my teachers have been trying hard to instil on us since young... "
well, the teachers teach crap sometimes. don't always believe what they tell you. but that aside, just because people here are rude doesn;t mean that you have to be rude. just remain neutral and laugh things off, and you will keep your sanity.
and shanghai really has lots to offer. besides, singapore is so near by...you can always go home (especially once the budget airlines fly to shanghai) anytime.
good luck, and be excited! |
_________________
Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.-- Brillat-Savarin |
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chionhster
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Joined: June 24, 2004
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June 24, 2004 - 07:11 PM |
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hi samantha & every1,
I'll be moving to SH soon as well & I think my situation is similar to sam & her hubby, give up my job & explore opportunities in SH, can U guys roughly wat is the economical & convenient accom around? |
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samanthachua
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Joined: June 24, 2004
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June 24, 2004 - 07:12 PM |
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hey! you guys are really great!!! Many thanks for all the sharing!
Iznami, I kind of agree with what you said about Singaporeans. Most of my foreign friends find us too 'proper' and 'warn' me that I may have problems living overseas cos we are too 'protected' since young. We have too many rules and are stereotyped since young to behave in a certain way, so as to be labelled as good children. Juz to share with you. I was rather mischievous in my younger days and was forbidden to visit the old folks home by the teachers cos only 'good' students are allowed to visit. Strange right? Till this day, I cannot understand their mindset. I thought the visit is to instil good values about compassion and filial piety...
Thus, having stayed in a 'protected' environment for so long, I think this overseas stint is a very good exposure for us.
On the note about international exposure, I think going to western countries will be better than Shanghai. Not really sure if it is good for our career in the future. My future employer may not think much about my working stint in a Chinese environment.
Yeah, I read from some posts that there isn't much English books... disappointed. I love to read.
Another concern of mine is the weather. I have never experienced anything below 10C. I heard it can be as low as below 5C in Shanghai. Is this true? Oh no........ |
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samanthachua
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Joined: June 24, 2004
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June 24, 2004 - 07:22 PM |
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Hi Chionhster,
I assumed you are also a Singaporean?  Will you be working in Shanghai? Is your hubby on expat terms? Our terms are not so attractive.
The best way to know more about housing is to visit the place : I was told. I bought a map but it got me more confused. We have not decided on which area and what type of housing. Should be deciding soon.
When will you be leaving? Quite a lot to pack right? Have you done your medical check? Will your hubby's company arrange the Z Visa for you?
so many many things..... but quite fun lah. |
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speckie1
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Joined: Apr 19, 2004
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June 24, 2004 - 07:26 PM |
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Just to give you a sense of food - There's Jack's Place, Pasta Fresca, Cross Roads, Bread Talk and other places where you can find that little bit of familiar food. You can even find durians here! And best of all (or worst of all for some) there's even a Raffles City!!!
But as in any overseas country, there will be somethings that don't taste like the original, nor will you be able to get some stuff.
Besides partying/clubbing, you could make short trips out of Shanghai, like Hangzhou for example. What do you mean by enjoying life?
Accomodation is not cheap, I must say. If you can afford it, then, a serviced apartment. Better than the condos in Singapore? Kinda depends on what you've paid for. But unlikely. You might get lucky and get a big apartment.
A map might be confusing now, as you've no sense of direction of the city yet. But once you get here, it'll become clearer. |
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samanthachua
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Joined: June 24, 2004
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June 24, 2004 - 07:29 PM |
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Hi miewmiew,
How long have you been in Shanghai? How long did you take to immerse yourself fully into the life and culture of Shanghainese?
Compared to Singapore, how's working life there? Is it really all about 'guang xi' and nothing else? Are Singaporeans welcomed?
Just to clarify something. Are English movies shown in cinemas in English Language and not translated into Mandarin. Sorry if I sound silly. |
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samanthachua
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Joined: June 24, 2004
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June 24, 2004 - 07:39 PM |
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To enjoy, I meant life isn't just about work and clubbing. We can go some places to relax, natural scenery, attractions.....
Raffles City?? Breadtalk??? Great! Hahahaha... so Singaporean.
Having read a bit about food hygiene in China, does anyone of you have concerns of this sort? Do you try to avoid local products for fear of mysterious food contents? |
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shanghaibarry
Barker
Joined: May 18, 2004
Posts: 188
Location: Shanghai
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June 24, 2004 - 07:40 PM |
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On accommodation, the older "foreigner apartments" do have HBO and CNN but I think they changed the law 3-4 years ago and the newer ones don't have. Installing satellite dishes are still illegal, every now and then there could be a raid and the money you spend will be down the drain.
Food-wise, there are quite a few Singaporean restaurants around in Shanghai, Crossroad is one of my favourites, very authentic carrot cake.
There are still some very limited collection of English books in the Foriegn Language Bookstore on Fuzhou Road.
In terms of finding accommodation, Xuhui area is pretty convenient and perhaps easier for those commuting to work in the Huaihai road area. Apartments here are not that bad, but mostly are not too well-kept if you compare them with the condos in Singapore. You can rent from RMB 6,000 to RMB 30,000 or even more depending on your budget and preference. You should get in touch with a real estate agent and go inspect a few. And if your husband's assignment is going to be long term, renting an apartment is much better than serviced flats. serviced apartment can be nice if your budget allows, usually from USD 3,000 onwards per month, Summerset is by far the most popular here (Singaporean run).
