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m_kroshka
Newbie
Joined: May 20, 2008
Posts: 1
Status: Offline
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 Posted:
May 29, 2008 - 07:36 AM |
 
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| Post subject: Possible Move to Shanghai with Baby |
Hello fellow Expats:)
My company might be moving me to Shanghai for 2 to 3 years. I will be movign with my husband and 10 month old baby. There are SO MANY questions that I have for everyone!
1. should we buy a car here? Looks like no one worrying about baby car seats here? So if we take a taxi with a baby...is it safe without one? Could we rent a car here for 2 years? Can we drive with american driving license or we will need to apply for China one. Should we ask for a company car arrangement?
2. We probably will be living closer to our Shanghai office, so that means we will not be in a western neighborhood. There is a big grocery store 5 min away and huge park. But I am worring about baby needs...is there a place to buy formula and diapers and other things that we would need for a baby?
3. Where are the western doctors here? Are they covered by Expat Insurance? Our son will still need many shots...so we will need a good doctor for him? What do people do in emergency? Is there some sort of 911 number to call? Is there option in English?
4. What does anyone with kids do for fun here? My husband might be taking care of our son for a few months, while I start work...any suggestions?
5. He (my husband) will be looking for a job as well. He is in Banking (IT project manager). Is it easy to find a job here, speaking only english?
I have so many more questions.
So if anyone feels liek they want to give us a good advice please email me off line at m_kroshka@hotmail.com
We are coming from NYC. Possibly 1st week of August.
Thank you!!!!
Masha, Leo and Niko (almost 10 months) |
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Michael
Moderator
Joined: Mar 22, 2002
Posts: 5289
Status: Online!
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| Posted:
May 29, 2008 - 09:48 AM |
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Welcome Masha, Leo, and Niko.
Lots of these questions have been answered quite bit, so I urge you to pic a subject.. use the search.. and see what else has been said. There is a lot of good information in the forums, the articles, and INFO-FAQs. That said.. feel free to ask questions.. I just did not want you to miss the tons of good info already here.
Getting a car depends on your job, income. Getting a car is very expensive and a bit of a hassle. I would not buy a car here or drive if I could help it. Its crazy. Renting.or having your company rent, a car and driver is the way to go - especially with a baby. Standard company package is probably 12K-15k RMB a month - car and driver - usually the driver speaks only Chinese. You can look around for better deals if you are the one paying the bill. Living close to your office will help.
2. Should be no problem. We have a 6 month old and just have all that stuff delivered. Most baby needs are pretty well covered here.. though we do buy soaps and creams and some baby stuff when we go back to the US just because we are more certain of product quality. The formula we have bought here seems to do the trick and the baby is happy and healthy.
3, There are western medical services here sometimes independent - like Parkway and sometime with an established local hospital like HuaShan Hospital. You have a lot of choices here. Insurance billing depends on your policy and the provider. Some can bill insurance and some want to be paid and let you get reimbursed. Most emergency is only in Chinese.
4. For older kids.. most activities are done through schools. I will let other moms answer this question. We could probably use some ideas also. Ours is primarily entertained by mom and dad and ayi at this point. He does meet and play with other babies in the park and in the building upon occasion. As he gets older, I am sure other possibilities. I know other parents organize playgroups.
You really should get an good ayi recommended to you. Its a great help and one of the good things ( with the right ayi ) about living here. While we have parents have made a commitment to be parents and engage our son daily ( we do the bathing, changing clothes, have playtimes morning and night ) with both of us working now.. the ayi is a critical element. Most ayi's do not speak english.
5 Project management is good.. there is a need here. Speaking only English is not.. it might be difficult because 9.9 times out of ten.. the project manager will be managing local chinese. There are niche's however and people who have a management background and can get things done are able to find niche. Taking on projects as an independent contractor is also a possibility. I am also a trailing spouse and starting out doing some IT consulting along with starting Shanghaiexpat. Now Shex a full time job for me and several others.
I would recommend both of you get immersed in a basic chinese course right at the beginning. It will make life easier in the long run. You do not have to become fluent.. but you it is easier if you are. |
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FamilyToBe
Talker
Joined: Dec 05, 2006
Posts: 96
Status: Offline
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| Posted:
May 29, 2008 - 10:27 AM |
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