Your First Month in Shanghai: A Teacher's Guide

Shanghai is an incredible city that seamlessly blends ultramodern skyscrapers with traditional Chinese culture. With a population exceeding 26 million people ^[1], it's not just China's largest city but one of the most dynamic metropolises in the world. As a new international teacher, your first month will be a whirlwind of discovery, and this guide will help you navigate it with confidence.

What Apps Should You Download First?

Before you do anything else, you need to get your digital life sorted. WeChat is absolutely non-negotiable in China ^[2]. You'll use it for everything from messaging colleagues and making friends to paying for groceries and splitting dinner bills. Think of it as WhatsApp, Venmo, and Facebook rolled into one essential app that runs Chinese daily life.

Alongside WeChat, you'll want Alipay for payments since most places accept both platforms. DiDi serves as Shanghai's answer to ride-sharing and is significantly cheaper than traditional taxis, with drivers typically arriving within five minutes of your request. For food delivery, Meituan will become your best friend, offering amazing meals delivered for around 20 to 30 yuan in under 30 minutes.

How Do You Set Up Banking?

Opening a Chinese bank account should be one of your first priorities once you have your residence permit. Bank of China branches in Pudong and Jing'an typically have English-speaking staff who can guide you through the process ^[1]. You'll need to bring your passport, residence permit, police registration slip, Chinese phone number, and an initial deposit of at least 100 yuan.

The banking process might feel bureaucratic compared to what you're used to, but once your account is set up and linked to WeChat Pay and Alipay, you'll rarely need to carry cash again. Mobile payments are so ubiquitous in Shanghai that some vendors don't even accept cash anymore.

How Does the Metro System Work?

Shanghai's metro system is genuinely world-class, featuring one of the longest networks on the planet with over 800 kilometers of track ^[1]. Download the Metro Daduhui app and link your bank card for contactless payments. Lines 2, 10, and 11 connect most expat-friendly areas, and you can reach virtually anywhere in the city for a few yuan.

One practical tip is to avoid rush hours between 8 and 9 in the morning and 5 to 7 in the evening if your schedule allows. The crowds during peak times can be intense. For shorter trips, shared bikes from Meituan or Hellobike are perfect and cost almost nothing.

Where Should You Eat?

Shanghai's food scene is extraordinary, and exploring it will be one of the great pleasures of your time here. You absolutely must try xiaolongbao, the soup dumplings that Shanghai is famous for worldwide. Din Tai Fung offers consistent quality at multiple locations, while Yang's Fry Dumplings provides a more local experience at lower prices.

Shengjianbao, the pan-fried pork buns, make for an incredible breakfast. Look for the stands near any metro station in the morning where locals queue up. For a simple but delicious meal, try scallion oil noodles at Lan Xin Restaurant in the French Concession. The beauty of Shanghai eating is that you can spend 20 yuan on an amazing local meal or 200 yuan on world-class international cuisine.

How Do You Meet People?

Building your social network is crucial for both your happiness and practical survival in Shanghai. Join WeChat groups for "Shanghai Expats" for general community connections, "Teachers in Shanghai" for professional networking, and your specific district's expat group whether you're in Puxi, Pudong, or Jing'an.

Weekend activities abound for meeting people. Ultimate frisbee games in Century Park on Saturdays draw a friendly crowd, language exchange meetups happen throughout the week, and the art galleries in M50 Creative Park offer cultural exploration alongside social opportunities ^[2]. Your school colleagues will likely become some of your closest friends, so say yes to every social invitation in your first few months.

What Cultural Sites Should You Visit?

Even in your busy first month, make time for Shanghai's iconic attractions. The Bund offers a stunning waterfront promenade with views of both colonial architecture and the futuristic Pudong skyline, and it's particularly magical at sunset. Yu Garden in the Old Town provides a glimpse into traditional Chinese garden design and architecture.

Tianzifang is an artsy neighborhood filled with cafes, boutiques, and galleries in converted shikumen lane houses. For a truly awe-inspiring experience, visit the Shanghai Tower observation deck on the 118th floor of China's tallest building. Each of these sites will help you understand different facets of this multifaceted city.

Where Should You Shop for Essentials?

For Western-style supermarkets with imported goods, Carrefour and Walmart have multiple locations throughout the city. However, you'll quickly discover that Taobao, China's massive online shopping platform, can deliver virtually anything to your door within a day or two, from furniture and appliances to clothes and kitchen gadgets.

IKEA has multiple locations in Shanghai with delivery available, which is helpful for furnishing your apartment. For bedding, kitchen supplies, and basics, local markets offer great value. The key is learning to use Taobao, which your Chinese colleagues can help you navigate even if you don't read Chinese.

What About Healthcare?

Register with an international clinic for English-speaking doctors as soon as you arrive. Parkway Health has multiple convenient locations throughout Shanghai ^[1], and Shanghai United Family Hospital offers excellent care though at higher prices. Your school insurance should cover visits to these facilities.

For basic needs like cold medicine or pain relievers, local pharmacies marked with the characters 药店 are everywhere. Pharmacists can often help with common ailments even with limited English, and many medications that require prescriptions in Western countries are available over the counter in China.

What Tips Will Help You Thrive?

Learning even basic Chinese phrases will immensely improve your daily life. Simple words like nǐ hǎo for hello, xièxiè for thank you, and duōshao qián for "how much" show respect and often bring smiles from locals. A VPN is essential for accessing Google, Facebook, and other blocked services, so set one up before you arrive if possible.

Embrace the pace and energy of Shanghai rather than fighting it. The city is fast-moving and crowded, but going with the flow rather than getting frustrated will make your experience much more enjoyable. Save your receipts, called fāpiào, as you may need them for expense reimbursement from your school.

What Challenges Should You Expect?

Homesickness is completely normal, especially in the first few weeks. Video calls with family help, and most expats report that the feeling diminishes significantly after the first month. The language barrier can feel overwhelming initially, but translation apps on your phone bridge most gaps, and you'll be surprised how much you can communicate through gestures and goodwill.

Air quality varies considerably in Shanghai, so download an air quality app and invest in an air purifier for your apartment. Culture shock typically peaks around months two and three rather than immediately upon arrival, so don't be surprised if you feel more disoriented later than you do now.

What Comes Next?

Your second month in Shanghai will feel dramatically easier than your first. You'll have established routines, discovered your favorite restaurants, and made friends who understand exactly what you're experiencing. Shanghai has an incredible international community, and many teachers find themselves wondering after a year how they ever lived anywhere else.

The city rewards curiosity and openness. Every neighborhood has its own character, every season brings different pleasures, and there's always something new to discover. Welcome to Shanghai. You're going to love it here.