Shanghai

Yes. Foreigners planning to stay in China for more than 180 days should, within 30 days of entry, apply for a Residence Permit at the Exit-Entry Administration of the local Public Security Bureau, presenting a passport, accommodation registration and other required materials. Short visits use L (tourism), M (business) or F (visit) visas; employment requires a Z visa and study requires an X visa, converted into the relevant residence permit after arrival. Validity and entries are as issued.

You can search through agents, rental platforms or the housing channel on this site, and sign a written lease while keeping the deposit and rent receipts. Renting usually requires a copy of your passport and residence permit, and many landlords ask for a deposit (commonly 1–3 months of rent). Inspect the place in person, verify the landlord's identity and property deed, and beware of "sub-letters" and suspiciously low prices.

Yes. With a valid passport and residence permit (or visa) you can open a personal account at a bank branch, then link WeChat Pay and Alipay for daily spending. Some apps also accept linked international cards now. Keep your bank card and payment PIN safe, and never lend your account to others.

You can go to the international / foreign-patient clinic of a public hospital, or choose private or international clinics — most large cities offer English-speaking medical services. For emergencies dial 120 for an ambulance; 110 for police and 119 for fire. Bring your passport and residence permit, and keep medical records and receipts for insurance claims.

Most Chinese cities have extensive public transport: metro, buses, taxis, ride-hailing apps such as DiDi and shared bikes. Foreigners can rent a car with a valid Chinese driving licence or compliant international permit. See the Transport and Geography sections of the city guide above for more local detail.

Yes. Many cities have expat WeChat groups, international clubs, language exchanges and local meet-ups. You can also browse local housing, jobs, second-hand and language-exchange listings on ForeignHub's Shanghai city channel to meet people in the same city.

Carry your passport or residence permit, or keep a clear photo of the passport's data page and residence permit on your phone for checks. Accommodation registration must be completed within 24 hours of arrival (hotels do it for you; renters register at the local police station). If documents are lost, report to the police and contact your embassy or consulate promptly.

Yes, but only with legal employment. The employer must first obtain a work permit for you; you enter on a Z visa and then convert it into a work-type residence permit. Never work on a tourist or business visa — illegal employment can lead to penalties and future entry bans. Follow the rules of the local science & technology (foreign experts) and exit-entry authorities.

Public security is generally good. Keep your passport and belongings safe and avoid displaying large amounts of cash; meet strangers in public places; offers involving visa agency, currency exchange or high-pay overseas jobs are usually scams. Emergencies: police 110, ambulance 120, fire 119.