KrisD
American expat in China
Forum posts
48
Contacts
6
About me
American
Lives in Shanghai
Speaks English, basic mandarin
Registration: 16 May 2012
Hair color majirel 5,07
hmm, have you checked Taobao.com? or an english speaking salon, like Tony & Guy? Read More
Let's hang out! I would love some company in Shanghai:) by guoc
Hi all, Just got to Shanghai, and I'm here until late August. Would love to make some friends! Brief background-- I'm a New Yorker through and through, but I go to uni in Houston so I consider myself part-time Texan. Would love to watch ...
Welcome! Some good areas to live are Former french concession (scenic, vintage arch, cafes and restaurants), and Jing'an (central and also many good eats) Sorry leaving town this week for holiday home- but maybe plan a meet up next year! Bean ... Read More
Native dutch girl looking for a job in Shanghai by Evaleintje
Hi I'm Eveline Soon Ill obtain my bachelor degree in kindergarten teaching. At the same time, Ill obtain a post-graduate in teaching moral and ethics in primary school. I plan to live in Shanghai for a few years, starting from July 2015, so ...
Hi there! Check out some english teaching schools like English first, Disney English, and Wall street english. I've had friends work for them- tho many classes they teach are after school, evening, and weekends. (Which is hard socially) but ... Read More
Hi everibody! by maurivee
Hi everybody! Just found this website and think it is the right place where to be;) I'm Maurizio, italian designer. I'll move to Shanghai in January 2015 for studying and working. I lived abroad in the past, but I think that moving to ...
Hey there, I am also an industrial designer! How long will you stay in Shanghai? I've been working here 5 years- met my now husband and life is good. Shanghai is pretty cosmopolitan- its easy to get around with basic mandarin and english. ... Read More
Mothers in Shanghai, Huangpu district by Rajy
Hoping to meet other mothers in Huangpu district. I have a one year old daughter.
Hi Rajy! I have a 15 month son, we live by Jing 'An. If looking for playgroups- check out ShanghaiMamas.org. Kris Read More
Recommended place to live in china? by cathyosullivan
Hey I'm moving to china in September to teach, I can't decide where to move, I was thinking shanghai because it's the capital, I'm Irish and it's my first time away from home so I know I'll be homesick, has anyone got any ...
Hi There! I'm from the US, been living in SH for 5 yrs. Shanghai is very livable- less traffic and not as spread out as Beijing. Most young professionals live in Puxi (vs. Pudong) Former french concession area, which has history, cafes, bars, ... Read More
Is Shanghai a good choice? by ehi_ale
Hi everybody, I'm Ale, 32, italian, and I'm planning to go to China for three months. I'll be there with my girlfriend, who's chinese and is going to work as an intern. I'm planning, but I'm not yet completely sure! ...
Yes- most uni's have mandarin courses. Check out East Normal university, Jiao Tong Uni, and Shanghai University (my husband studied there, and has pretty good mandarin) Yes there's plenty of concerts, both western and local: Mao ... Read More
American searching for room in Shanghai
What area of the city are you looking for? what's your budget? Read More
Is Shanghai a good choice? by ehi_ale
Hi everybody, I'm Ale, 32, italian, and I'm planning to go to China for three months. I'll be there with my girlfriend, who's chinese and is going to work as an intern. I'm planning, but I'm not yet completely sure! ...
Hi Ale, What other cities are you considering? Between Beijing vs Shanghai, Beijing is well known for their language programs. SH also has sufficient ones as well- for only studying 3 months it won't make a very big difference. Do note that ... Read More
Parents - What to do with old toys?
Hi there! There was a toy subscription service here a few years back started by some expat moms, but it no longer exists.(as far as I could tell) You can google around- there was one or two articles written about it when it first started. For us, ... Read More
Shanghai house
Define "small" How many people or how many square meters are you looking for? And also depends on what area. Some really small companies just rent apartments.... Read More
What's the first step to "stepping out" by phasad23
Hi all! Great to be here with everyone. I am planning to go to Shanghai in June of 2017 and stay for at least 6 months. I have my beloved wife and 2 yr. old son and we are not sure about what steps (in the right order) to take to be ready to ...
