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Scottishlass
Newbie
Joined: Mar 27, 2009
Posts: 5
Status: Offline
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Mar 27, 2009 - 01:09 AM |
 
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| Post subject: moving to Shanghai in April with 3 and 4 year old - Advice! |
My husband is already out in Shanghai - staying in a hotel at moment, and I am going to be following in a couple of weeks...initially going over on a tourist visa I think...This is my first post of many I guess as I have never stayed anywhere apart from Scotland and have never been to Asia!
Anyway trying to get organised at home (Scotland), and my husband is of the opinion all I need to take is clothes for me as asian sizes are small, and some toiletries, toys for kids, their ds's for plane and my laptop! But then as he has been travelling world since he was 18 he is used to living life out of a bag and not getting attached to personal items - I am different....
I dont even think most airlines give the little ones any baggage allowance but husband says just take extra suitcase or two and pay costs? Can anyone recommend ways to get clothes\footwear\toys etc over there that dont cost the earth, sun and stars? Have had a quick look through forums inbetween dealing with my toddlers but cant see anything for UK or Scotland (Usually dearer from here as am in North East)...
Second one is my husband has been looking at places to rent - Shimao and Thompson Gardens I think were ones he saw but as I dont know Shanghai or Asia I dont know whether I would be better in apartment or in a duplex\villa? Ideal would be to get somewhere with a garden (even small) as toddlers love playing outside...Location wise - he is looking for ones that would suit me best but as his work involves a lot of travel - dry docking etc throughout Asia, and site says travelling across river is a nighmare then I guess Pudong area is best?
He was looking via this company here - http://www.metropolis-sh.com - has anyone any experience of them? Or can anyone recommend one?!
Or recommend areas\types of property? I dont drive and husband says I may feel isolated in some places as first as wouldnt be able to negotiate taxis etc easily but I said that just gives me an incentive to learn local language faster! Would prefer one with swimming pool for kids, somewhere that within a 30 min walk I can go to a ship which sells basic groceries to tide me over till a big shop, a gym or close to one, and close to cafes where there is foreign food too - with toddlers, prefer to know what they are eating, and also to get them to want to eat the food!
Thats the main ones just now - will be moving whatever stuff I take ourselves and will make life easier for me for packing etc if I know what I can manage to take with me...
Also what happens if I dont have my medical records - and is this just doctors stuff? Any other records I need coming from UK? My 3 year old is getting her pre school jabs 1st April, are there any other jabs we need before we go or can wwe get them once we get there?
cheers for any info!
Nikki |
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CoffeeHawk_0
Board Deity
Joined: July 14, 2005
Posts: 19005
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Mar 27, 2009 - 06:35 AM |
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You are asking all the right questions, and the amount of information you need is enormous. Spend time searching these forums and the internet, and especially Chinese and Scottish consulate/embassy websites all the information is there, but it's far too much to put into one thread.
There are many sources of information and I'm sure you can get some specific advice in this thread. For now, below are some official links that can be helpful. A lot of the Scottish, Irish, British resources are combined.
Britsabroad is a comunity group and was very active in Shanghai in 2007/2008, so I hope thier MSN and email is still working. Many members are based out of the Shimao/Thompson area in Pudong. (I met this group twice in Shanghai and both times two out of the 3 people I met were Scottish )
britsabroad57@hotmail.com
http://www.shanghaiexpat.com/index.php?name=MDForum&file=profile&mode= viewprofile&u=774061
http://ukinchina.fco.gov.uk/en/ (British embassy in China)
Embassy of Ireland (I don't think Scotland has an embassy in Shanghai)
Add: 3 Ritan Donglu
Tel: 65322691/65322914/65321144
http://www.sha.britcham.org/sh/contact/contact.php
In addition to Shimao and Thompson, Yanlord Gardens in West Pudong is a popular apartment complex for families with Children.
