Five Reasons Not to get an Ayi in Shanghai

I’ve been living in China since 2006, and not once have I hired an ayi to clean my apartment. Not even for the day after my annual Christmas party, which crammed about 25 guests into my very small apartment this year. You might not be surprised to know that I am the only foreigner (or maybe the only person!) I know who has resisted the services of the counutry's very affordable cleaning ladies—one friend even accused...

Having a Baby in Shanghai, Did You Remember the Maternity Insurance?

Planning for a baby can be the most exciting period of a woman’s life, but it can be frightening at the same time especially for first time mothers. While you’re family planning, it’s a good idea to do some financial planning as well, to ensure you’re not left with unexpected bills before, during and after your bundle of joy arrives.Rising Cost of Delivery in ShanghaiHow much does it cost to deliver a baby in Shanghai? For...

Shanghai Blues: Improve Your Emotional Wellbeing

Living abroad is an emotional roller coaster—alternately exciting and scary. You’re tackling new, difficult challenges and at the same time meeting people from all over the world. It can be an extremely isolating experience. When you’re thousands of miles from your support system and don’t speak the language, how do you cope?Identifying DepressionIf you have a previously diagnosed condition such as depression, get in touch with a mental health practitioner as soon as you arrive. “Due...

Buying a apartment in Shanghai guide

Buying Chinese property is often a mystery to foreigners, even to those who have been here a while. Whilst we aren’t Chinese property agents, we do get asked this question a lot, so we thought a user friendly and accurate guide could be worthwhile.As a foreigner, you can only buy one property in China. Also, keep in mind that you must live in the property you purchase – enforcement is currently quite patchy, but that does...

The Best Bakeries in Shanghai

Rounding up our favorite bakeries in the cityOn the hunt for some good baguette? Tired of the overly rich local nonsense that are more cream than cake? Then this article is for you. Here's our definitive list of the best bakeries in Shanghai, where we go for the best quality and tasting baked goods.Bread ETCThis spacious bakery and eatery first started off on the corner of Xiangyang Nan Lu and Jianguo Xi Lu, churning out a...