questions before moving to Shanghai!

Hi everyone,

My boyfriend and I are moving to Shanghai and need some info. He works for an Italian fashion company and they asked us whether we would be interested in moving to Shanghai to work on the Asian part of the business. We will start negotiating the expat package next week, but wanted to inform ourselves properly before.

Could anyone help us with the questions we have:

Expat package
Could you advise us on which elements we should try to include in the expat contract? Housing allowance, health insurance, tickets back home etc.?

Housing
- In which neighborhood(s) do expats live and would you recommend us to live in? We would like to live in a safe area close to public transportation, stores, supermarket, restaurants etc. (we are a couple of 32 years old, no kids yet). If possible we would like to live relatively close to the centre of the city.
- How much would a 3 room unfurnished apt cost in this neighborhood? What is the average price of a decent apt?

Living Costs
- Are the living costs in Shanghai more expensive than in Europe?
- What is a decent average expat salary in Shanghai for a senior?
- Is health insurance expensive?

Work
Since I will be moving with my boyfriend, I would like to work in Shanghai too.
- Is it possible to find a decent job in a company if you don't speak Chinese?
- Is it hard to get a work visa?

Thank you so much for your help. We really appreciate it!

Regards,
Raya