For anything regarding medical records, visas, related papework, etc., find the exact requirements from the Chinese consulate, and do exactly what they say. |
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Klick
Rocker
Joined: Jan 04, 2009
Posts: 796
Location: pupudongadong
Status: Offline
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Mar 27, 2009 - 07:16 AM |
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Scottishlass I am in much the same situation - my husband has been in SH since Feb, and my almost-3 year old and I will be joining him in late April. The movers are coming on Monday to pack up our stuff and take it away to a big boat. We are bringing more stuff than you will probably want to bring, as we don't know that we will be coming back to the UK, or where we may end up - so we are bringing essentially all of our personal effects. (No furniture though.)
| CoffeeHawk_0 wrote: |
In addition to Shimao and Thompson, Yanlord Gardens in West Pudong is a popular apartment complex for families with Children.
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We - well, my husband anyway - just signed a lease for a place in Yanlord Gardens. He looked as several places in both Pudong and Puxi and ultimately decided that, although we liked the idea of the more 'real city life' in Puxi, Yanlord really had everything going for it that we will need as a family. Lots of playgrounds, kids everywhere, on-site nursery (at the equivalent of £180/month, full time!), the pools looked well maintained, the gardens are gorgeous, shops and places to eat within reasonable walking distance - OK maybe not a big a range of choices as in Puxi, but perfectly fine for day-to-day.
He worked on finding housing with a woman named Adrienne who posts here; she is with Shanghai Properties and hubby has had nothing but good things to say about how helpful and professional she and her colleague Bob Yan have been.
Feel free to PM me if you want to chat - looks like we'll be arriving near about the same time so if we end up living near enough, we can join forces and muddle through the 'settling in' period together. |
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choir001
Barker
Joined: Mar 24, 2008
Posts: 145
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Mar 27, 2009 - 10:14 PM |
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Scottishlass,
If I was you I would come to Shanghai, stay in a serviced apartment for a week or two and then personally take a look at the compounds. Your DH can make a short list for you, but I think it is important that you see the place too. You will need a few days to get over the jetlag etc, so take it easy and slow. There are plenty of places on the market, with so many expats going home and new places come up all he time.
Since you sound like me in that you will be a single parent at least some of the time (with DH working), it is really important that you like where you live and feel comfortable and not isolated. The first few months can be very tough, especially for the kids. For them bring as many pieces of home as you can. Take plenty of photos of the things and people they love and stick them in a little album. That way if they feel homesick, you guys can look through the book and talk it through. It really does help.
I also recommend Adrienne, she comes highly recommended by many expats. I have never worked with her, but everything I have ever heard about her and her service is positive. Here is her website:
http://www.shanghaiprops.com/
I actually live in Shimao Lakeside, with three kids, aged 5,6 & 7. we love ti here, but I think other compounds such as Yanlord Town offer more for kids. Vizcaya is also great and ha a beautiful swimming pool area.
Another thing to keep in mind is where you might want you child to go to school. As a 3yr old, it is not a pressing problem, but just make sure you are close to a school you like.
As far as baggage allowance goes, your children get the same as you, if they have a seat in the plane. If they are a lap ticket then they get a percentage of the adult baggage allowance. They are entitled to luggage, you would need to check the airline for the amounts.
The area of Jinqiao in Pudong is very easy to get around, taxis are very used to expats and there are a couple of large groceries stores similar to Asda nearby, so you will be fine. I really don't think you will have a problem getting around.
The best thing to do is read as much as you can on this site and if you can't find what you are looking for, just ask. we have all been in your position and are more than happy to answer questions.
The biggest concern is ensuring that you have adequate health insurance. It can be expensive if you want a western standard of healthcare.
Kim C |
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monalisalee
StreetBeater
Joined: May 10, 2005
Posts: 2444
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline
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Mar 27, 2009 - 10:48 PM |
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Yeah! Super advice from Kim C.
Take that, and you wont be far out, or any out.