Hi there! Is this for work? Or leisure? That may drastically determine your lifestyle and range of housing, nursery school (etc) International schools are pricey here- Kindergarten is about as much as a private university Stateside. As a family, ... Read More
Meeting Americans in Shanghai by Teejo
New to Shanghai. Looking to meet Americans.
welcome to SH? what are you doing here? Read More
anyone in Shanghai who can help me a photographer and plan a proposal? by Andres CP
Hey everyone, This is the first time we're going to China, and I think this could be the perfect time to propose. I need someone to capture that moment, and also help me.pick the perfect spot to propose. I hope someone can help!
sweet! An aquaintance of mine is a wedding photog here in SH, her name is facebook.com/JoMengjie] Jo . I had one friend's BF proposed on the Bund- he had a random passerby take a pic of the moment. I guess depends how public or intimate you want ... Read More
What will you do on New Year's Eve? by berrylew
What will you do on New Year's Eve?Watch TV?Spend some romantic time with your bf/gf?Spend some noisy time in the bar?Or do some crazy things with friends? I will go to the bund this New Year's Eve.This is my first year working and living in ...
What places do they allow setting off lanterns? The ones that float with messages... We have a bunch, but a few years ago we tried at yu garden and the guards came and stomped them all out.... Read More
MOM STAYING ATHOME IM A NEWLYMEMBER. by shanghaigirl
Hello everyone.IM a newly resident in shanghai almost 1 month.
Ah, Qingpu is very nice area for families. It is far from us, maybe 30-40 minutes by car. I am from America. Will your daughter go to nursery school? Have you visited China many times? Best, Kris Read More
Anyone know a blogging site that works in China? by EvaHP
I really want to set up a blog, but on this site, you can only add an existing one that is hosted somewhere else. I know that Wordpress and Blogger are blocked in China, and I don't really want to go down the illegal routes just yet! Does anyone ...
I just started using tumblr.com for my blog- it works w/o a VPN. http://hugsnkris.tumblr.com/ Read More
Good restaurant in Shanghai under 150 kuai
Check dianping? what type of food are you looking for? Read More
MOM STAYING ATHOME IM A NEWLYMEMBER. by shanghaigirl
Hello everyone.IM a newly resident in shanghai almost 1 month.
Welcome to Shanghai! There is a great mom community here. Check shanghaimamas.org. There's many clubs to join, coffee mornings every week and different activities. The people there are really nice and welcoming. My son is 8 months old. We live by ... Read More
Mom community? play group?
Hi there, Are there any moms out there? I'm considering moving to shenzhen and looking to see where to meet other parents for playgroups. I've got a 5 month old boy. Thanks, Kris Read More
Recently moved to Shanghai, China!
Hi megkamy, Welcome to Shanghai! Are you getting all settled in? Have you checked out/ joined the Shanghaimamas.org community? They are the best resource for living here by far! Hope you and your family are enjoying the city. The weather will be ... Read More
How to meet people in Shanghai by zchen92
Hey Everyone! I will be visiting shanghai for a few months starting september but unfortunately I don't know anyone in the city. I am a 21 year old Asian American college student from the United States and I want to make some friends while I am ...
Hi There! Have you visit SH before? Bean shanghai has regular networking events, movie nights, and fun stuff for young professionals- check them out for meeting new people. Holler when you arrive- or if you have any questions you can PM ... Read More
just arrived in Shanghai and looking for accomodation
Hi there, A 45 min commute isn't too bad. I've never been to Taicang so not sure what the lifestyle is like there. Minhang is still considered quite far form the city center... Nightlife is everywhere- though largely concentrated around the Xuhui ... Read More
International School and housing in Shanghai - recommendations? by pebno
Dear all, My family and I are planning to live 2-3 years in Shanghai from after the summer this year (2013). I found this great 天美麻豆 and really hope some of you can help us a little. Because on a couple of areas we would really like to get ...
