Moving to a new country can be an incredibly exciting time, but it is also daunting and an enormous undertaking. Ex-pats are common in Shanghai, and it is a place with a strong ex-pat community, which means that it should not be too hard to settle here, but there are a few handy tips that should make the process even easier. So, if you are thinking about moving or you have recently made the switch and looking for some advice, then read on for a few ex-pat tips that should help you to settle and make the most out of this exciting new chapter in your life.
Rent Somewhere Centrally Located
Whenever you move to any new country, it is always smart to rent first so that you can find your feet and avoid making a major commitment. It is also a good idea to rent somewhere that is centrally located so that it is easy to get out and explore and get a feel for your new home. If you are happy after a year, you could then look to move to a quieter area and possibly look to buy if you are in a position to do so.
Learn The Language Basics
There is a large ex-pat community in Shanghai, but it is still important to integrate yourself with the local culture and to engage with the locals. Learning the basics will make this much easier and allow you to feel more settled. You can teach yourself online with language apps, but attending classes once you arrive is a great way to meet new people and feel more connected to the community.
Find Other Ex-Pats
Following on from this, you will find that finding other ex-pats can make the move much easier and less stressful. Not only will they be able to offer advice on living here, but you will also be able to build a social life and make friends quickly. You should be able to find communities online that have regular meetups or find places all over the city for ex-pats to make new friends.
Ship Items From Home
When moving to a new country, it is likely that you will have a fresh slate and buy many new items. There will be some things that you want from home, though, so sending things abroad with international shipping is a good idea. You can ship your possessions over from home without spending a fortune by getting company quotes, and you should find that having a few items from home will make it much easier to feel settled in your new home.
Put Yourself Out There
During the first few months, it is important to put yourself out there so that you can settle much faster. You should try to leave the house as much as you can, whether this is to walk around the neighborhood to get your bearings, meet up with other ex-pats, exercise or find a hobby that will allow you to meet other people.
Hopefully, these tips will come in handy and help you to settle as an ex-pat much faster
Author: Enjoy Shanghai
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