I have just secured a job based in Putuo District and will be arriving in Shanghai in 2-3 Weeks time ... I guess I have the usual questions as a first timer in particular Accommodation and Banking.

I will be getting paid in Hong Kong Dollar so what would be the best Bank to use and would it be worth having an account with HSBC in HK and a local bank ? ... Any suggestions

Secondly I would like a hassle free commute to Block 28, Danba Road, Putuo district ... I have a budget of between 13,000 RMB - 15,000 RMB per month and as a 41 Year old Single guy would like a 2 Bedroom Apartment as a minimum.

Any tips much appreciated

John

if you are going to stay here for a long time, then I suggest you to get a bank account at HSBC. That was my alternative anyway, but since I'm only gonna stay here for 9 more months, I felt getting an account here is useless. Most because I hate they way the handle things here, so much hassle it's not even worth the bother. I still use my swedish card and to be honest I'm gladly to pay extra 30 rmb everytime I do a withdrawl for example; anything to avoid doing formal/official papersworks here! And the most of the banks also have a monthly fee, which depends on how much amount you have in your account, which might not be much problem for you since you are going to work, but there's no way I'm going e.g. to transfer 100 000 rmb to China. I just don't trust the chinese system.

Anyways, I think HSBC is a great choice and if Sweden had HSBC banks I would defintely be their customer. It's sure one of the most convenient international "local" banks. UK has HSBC too. Maybe it's better for you to get the account while you are in UK (if you have already then it's great! contact your bank and tell them your situation) because the bank will then follow by the UK regulations and laws, which you are more familiar with than China's. This way you avoid the hassle and confusion with the chineses.

About the living place, danba road is a bit shaggy area, but if I remember right near tongpu rd not far from danba rd there is new apartments and in a bit more nicer area. Check with your work if they are able to introduce you a real estate agent or just google. That's what I did =P I f you are not restricted to Danba rd then I like to suggest http://www.shanghai-extendedstay.com/. Nearest danba rd is Ningxia rd (Zhongshan Park) which is just along jinshajiang rd. Or Shanghai Centre's apartment rent. They are a bit more expensive though, but definetely keeps up the western standard and is a very quiet place although is right on nanjingxilu. Great block for exapts anyways. One of my geta-away places

Hope it did help you something, good luck with everything!

Cheers

Lovevengeance seems a bit paranoid about Chinese banking system. Maybe his cash is under the mattress. Oh wait a minute there is the ayi to think about.

Anyway, OP, opening a bank account in China is as simple as it can be. Get your company to help you sort it all out.

Lovevengeance wrote:Shanghai Centre's apartment rent. They are a bit more expensive though, but definetely keeps up the western standard and is a very quiet place although is right on nanjingxilu. Great block for exapts anyways. One of my geta-away places

Yes, Shanghai Centre is a fabulous place indeed but apartments are about double Petters22 budget.

@OP - I think I recall you wanted to be relatively close to some Sports Bars so you can watch some matches. Jing An area would be the best area for that as you have Big Bamboo and Malones sports bar there. You could get a nice apartment at One Park or Eight Park. Loads of expats live there.

Please mail or PM me if you want some more details on them. Mail manager@shanghaiprops.com

Adrienne

Lovevengeance wrote: UK has HSBC too. Maybe it's better for you to get the account while you are in UK (if you have already then it's great! contact your bank and tell them your situation) because the bank will then follow by the UK regulations and laws, which you are more familiar with than China's. This way you avoid the hassle and confusion with the chineses.

Maybe things have changed in the past couple of years. I, too, thought, HSBC would be the obvious choice. But the bank in the UK told me it wasn't possible ... for reasons I can't remember. Even the Bank of China wouldn't open an account for me, they said I had to do it here.

I'm now with ICBC and happy with them. I've also used Bank of China for transfers home and, although I don't have an account with them, found them very helpful. Not having the language doesn't seem to be a problem.