Hi Peter, for school reviews check out ShanghaiMamas.org. They are family focused with tons of experience. Most of the international schools are out in the suburbs, 20 min-1hr from city center. So depends if you have a driver/car or what. The ... Read More
Moving soon to Shanghai by vikas02350
Hi, Myself Vikas, I am Indian and will be coming to Shanghai by end of August. My office would be near WaiGaoQiao-Free-Trade-Zone, PuDong Dist, ShangHai. My company is not providing me any accommodation so I am looking for some help here. Also ...
Hi There, Waigaiqiao is extremely far from the City center. Roughly 1 hr by metro- and basically considered the middle of nowhere. While your company isn't providing your accommodation- maybe at least they can suggest some places. I had a friend ... Read More
Moving to China soon from Norway...any advice??
Expat life in Shanghai is quite comfy- though with a price tag. For example, food items from USA, europe are available here, though 3x the price. There are lots of sports teams, and nice apartments covering every amenity. We live comfy 2 bedroom ... Read More
Might be moving to Shanghai, have MANY questions! thx for your help! by PinguWin
Hi!! I would really appreciate your help! I don't know where to start.. My husband is having interviews for a job in Shanghai, so we would move there. I have worries... As a living, I create websites. And I need social media, it's part of my job, ...
Haha we all have accents here- international ones. I don't have a child yet, but many of them adopt the accents of their schools/teachers, There's the British school, German, American school etc. I've met Irish kids who speak with North American ... Read More
Any filipino stay at home mom here in Shanghai? by jo-annshanghai
Hi everyone. I'm new here in Shanghai and I am wondering if there are Filipinos here who are stay at home mom like me. I want to meet new friends.. Is there a Filipino store here? It is my first time here in China but been moving around to other ...
Hi Jo-ann, Yes, it is easy to become a member- they do it to protect the website from spam and advertisers. The forums are very, very helpful. Kris Read More
Any filipino stay at home mom here in Shanghai? by jo-annshanghai
Hi everyone. I'm new here in Shanghai and I am wondering if there are Filipinos here who are stay at home mom like me. I want to meet new friends.. Is there a Filipino store here? It is my first time here in China but been moving around to other ...
Hi jo-ann, If you are looking for other stay at home moms, check out shanghaimamas.org, theres no Filipino group (yet) but you can start one, or join another - by area, hobbies, etc. They have events and mixers for everyone! kris Read More
Might be moving to Shanghai, have MANY questions! thx for your help! by PinguWin
Hi!! I would really appreciate your help! I don't know where to start.. My husband is having interviews for a job in Shanghai, so we would move there. I have worries... As a living, I create websites. And I need social media, it's part of my job, ...
Hi snatalya, Yes, we use the Chinese banking system (my husband is paid in RMB) Yes, they also do online banking and its relatively easy to transfer and convert money. China like shaving a paper trail, so often you will be required to bring your ... Read More
Might be moving to Shanghai, have MANY questions! thx for your help! by PinguWin
Hi!! I would really appreciate your help! I don't know where to start.. My husband is having interviews for a job in Shanghai, so we would move there. I have worries... As a living, I create websites. And I need social media, it's part of my job, ...
hi! What part of the city are you looking to move? That makes a big difference. Since you have kids, I recommend joining shanghaimamas.org- its a large community of expats and they give lots of advice about moving here with a family. They are super ... Read More
Driver in Shanghai by kkamu12
Hi! I am doing a short internship in Shanghai in April. I am looking forward to it, but the only negative aspect is that the office where I will be working is in Jiading, which by the looks of it is 3 hours away from downtown with public transport. ...
congrats on the internship and yikes! Do you know how many Kilometers the distance is? In the daytime price = starting fare 14 (first 3 kilometers) plus 2.4 for every succeeding km within 10 km and 3.6 for every succeeding km after 10 km. ... Read More
Buying items from US(eBay) Tax/Duties/Shipping?
They will tax any electronics.... rumor has it you can escape it by shipping to an office vs. residential. If your mailbox is too small, they'll either leave with Bao'an (guard dude) or leave a slip of paper in your mailbox to claim at post office. ... Read More
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN SHANGHAI?
