Information and Guidelines for an Expatriate in Shanghai

There are a lot of popular regions in China where an expatriate in Shanghai would like to live. Geographically, Shanghai is separated by the Huangpu River into two regions. These famous regions for expatriates are Pudong which means East and Puxi which means West.

Puxi is a busy downtown Shanghai area where numerous bars, restaurants and shops are located. Within Puxi, the following regions are the top picks for an expatriate in Shanghai:

· Hong Qiao Area - This is a very popular region for an expatriate in Shanghai because of its location. It was developed during the economic growth of China in the early 1990's.
Situated just about 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Puxi, this region is a top choice for an expatriate in Shanghai because it benefits from outstanding transportation services, different international schools and boutiques.

· Xu Hui, Lu Wan and Jing-An Areas - For an expatriate in Shanghai, these areas offer a wide selection of serviced rooms and apartments. Villas are not popular in these areas because of limits in space. Generally, living in any of these areas is convenient for an expatriate in Shanghai because of the different amenities that can be found.

· Kang Qiao Area - The Kang Qiao Area basically benefits from its closeness to the Shanghai Community International School and British International School while some parts of the area are near industrialized sectors. Although it is not as attractive as neighboring areas, this area is a popular choice for an expatriate in Shanghai because of different leisure amenities.

· Jin Qiao Area - This area has become a haven for Shanghai expatriates because of high-quality villas as well as apartments. A lot of expatriates prefer this area over the others because of its selection of leisure services and several famous international schools. However, it may be disappointing for people who wish to become more familiar with old Chinese society and cultures because of its lack in heritage.

If you choose to become an expatriate in Shanghai, it is best that you consider the following conditions before you pick an area to live in:

- Accessibility to the area (modes of transportation)
- Your trip or journey within the place (traffic conditions when driving or commuting)
- Your closeness to major highways and roads

- Your closeness to international airports
- The nearness of an international school for your children
- The availability of leisure services and facilities
- The chance to interact with local people to learn about the country's culture

Being an expatriate in Shanghai is not easy. However, it is surely a unique and exciting experience. You can best prepare yourself by learning as much as you can about Shanghai prior to your trip.