Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1When choosing an apartment in Shanghai, consider the balance between cost and the quality of the living environment. A comfortable home can significantly improve your overall well-being, especially when living far from family and friends. (1:43)
- Tip 2Shanghai's metro system is efficient and affordable, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to get around the city. Public bicycles offer an even cheaper and eco-friendly alternative. (6:15)
- Tip 3Shopping in Shanghai offers a wide variety of options, from global brands to local markets. Set a budget to avoid overspending, and remember that window shopping can be just as enjoyable. (8:13)
- Tip 4Food costs in Shanghai can vary widely. Local Chinese meals are budget-friendly, while fancier restaurants offer a more expensive but potentially rewarding dining experience. (10:43)
- Tip 5Utilize online grocery delivery services for convenience and potentially better price comparison. This saves time and effort compared to traditional supermarket shopping. (13:34)
- Tip 6Explore different beauty services in Shanghai to find a balance between cost and quality. Don't be afraid to try local options for potentially surprising affordability. (14:49)
FunFancie, a Thai expat, shares her insightful experience of living in Shanghai, detailing the costs of rent, utilities, transportation, food, and more. From the surprisingly affordable 15 RMB haircut to the convenience of mobile payment apps, she paints a vivid picture of daily life in this bustling metropolis. Discover the reality of Shanghai's cost of living through FunFancie's personal journey and budget breakdown.
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This video by FunFancie offers a detailed look into the cost of living in Shanghai, China, based on her three months of experience as a Thai expat working as a Financial Controller. She breaks down her monthly expenses into categories: rent, utilities, phone bills, laundry, transportation, shopping, groceries, food, and beauty.
Rent, she emphasizes, is the most significant expense, with a good quality apartment costing between 6,000 and 9,000 RMB per month. The price varies greatly depending on the apartment's quality and location. FunFancie recommends prioritizing a comfortable living space, considering the time away from home and family.
Utilities, including electricity, water, and gas, cost her around 260 RMB per month, potentially higher in winter. Phone bills, using China Mobile, average 100 RMB monthly, providing high-speed internet access outside her apartment, supplemented by free in-apartment Wi-Fi.
Laundry costs approximately 200 RMB per month, using coin-operated machines in her building. Transportation relies heavily on the efficient and affordable Shanghai Metro, costing around 240-250 RMB monthly. She also highlights the convenient and cheap public bicycle system as a viable alternative.
Shopping expenses vary greatly, but FunFancie estimates spending 2,000 RMB monthly. She enjoys window shopping and shares her experiences. Food costs are broken down into daily meals (30-50 RMB) and occasional fancier restaurant outings (100-150 RMB), totaling 3,500-4,000 RMB monthly. Groceries average 300 RMB, mostly ordered online for convenience.
Finally, FunFancie discusses beauty expenses. Nail salon visits cost 150-200 RMB, eyelash extensions 300 RMB, and she is surprised by the incredibly cheap 15-20 RMB haircuts available at a local barbershop. The video provides a comprehensive overview of living costs in Shanghai, offering valuable insights for those considering relocating to the city.