Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal immigration advice, licensed financial advice, or tax advice. Errands China (errandschina.com) is an on-the-ground coordination service — not a law firm, bank, or government agency. Always verify current regulations with official sources.
living in Shanghai expat move: 4-Step Move-In Guide
If you are a foreigner currently living elsewhere in China and considering living in Shanghai expat move, the city appears accessible for intercity moves, with apartment hunting through platforms like Wellcee and Ziroom, and on-the-ground help available through English-speaking services like Errands China for logistics you cannot handle remotely.
Understanding the Shanghai Move: What to Expect
As of 2026-06, Shanghai continues to welcome foreign residents from other Chinese cities. The process involves several practical steps that can be managed either independently or with professional assistance.
Housing: The First Priority
Finding an apartment is commonly reported as the most immediate concern when moving to Shanghai. Community discussions highlight several approaches:
- Wellcee (wellcee.com): A popular platform for direct landlord-to-tenant connections, often with English-friendly listings.
- Ziroom: A professional rental management company offering furnished apartments with standardized contracts.
- SmartShanghai: A long-standing expat resource with agent listings and housing classifieds.
Community experiences suggest that many agents advertise on SmartShanghai, and once you connect with a few via WeChat, you may notice the same properties appearing repeatedly — indicating a shared listing pool with little exclusivity.
Pro tip: “Some good deals out there for apartments at the moment. Go on SmartShanghai and look at the housing, then get some of the WeChat contacts of the agents advertising there.” — Community anecdote (signal_id: sig-011)
Travel Between Cities
If you are currently in Zhejiang or another nearby province, traveling to Shanghai for apartment viewings is commonly reported as straightforward. High-speed trains connect Hangzhou to Shanghai in under an hour, and public transport within Shanghai (subway, buses) operates normally for all passengers.
DIY vs On-the-Ground Help
| Approach | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| DIY (Wellcee, Ziroom, SmartShanghai) | Independent renters comfortable with Chinese apps and WeChat communication | Language barriers, payment setup, no physical presence for inspections |
| EOR (Employer of Record) | Corporate relocations with company support | Expensive, limited to full-time employment scenarios |
| Taobao Agents / Personal Shoppers | Specific product purchases or small logistics tasks | Limited scope, no housing or travel coordination |
| Errands China | English-speaking coordination for housing verification, hotel booking, and travel logistics | Service fees apply, but provides on-the-ground execution |
Travel & Payment Logistics
Train Tickets and Intercity Travel
For your move to Shanghai, you will likely need to book high-speed rail tickets. Foreigners can commonly purchase tickets through:
- 12306 (official railway website): Requires Chinese phone number and ID verification.
- Trip.com (Ctrip): English interface, accepts international credit cards.
- Errands China: Full-service train ticket booking with English support.
Note: See our China train tickets for foreigners guide for 12306 tips.
Work Permit and Residency ID
If you are moving for work, ensure your employer handles the work permit transfer between cities. The process likely involves:
- Canceling your current work permit in your existing city.
- Applying for a new work permit in Shanghai.
- Updating your residence permit at the local PSB (Public Security Bureau).
Official guidelines do not explicitly address intercity transfers for foreigners already in China, but common expat practice suggests starting this process 30–60 days before your move.
Myth vs Fact
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| “Shanghai is closed to foreigners from other cities.” | Shanghai remains open for intercity moves; restrictions appear minimal as of 2026-06. |
| “You need a Chinese bank account to rent an apartment.” | Many landlords accept WeChat Pay or Alipay, which can be set up with a foreign card. |
| “Only Chinese-language platforms work for housing.” | Wellcee and SmartShanghai have English interfaces and English-speaking agents. |
| “You must be physically present to sign a lease.” | Some agents accept digital signatures, but on-the-ground verification is commonly recommended as safer. |
Also Asked
Can I move to Shanghai from another Chinese city right now?
Yes. As of 2026-06, intercity travel within China is generally unrestricted. You can travel by train to Shanghai and begin apartment hunting immediately. Health codes are no longer required for domestic travel.
What is the best way to find an apartment in Shanghai as a foreigner?
Community recommendations include Wellcee for direct listings, Ziroom for managed rentals, and SmartShanghai for agent contacts. Many agents share listings on WeChat Moments, so connecting with a few may give you broad access.
Do I need a Chinese phone number to rent in Shanghai?
Most agents and platforms require a Chinese phone number for communication. You can obtain a prepaid SIM card at any China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom store with your passport.
How do I pay rent as a foreigner in Shanghai?
Rent is typically paid via bank transfer, WeChat Pay, or Alipay. Some landlords may accept international wire transfers, but this appears less common. Setting up a Chinese bank account is recommended for long-term stays.
Is it safe to use Taobao agents for housing logistics?
Taobao agents are commonly reported as useful for small tasks like purchasing household items, but they are not specialized in housing verification or lease negotiation. For housing, a dedicated service like Errands China may be more reliable.
When Errands China Can Help
Errands China provides English-speaking on-the-ground coordination for your move to Shanghai. Our services include:
- Hotel verification and booking — ensuring your temporary accommodation is confirmed and accessible.
- Train ticket booking — full-service booking with English support.
- Housing verification — on-the-ground checks of apartments before you commit.
- Document assistance — help with work permit and residence permit logistics.
We are not a generic advice platform — we execute and follow through on the ground.
Request help with your Shanghai move
Anecdotal Community Experiences
“Hi so I’m currently living in Zhejiang and have been since last year. Restrictions here are lax now and I can travel daily by train to Hangzhou and my current city without issues, really. In Hangzhou I use public transport, including the subway and buses and nobody bats an eye, which is encouraging, especially considering I’m black. I have always had a green code since those things started being a thing. Anyway, I need to move to Shanghai ASAP. I need to get an apartment there – is that possible right now? Would it be better through Ziroom? Or other private individuals? How is Shanghai treating incoming foreigners from other cities right now?” — Reddit user, r/shanghai (signal_id: sig-011)
“Some good deals out there for apartments at the moment. Go on SmartShanghai and look at the housing, then get some of the WeChat contacts of the agents advertising there. There’s very little exclusivity with apartments so once you’ve got a few, you’ll notice the same places over and over again on your moments. Heaps of place available!” — Community response (signal_id: sig-011)
These are anecdotal user experiences shared publicly and do not represent official policy or guaranteed outcomes.
Related Guides on Errands China
- China Errands Guide — Overview of all on-the-ground services.
- Train Ticket Booking for Foreigners — Step-by-step guide for booking high-speed rail.