Not to worry too much about bringing in things with you (unless you are a big fan of Body Shop, they aren't here yet). Getting to HK is just too convenient, a weekend getaway will serve all your shopping needs. |
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miewmiew
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Joined: July 21, 2003
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June 24, 2004 - 08:13 PM |
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I'm here in SH just to accompany my husband & am not working, so i can take my time to get accustomed to the new culture & lifestyle. I've learnt that different people have different adaption power, my husband adapted well here very quickly & likes the challenges here. The bottomline is to come with an open mind & have a support group ... husband, friends (with time u'll know pp), etc...
They do screen English movies (abt RMB 50) here but most people wld rather buy pirated VCDs at abt RMB 7 - 10, and watch the updated movies in the comfort of their homes. I'm still wondering what's the std of the sound system, comfort, etc of the cinemas here. (I've not done a search in Forum on this)
Generally, S'poreans are welcomed here. But, when shopping at non-fixed priced places, i wld rather pass-off as one from another province incase i get 'ko tok' (charged cut throat prices).
I would suggest that you bring along at least a guide book on 'China' - eg Loney Planet, as it contains fundamental info such as tempreture, etc. If time permits, visit this website regularly for very useful reads.
Have a good flight here! |
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okido
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Joined: Sep 14, 2003
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June 25, 2004 - 01:52 AM |
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Hi Sam, now you already have more than one fellow Singaporeans here to befriend with in the future. Isn't that nice.
Experiencing a "real" winter is really interesting. I have never lived in places where there are real winters. (Visited Boston and NYC in the winter but just for a few days each time. It's really cold but everywhere is airconditioned.) So I actually found my first two winters in Shanghai quite an experience. Since you are arriving in Summer time. You should be fine. Shanghai is as hot as Singapore in the summer. (Last year had a couple of days over 40c) Winter is around 5 to 10. A few days during CNY holidays might drop below zero and even snow a bit. But, don't worry about that. Down coat, down quilt, woolen underwears are not expensive. If you find yourself a centrol airconditioning apartment, you will be warm and comfortable at home too. (Those 3 in 1 aircon. is less effective in heating the room.) The best part is you get to wear those long cashmere coats and knee high boots. Imagine trying the clothing that you will neve experience if living in Singapore. Isn't that exciting?
Anyway, bear in mind you are not alone. PM me if you need information or help. I am sure the others are willing to help out too. Welcome to Shanghai. Let us know when you arrive. |
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OYP68
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Joined: June 23, 2004
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June 30, 2004 - 12:20 PM |
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I have visited Shanghai often and have an apt there (lost money). Over the years Shanghai has become much more 'habitable in terms of accormmodation and food. Hygiene has improved a lot except for the local areas (they have 15 million people and you can imagine how difficult it is to keep the place clean, and people coming from low standard of hygiene).
I put Shanghai in between Singapore and Malaysia. But you will experience the exhilirating progress Shanghai is in. Things are moving so fast and in a blink of the eye things change.
Somethings I do not like. Previvously you could see a certain landmark and walk towards it. Now you cannot becasue skyscrpaers are builty so close that you feel like you are in a prison. They have overdone certain things.
Play golf. If you are interested I could lease it to you or sell it to you my membership in Grand Shanghai. |
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toynofe
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Joined: June 30, 2004
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June 30, 2004 - 01:50 PM |
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Hi there everyone! I'm Singaporean too, and I'm simply so glad to chance upon this site! Been here a couple of weeks, and my situation is so similar to MiewMiew, Sam and Chionhster.. The same thinking.. should take some risks when still "young" and doesn't have much to worry about.. If not will regret in future.. But I've not been so lucky though.. not met any fellow Singaporeans yet.. looking forward to doing so soon.. Anyone keen to meet up can pm me! I'll be logging on every few days.
And oh yes.. all those descriptions about the people here.. their culture of not saying "excuse me" nor "sorry".. it's just so... well I guess it just takes a lot of getting use to.. |
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shanghaibarry
Barker
Joined: May 18, 2004
Posts: 188
Location: Shanghai
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June 30, 2004 - 06:31 PM |
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oh my countrymen! (and women) just tried the Crossroad in the HK New World Plaza (I think that's what it's called), it's a rip-off. For those who feel homesick occassionally, I will still recommend Crossroad at Nanjing West Road and Changle Road.
And it is not that difficult for Singaporeans to adjust to the Shanghai culture and lifestyle. Don't worry too much, just do it when you are still young. |
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keemingchi
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Joined: June 22, 2004
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July 09, 2004 - 11:34 PM |
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Hi everyone, good to see so many fellow Singaporeans in Shanghai. I've been keeping an eye on the Shaghaiexpat website and gradually gathering what I hope is a fair depiction of expat life in Shanghai. Sounds interesting ... Still in the final stages of agreeing terms and conditions with my employer but looks like my wife and I will be coming over to Shanghai in late Sept. Looking forward to it ... seem to recall seeing that there are some regular get-togethers for Singaporeans in Shanghai. Has anyone gone for these or know the email of the organiser so I can get in touch. Thanks and looking forward to catching up with you all. |
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coolman
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Joined: Mar 25, 2004
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July 10, 2004 - 07:15 PM |
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Hello all!
It is good to hear fellow Singaporean responding to this topics. I just got a job in Shanghai and will be in Shanghai in 1 August 2004 if things as plan.
Have been reading through all these correspondence. Will look forward for a get together sometimes.
Take in touch. |
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blursotong
Talker
Joined: July 10, 2004
Posts: 81
Location: somewhere out there beneath the polluted sky
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July 11, 2004 - 12:26 AM |
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Hi everyone!
I'm another "wife quit job to accompany hubby" case... so happy to find that there are others like me too... just curious, but what do you do when hubby is at work? Are there any makan/ jalan jalan/ shopping groups for wives?
Btw, anyone knows of any regular Singaporean gathering? Am looking forward to meeting up and hearing some Singlish... |
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