Getting Settled in Shanghai

Furnishing Your Home

Most Shanghai rentals come furnished with beds, tables, couches, kitchen appliances, TVs and telephones. They are usually equipped with washing machines, however dryers and dishwashers less common.  Landlords that rent to expats try to maintain a foreign-friendly, current style of décor. If its not furnished, or you find the furnishings distasteful, negotiate with the landlord for a furniture allowance. They may be willing to skim off a month or so of rent in exchange for you adding new furnishings. If you do wish to refurnish your apartment or add additional pieces, markets such as the South Bund Fabric market in Huangpu or the Qingfeng market in Putuo offer a wide selection, as well as tailors and furniture makers willing to create a piece to your liking. This is a fun way to furnish your home and prices are negotiable. There are also multi-story warehouse stores located near the Gateway Shopping Centre Xujiahui Metro stop with a boundless selection of domestic and important furniture. If all else fails, there is an Ikea across from the Shanghai Sports Stadium.

Laundry

Shanghai apartments come with washing machines, but dryers are rare. Most Shanghainese hang their clothes outdoors on bamboo metal poles that jut from their windows. Most appliance stores sell dryers. Small laundrettes and dry cleaners are sprinkled throughout most neighbourhoods.

Domestic Help

It’s common for expats and Shanghainese alike to employ full-time or part-time local maids, known as ayis. An ayi (which translates to ‘auntie’) is a Chinese woman who can clean the house, cook, buy groceries, look after children and run other assorted errands. At first, the idea of always having someone in your house can seem strange. A downside is that most ayis don't speak any English. Although the lack of English can be challenging at first, it’s a good way to learn some Chinese – children invariably pick up the language quickly from their ayi.

Ayis are generally paid RMB 10-18 an hour, about USD 100-125 per month, with some expatriates paying double that, plus a Chinese New Year bonus. Some expat families living in large villas with several children, or who work long hours, hire more than one ayi. It’s extremely important that you make clear to your ayi exactly what needs to be done in the household, and how you'd like it done. Your ayi will appreciate this, and it will ideally serve as the foundation of a long and successful working relationship. Show her the household basics, such as working the washing machine and how to prepare your children’s favourite meals. It’s helpful to have someone who speaks Chinese translate instructions and scheduling for you. This does not need to be a formal contract, just a way to establish expectations. Learning some Chinese phrases will make the relationship more productive and congenial. Even if she has worked in a foreign household before and is familiar with your appliances, she will not know how your family likes things done.

The best way to find a reliable ayi is through friends, neighbours or co-workers. If you’re seeking part-time help, start with your neighbours, as it’s convenient for an ayi to help out at adjacent residences. Announcement boards in Western stores and community clubhouses also advertise ayis. If this approach isn’t working out, go through a domestic help service. Domestic help agencies provide household staff trained to cook Western food, speak some English and care for infants. Try the City Weekend classifieds at http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/shanghai/classifieds.

Babysitting and Childcare

Some expat families rely on part-time or live-in ayis (see above) for babysitting and after-school care. Ayis, many with children of their own, can provide safe and low-cost child supervision. If you rely on this, clearly communicate your child’s needs to the ayi, and prepare a detailed emergency plan. Despite its size and hectic, urban appearance, Shanghai is a kid-friendly place with active parents’ groups, play centres and accessible childcare resources. Many expat housing complexes have playgroups which help each other out with babysitting.

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