Shanghai Most Expensive City For Expats in Asia

Don’t be fooled by the RMB15 bowl of noodles you had for dinner – laowai are paying top dollar to live comfortably in China. According to Reuters, Shanghai now tops the list of most expensive cities in the Asia-Pacific region for expats, with Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen close behind.

"In spite of the minor depreciation in the renminbi (yuan) against the dollar over the summer, it has strengthened against most other currencies leading to Shanghai becoming the most expensive Asian city for international assignees," London based consultancy ECA’s Asia regional director, Lee Quane, told Reuters.

The list of the top 30 most expensive cities for expatriates revealed Beijing following Shanghai at a close second, Guangzhou at #6 and Shenzhen at #7.

So get that tai gui le phrase down and have it in the arsenal and ready to go next time you try to buy something on the street. Those extra kuai that you save can go towards your next stint on Yongkang Lu with all of the other over-paying expats.

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