Looking for Canadian Expats in Shanghai?

No place is absolutely perfect. There’s always the good, the bad, and the ugly. Discover what Canadian expats love about Shanghai and the challenges they face.

Pros of life in Shanghai

There's never a dull moment. With Shanghai ranking 11th out of 50 for Leisure Options according to the Expat Insider, expect exciting and interesting new experiences. Let yourself be wowed by the beautiful skyline with its iconic skyscrapers and city lights, explore the beautiful Yuyuan gardens, immerse yourself in the culture with all the different eateries and have fun at Disneyland.

Convenience makes life easy. Daily life can be incredibly efficient, with the metro and e-hailing apps making moving around easy, convenient stores offering hot meals to grab on the go, digital payment methods being accepted everywhere and not to mention door to door delivery for food and groceries with English options available.

The food scene is unmatched. The food scene comes across as broad, cheap, and very good if you know where to look. From affordable everyday meals and access to a variety of late-night snacks to the more polished dining experiences near the Bund and in central districts, Shanghai does not mess around when it comes to food.

Cons of life in Shanghai

No more conventional social media. Apps we everyday like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and more are blocked in China. The Great Firewall is one of the most mentioned downsides to life in Shanghai as life without the same apps as Canada leave you feeling isolated and detached from everything back home. While there are alternatives like WeChat and Weibo, they are often more geared towards local Chinese users.

The challenging language barrier. Shanghai is definitely not a city where you can survive on English alone. Conversing with locals, asking for directions or prices and even reading menus can be a problem, especially when the most satisfying food comes from local spots that are not particularly tourist-friendly. Knowing some basic Mandarin goes a long way in making life a little bit easier.

Prepare for Shanghai's humid summers. While life in Canada may have prepared you for harsh winters, Shanghai's hot and humid summers seem to be a whole different ballgame. Our Canadian members struggle with adjusting to the weather in Shanghai where humidity often exceeds 70% with temperatures averaging 32-33°C daily not to mention the chances of spontaneous rain at any moment.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our Canadian members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

Where can I meet other Canadians in Shanghai?

If you fancy bumping into some expats in a bar, a good place to check out would be the Guiness Social, an English-owned pub serving pints of stout with televisions to stream sport games. Other popular pubs like Tipsy Fiddler, a popular Irish bar and Pint House who serve some German craft beers are also great to grab a drink with some buddies

An easier way to make friends is attending specific events for Americans or expats in general.

The Shanghai Expatriate Association hosts semi-regular events, and our InterNations events are also a great opportunity to meet Canadians and other English-speaking expats in Shanghai. Our Newcomers’ Events are geared towards introducing newcomers to the community, which makes finding friends a whole lot easier than trying your luck in a bar.

Where do Canadians live in Shanghai?

Quite a few of our members live in more international areas, with good amenities and international schools nearby. Choices are often split between more central historical districts and modern family-friendly areas.

Former French Concession (FFC): Offers historic charm with tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and renovated lane houses with art galleries and cafes and international dining options.

Jing'an: Great for young professionals with a central, cosmopolitan feel with luxury boutiques, international restaurants, vibrant nightlife and easy metro access.

Jinqiao: Perfect for families with suburban-style living, green spaces, international schools, and community amenities like gyms and pools.

Lujiazui: Located in Shanghai's financial district, finance and business professionals often choose this area for short commutes to offices.

How much money should I make to live in Shanghai?

The average salary for single expats in Shanghai for 2026 is around ¥25,000 to ¥35,000 RMB per month after tax (approximately 5.142,50 CAD - 7.199,50 CAD). Depending on certain factors like housing location and general lifestyle, it is possible to live comfortably with that amount. If you have a family to support, earning between ¥45,000 to ¥65,000 is considered a good salary.

Will I be able to survive in Shanghai without speaking Mandarin?

The language barrier in Shanghai still exits, with many locals speaking only basic or limited English. While English is spoken in tourist areas and amongst the younger generations, learning basic Mandarin can greatly ease daily life in Shanghai. The language barrier unfortunately can't be avoided and you will run into it when trying to read a menu, order food at a local restaurant, using public transportation and when seeking emergency medical care.

Take life in Shanghai as a learning opportunity and immerse yourself in the culture by learning some Mandarin. Even basic Mandarin can help you build better bonds with local business partners or clients, get access to the underrated food spots and get rid of any anxiety of not belonging in the city. There is a wide variety of affordable language schools and translation apps such as Pleco and Baidu Translate to get you started.

We’re not just in Shanghai! InterNations has lively communities in 420 cities around the globe.

So if you’re thinking about relocating or are simply in the mood for a nice night out while traveling, InterNations is your go-to platform. As a member, you’re welcome to join events in any of our InterNations Communities.