Looking for Indian Expats in Shanghai?

No place is absolutely perfect. Let's explore the ups and downs in a city like Shanghai.

Pros of life in Shanghai

Shanghai is safe. Shanghai is one of the safest major cities in the world with a low violent crime rate against tourists and expats. With Indian members including women noting the cities safety. Petty crimes like pickpocketing happen from time to time so it is still best to watch out for your personal belongings in crowded areas.

The big city life. If you’re accustomed to the noise, fast-paced lifestyle and craziness of a big city, you will fit right in. Shanghai can certainly hold its own when it comes to nightlife, activities, food options, and shopping against cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.

Public transport can be an upgrade. If you're used to navigating traffic and the busy streets in India, Shanghai’s well-connected metro system can be a breath of fresh air. You never need a car with the affordable and diverse system in Shanghai which includes buses, railway trains and ferries to get around the city.

Business opportunities are everywhere. With Shanghai being a major international business hub, there are a diverse range of opportunities for expats and chances for career advancement. Shanghai is perfect for Indian professionals looking to gain some international exposure and experiences as the city offers chances to work alongside people and major companies from across Asia.

Cons of life in Shanghai

Adjusting to Internet restrictions may not be easy. Apps like Youtube, Whatsapp, Instagram and more being blocked make it hard to communicate and keep in touch with those back home. It is not easy giving up apps used daily, frustrating many of our Indian members.

Being vegetarian may not be so easy. Shanghai has many vegetarian and non-vegetarian options however; it may be difficult to express dietary requirements to waiters when ordering food also with the language barrier. It is normal in Shanghai for most sauces or soups to have a meat base or for food to be cooked in lard for flavor. It would be best to research restaurants and dishes beforehand to avoid being blindsided.

The language barrier hits hard. English alone isn't enough for everyday interactions, which can make daily life tough. It also will be harder to fit in without any basic Mandarin, but it is a language very different from any of the Indian languages requiring more time and effort to learn.

High cost of living. Shanghai has a significantly higher living costs compared to major cities in India like New Delhi. Our Indian members find housing prices and education prices more expensive than back home.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys for expats — Expat Insider — where we ask people living around the world about every aspect of expat life. We’ve rounded up key facts about the typical Indian expat: what motivated them to move to a new country, what they enjoy about life abroad, as well as what they struggle with the most.

Where can I meet other Indians in Shanghai?

If you’re into the idea of just meeting up with other Indians for a hot cup of chai, you can try Bollywood Indian Restaurant, one of the best Indian restaurants in Shanghai with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options and an authentic masala tea.

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

The Indian Association of China hosts semi-regular events, and our InterNations events are also a great opportunity to meet Indians 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 Indians live in Shanghai?

Quite a few of our Indian members live in areas with strong international communities, international schools, work and socializing amenities. Popular choices are split between central historical districts and modern family-friendly areas.

Oasis Riviera Garden: Affordable apartments with access to Hongqiao, Pudong and commercial areas along subway line with a small Indian community

Yanlord Riverside Garden: A popular spot for Indians with good facilities like clubhouse, play area, a small supermarket inside the compound, and are at a reasonable distance from most international schools.

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

Yanlord Gardens: Luxurious apartment complex with a beautiful central garden, both low-rise and high-rise buildings and a small Indian community

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 ₹351.972,50 - ₹492.761,50). 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 locals not speaking or understanding much English. However, you may be able to hear English being spoken amongst local teens or in tourist areas. You will usually still need Mandarin when you order food at a local restaurant, use public transportation, and when you seek emergency medical care. It is better to learn at least some basic Mandarin and common phrases to help ease daily life.

Your time in Shanghai can be viewed as an opportunity for cultural immersion starting with learning some Mandarin. 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.