Hints & Tips
Sunday, April 27th 2008
When first arriving for your “looksee” in Shanghai can be somewhat overwhelming at times. You are wondering, OMG can I really live here with children. What if I need or want things like my son’s favorite cereal. Will I be safe walking the streets with my children, or how can I find different places when I do not speak the language?
For such a huge city, it is very safe and you will find it very friendly once you get your “sea legs”. Shanghai has huge expat community and the locals you meet are very friendly and really love children. These things should make the transition a little bit easier for your move here.
Ask your hotel to give you directions in Chinese to a City Shop that is close to you. Purchase taxi cards, a Passport to Shanghai book, and look around at all the the food items that are from your home country.
Another great tool to get an address translated into chinese characters, www.streetsofchina.com, it was created by a Shanghai Mama.
What seems like a huge step in moving here, will soon feel like home once you make friends, your children make friends and are able to find things and/or foods that remind you of home.
I promise it does get easier and you will soon learn to love this beautiful city.
Lynda Quintana (mama of 2)
Shanghai Mama Founder
View latest in Newcomers.
florainshanghai:
Just a new comer introduced by friends. hope to be happy here
May 17th, 2008 at 5:00 am
chad:
Hi all,
We are moving to SH in 2 weeks time. Very excited and hope to see you all soon. We have a 5 months baby.
What advise would you give us for place to live (we are living in an expat area in HK-We are british) that is convenient and child friendly? Our budget is 15000RMB but can increase if necessary. I’m very concern that we won’t have an outdoor space in SH. Where do you all lie at the moment.
I want a place where I can easily pop in with my baby to buy food and all without having to use a taxi all the time. Also place close by to an intenational baby hospital. My hubby is willing to travel by MRT to work in
People Square as long aswe have a good place to live.
Do you give your baby any vaccine appart from the usual standard ones?
Any playgroups for his age?
Anything that we should beware of or prepare or take with us?
any tips will be much appreciated.
May 28th, 2008 at 11:47 pm