Only thing I would add is, yes your kids are no. 1, because their adjustment is much harder than yours, And Pudong is prob. the best area for kids. Also Adrienne is a super agent, with great advice. |
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johnboy88 |
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knelson
Lurker
Joined: Dec 02, 2008
Posts: 27
Location: XinZhuang
Status: Offline
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Mar 28, 2009 - 08:15 PM |
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Also, for more information from expat moms, join the Shanghai Mamas Forum. They were extremely helpful in preparation for coming here and for everything you could want to know once you are here.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shanghaimamas/
Good Luck! |
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Adrienne
FooJay
Joined: Mar 01, 2003
Posts: 1692
Location: Shanghai, China
Status: Offline
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Mar 29, 2009 - 10:00 AM |
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Well, thanks a million for the kind words and recomendations. Happy to help Scottishlass with her family's move here. Personally, I probably wouldn't recomend Tomson Garden townhouses for two reasons. Too man stairs for little toddies (and mum too!) and it is a little isolated so if you want to have a cuppa with a fellow expat you actually have to lug the kids into a taxi and go to the Green City area. Little things like that turn out to be a huge trek......you just about need a cut lunch and thermos for even small trips.
My top 3 places would be Green Court (preferably phase 1), Yanlord Town and Shimao Lakeside.
As knelson mentioned, there are some fabulous and very helpful groups here for mums that provide oodles of information on every aspect of mums, kids and families.
Here's my little list for you.
http://www.momsinpudong.com
http://shfamily.com
http://www.communitycenter.cn/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/shanghaimamas/
There's also an Internationl Mother's Group I can't locate details on at present.
Lastly, please have a look at our Leasing Advice at it may help your hubby with negotiations.
Cheers,
Adrienne |
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Shanghai Properties - Expat Agents Speak Your Language http://www.shanghaiprops.com |
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Michael
Moderator
Joined: Mar 22, 2002
Posts: 6321
Status: Online!
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Mar 29, 2009 - 10:39 AM |
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Scottishlass
Newbie
Joined: Mar 27, 2009
Posts: 5
Status: Offline
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Mar 29, 2009 - 11:02 PM |
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Sorry I have been quiet - really busy with stuff here too, communications with husband are late on for me due to time difference(!), and my family wanting to spend as much time with us too but unfortunately no ready babysitters as all my sisters have one toddler themselves, one sisters hubby is home from Yemen for 4 weeks and they all stay 50 miles away so long round trip with toddlers, and middle sister is due in June (I have 3 sisters and 1 brother in Armed forces).
Believe I am going down to Edinburgh for a couple of days this week to get my visa done so means the kids get a trip to Edinburgh Zoo etc so wont be so boring for them! Only hassle is she is getting her pre school jabs done on Wednesday so if I dont get down there tomorrow will most likely be next week if she is under the weather at end of week due to her jabs.
Thanks to everyone so far, great to get so much info\advice and opinions...I have passed this sites web link and link to this thread to my husband - think he favours Shimao Riviera (as opposed to Lakeside?)- he said he though Thompson was a bit too far out for me and I would have to get taxis everywhere...he hasnt mentioned Green Court so will put that to him via email and get a response in the early hours UK time!
And thanks for the links for all the family groups - tbh I am quite isolated where I am in Scotland, and with the kids and a touch of baby blues having them so close together and hubby working away over 300 days a year, and me stoping work at Shell, I am not great at integrating with people - quite shy but will try my best as wont have my sisters and mum around and being in a strange country will need and appreciate all the help I can get! Am usually great finding stuff out through internet but guess I will need a few pages open to translate chinese web pages! And due to staying in a little village with poor public transport I usually order things online so have ordered myself a chinese dictionary to read on the plane when the kids let me!
Btw i am mid 30's and hubby a few years younger....I am Scottish and he is Dutch....Just to give you a background to us!
And good luck to Klick -I hope everything goes fine with your move and once life gets less hectic this side and I am more organised and have visa and flight tickets and know where I will be staying will drop you a mail!
Will also look up those in Green Court and pass details onto husband...think his heart is set on the Shimao Riviera ones though!
Nikki, Amber and Samara |
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monalisalee
StreetBeater
Joined: May 10, 2005
Posts: 2444
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline
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Mar 29, 2009 - 11:42 PM |
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Scottishlass: You are so cool, open, and friendly. ( a bit unusual on this site)
I am from New Zealand, and our best, most friendly City is Dunedin, which was settled by Scotts. Fantastic place.