Yea, sheshan is quite far, you can go by metro about 1hr- or bike there direct if you want to. My cyclist friend has since moved to Taiwan, but there's def some clubs you can join- but I think its mostly road biking. Yes bikes are cheap, but you ... Read More
Looking for an art/creative/design job by weilinggg
Hi there, I'll be moving to Shanghai with my fiance in April and I'm actively looking for a job there. To be honest, I'm pretty much up for any decent jobs including being an art teacher for kids because I LOVE KIDS
hi weilinggg, Welcome to SH! Check out Creative Hunt: http://www.creativehunt.com/shanghai/ and PAE (head hunters specializing in design) http://www.pae-designtalent.com/ Do you have any interest in consumer product design? My company is looking ... Read More
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN SHANGHAI?
like proper mountains? I have a buddy who was an avid cyclist out here, but more road biking than anything- its pretty darn flat. I think there's one hill over in Sheshan. Apparently there's some foresty-type bike trails out on chongqing island just ... Read More
Permission to come aboard ? by Wylh
Hi ! I'm Wylh and I just arrived in Shanghai last week. Though this feels like a real adventure to me, it's not that fun when you're alone and don't speak a word of chinese. I hope I will meet nice people here to hang out with ^_0 Wylh.
Most of Sh will be empty/shut down for the new year. Stock up on food- a lot of restaurants close. Also check out BEAN's networking night and events- its a great place to meet people and get involved in the local community. Read More
2012 get togethers in Shanghai by Asmus
Hello everybody and happy new Year. Let's come together to welcome 2012 and meet old and new friends from Expat-Blog. Date: 14th of January Time: 4pm - 7pm (or longer if we like) Venue: 1919 Cafe, 2nd Floor, Adress: Corner Wulumuqi Lu/ Huashan ...
Sounds fun guys, tho I already have a prior commitment. Have fun! Read More
Cost of living in Shanghai - 10 000 RMB after tax. good deal?
Depends how much "fun" you want to have, and what standards you have. prices are like any big city- you can eat and drink paying NYC prices, or eat street food and greasy spoons for $2 usd a meal. Its up to you. 10,000 rmb is a decent monthly for a ... Read More
Shanghai Breweries?
Hi Marianne, Welcome to SH! Have you checked out Dr. Beer? its one our faves. smartshanghai.com/venue/6695/Dr_Beer And if you have a long weekend go to Qingdao for their beer festival! Kris Read More
How do you bank in China?
Hi ookami597, Depending on what you are looking to purchase, I'd recommend using Taobao.com (see taobaofieldguide.com) Its cheap and quick and you don't have to deal with customs. Forget about shipping any electronics here- huge pain. China banks ... Read More
Newbie! by Mademoiselle9786
Hi everyone! Been in SH for just about a month. Looking for more friends and hoping to have more fun exploring the city. :)
Hi Mademoiselle9786, welcome to SH! What are you teaching here? I have been here 3 years, working, and fully enjoyed it! Esp the food and wandering the side streets. Do you have a bicycle yet? cheers, Kris Read More
hi
How budget are you thinking? There's motel 168 chain- which is 168 rmb per room all over the city, then green tree inn, and I also recommend airbnb.com if you want to meet people. Read More
scammed on Nanjing East Rd by cragar77
I was scammed here in Shanghai on Nanjing East Rd. 2 younger females approached me and were friendly. Then it's hot let's have a drink. Well they start ordering alcohol and then a ridiculous bill for 9,999 Rmb about $1600 (Canadian or American). ...
Beware of the "tea festival" and traditional tea ceremony scam (people's square, mostly) they say they are visiting and "Can you help us take a photo?" and chat you up, then later run up a large bill. Also be wary of the "art students" who invite ... Read More
Recommend a chiropractor?
Hi all, Can anyone recommend a chiropractor? or other back specialist? I've strained my back and been hobbling around for a week now. I tried a "sports massage" in Gubei, but it didn't do much. Thanks! kris Read More
Costs for first month in Shanghai
HI Dennis, There shouldn't be deposits on water, utilities, but will have setup fees for internet service depending on what speed you want. Cheers! Read More