Shanghai feedback?
 

I'm exploring a job opportunity here and am wondering if anyone can feedback on the city, people, and general quality of life. Sounds like the salary range they are talking about is decent but then again it all depends on the cost of living. Likes, dislikes? Chime in with anything you feel is relevant. Thanks in advance.

Can you describe a bit about yourself and your position over there? Will they be giving you an expat package or will you be treated as a local? I am assuming expat since you are from Canada. Can you speak mandarin or shanghainese?

Sure. Yes there will be an expat package but no I do not speak either local language / dialect. The company in question conducts all business in English, even though they are a European in origin. Similar positions pay 900,000+ yuan not including bonuses, relocation costs, housing allowances, etc.

bump

Cost of living isn't bad.

How long do you plan to be there for? Better make sure the housing allowance is enough to cover most of the rent there.

I think you will be just fine.

I worked in Shanghai for a about half a year in 2007. There are lots foriengers in Shanghai everyone and theres a large expat community there so if you are socialable you will fit in soon.

In terms of lifestyle, it is very fast paced comaring to North America, especially Vancouver. I once read on a shanghai newspaper that a Brit expat in shanghai describes the pace in shanghai as "Living in Shanghai for a year is equavelant to living in England for 4 or 5 years". Everything is done very quickly and handled very quick, so make sure you adjust to their pace soon after you arrive.

The environment in Shanghai is very cosmopolitan, similar to New York i would say, but of course you are in a Chinese culture there so be prepared for some culture shock. Entertainment wise vancouver is non-comparable to Shanghai, however nature wise vancouver is 100X better.
Shanghai's air is somewhat polluted (much better than before) and very stuffy, also the water has a special "shanghai taste" to it that you need to adjust to.

If you are into outdoor activities shanghai is not for you and you will be in much pain. If you couldnt careless about nature than you will be fine.

ask me anything else if you are still in doubt.

Shanghai’s weather is the worst as you will find out soon, the summer is hot and humid and winter is super dry cold. Cost of living is quite high but not when you are getting 900k+ per year, you are already ahead of 99.99% of people with that kind of money.

If you don't mind me asking which industry do you work in?

Temp seems similar to California which is where I am originally from, though the humidity is definitely different and not so good. I am in software development.

So have you already started working in Shanghai? If so how's the working environment? Is it really fast-paced like the guy said above? How are adjusting to it Shanghai I mean it is the New York of China after all, do you enjoy it?

Nope haven't started there, still just exploring the opportunity though conversations have been more serious than just "exploring." I'm expecting a visit should this 3rd upcoming interview go well.

software development paying you 900K + thats like 200K a year in canada! What the heck, the software development dudes I know at ea are only around 80k!

cos EA is a sweatshop!