I am involved in real estate here, and can help you to avoid the bad guys, and minefields. Just p.m. me. Please do not make your mind up about acommodation quickly I think you can save megabucks. |
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johnboy88 |
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Scottishlass
Newbie
Joined: Mar 27, 2009
Posts: 5
Status: Offline
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Mar 30, 2009 - 09:36 PM |
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Yeah thats my best and worst trait - too honest! And most Scots are friendly - just my heritage I guess! Always wanted to visit New zealand - think I even tried to persuade Mike to move there before but as he worked internationally then he told me the flights just made it all impossible!
husband is currently speaking to a company called Metropolis but not sure what their reputation is? He is asking them to look at places in Shimao Riviera and Green Court or similar facilities/location for shopping and getting out and about in PuDong (But within what he wants to spend a month) with minimum space of 230 SQM and 3 bed+ for visitors.... and obviously a decent price so if anyone knows of any then feel free to pm me and can pass info onto him! |
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Adrienne
FooJay
Joined: Mar 01, 2003
Posts: 1692
Location: Shanghai, China
Status: Offline
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Mar 30, 2009 - 10:46 PM |
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Yep, have to agree on friendly and open Scots! My mum was born in Edinburgh.......just down from Princes St. Loved my time there, the Castle, Tattoo, Jenners and helpful friendly folk. Dad played the pipes in the Tattoo in the 70's. HUGE EVENT!
We've got a really well priced large apartment at Green Court on ground floor. Please ask your hubby to give me a buzz/mail and shall arrange a viewing for him. manager@shanghaiprops.com
Adrienne |
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Shanghai Properties - Expat Agents Speak Your Language http://www.shanghaiprops.com |
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rucksack
Reacher
Joined: Jan 10, 2005
Posts: 267
Location: the wrong side of the tracks
Status: Offline
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Apr 05, 2009 - 03:06 PM |
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All the advice is spot on. I would make some arrangements to learn the language. I have a couple friends that haven't made any attempt and it makes a difference in their adjustment and ability to do things for themselves. I'm often called on to talk to their ayi about even the littlest things which makes them a bit dependent not independent. That's all. And...welcome to Shanghai. |
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Maxeen
Squeeker
Joined: Feb 08, 2009
Posts: 18
Status: Offline
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Apr 06, 2009 - 03:30 PM |
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Hi Scottishlass,
Before moving to SH, I'd found the below site to be very useful if you are looking at apartments in Shimao Riviera Gardens in terms of floor plans, facilities, etc.
http://www.shimaousa.com/english/index.htm
One advice I can give is don't believe everything the local leasing agents tell you (apart from Adrienne of course as she has a good reputation here).
All the best with the move  |
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bigroh74
Reacher
Joined: Feb 18, 2009
Posts: 210
Status: Offline
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Apr 08, 2009 - 01:23 PM |
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| Barkri12 wrote: |
Shanghai has been called the "Paris of the East" and the "Queen of the Orient." Rich with history, Shanghai first opened its door to foreigners for trade in the 1840's. The resulting international community contributed to Shanghai's unique character, architecture, fashion and food. The Japanese invasion of 1937 forced most of the foreigners to flee the city and it would be 50 years before international influences would return to this alluring metropolis.
Today Shanghai is China's most cosmopolitan city and is regarded as the economic powerhouse of mainland China. Shanghai will be hosting the World Trade Expo in 2010, which will showcase famous landmarks such as the Pearl Tower, the world's tallest hotel and the world's longest arch bridge.
Initially, most newcomers are struck by the city's vastness, the pace of development, the population density and the chaos and energy of the city. There is a feeling that Shanghai is a city on the move, developing at a fast pace. It is more modern than imagined. Skyscrapers stand in stark contrast next to old communist dwellings, giving the city a sense of time and change. |
At least you've managed to master cutting and pasting if not actually how to answer the questions.  |
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monalisalee
StreetBeater
Joined: May 10, 2005
Posts: 2444
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline
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Apr 18, 2009 - 12:24 AM |
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Scottishlass: Yeah, spamming Centaline have a really "good" reputation here.
Did you notice the sarcastic inverted commas?
Goes to show biggest is not always best!
Work with Adrienne sweety, she will not let you down. Not the biggest, but the best.
If she lets you down, I will kill her. |
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johnboy88 |
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