Answered8 months ago
Which city is better for expats: Shanghai or Bangkok?
For those that have traveled before:
Shanghai vs Bangkok
Shanghai vs Bangkok
Answer summary
The discussion compares Shanghai and Bangkok from the perspective of expats, highlighting various aspects such as lifestyle, climate, and ease of getting around. Many participants favor Bangkok for its relaxed vibe and accessibility, despite its heat. Responses include experiences of living in both cities, with some noting Shanghai's post-COVID changes and limited internet access. The conversation also touches on visa difficulties for traveling to China and the living conditions in both cities.
29 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Emma ********
Bangkok
Joel ******
Lived in both. Liked Shanghai, but Bangkok fits my vibe much more. Shanghai isn't nearly as relaxed, designer goods have a huge impact on how you're perceived (far more than Bangkok, even though that can be an issue here as well). But I liked the people and I liked working there. Much more isolated lifestyle in Shanghai. I find Bangkok far easier to get out and meet people (that's highly dependent on your personality, of course).
Joel ******
Just to add, when I say Bangkok is more relaxed, despite the city's chaos, it's easy to just wander down the street for food, shopping, etc. Shanghai always felt like an excursion to go anywhere.
Garrett ***********
OP@Joel *****
Really interesting Joel. Bangkok I personally have always found it a bit of a chore to get anywhere, esspecially if it isn't connected to a bts/mrt station. The climate could be a big factor (for me personally anyway). I haven' been to Shanghai (hence the question) but I went to Guangzouh in January and found the metro system there fantasic, better than Bangkoks.Joel ******
@Garrett **********
Yeah, metro in Shanghai is good. Getting around the city not a problem. It's more about neighborhoods and ease of access to what you need, so selection of that is pretty critical.
Jason *************
Not a fan of big cities- I hated Bangkok until I learned to accept it and embrace it as a necessary part of Thai island life.
Only been to Shanghai airport once and it was a terrible layover with no wifi and no good wine 🍷
Only been to Shanghai airport once and it was a terrible layover with no wifi and no good wine 🍷
Yumi *******
Jason Hildebrandt No wifi at Shanghai airport? When was your trip? 😂
Jason *************
Yumi Jiang 10 years ago. There was wifi but we couldn’t connect to Facebook or Google
Garrett ***********
OP@Yumi ******
I remember about 6 or 7 years ago I transited through Shanghai airport and you needed a Chinese phone number to use the free wifi. I assume that's different now though.
Mark ********
shanghai is a shadow of its former self since covid
Cris ******
Garrett.... are you thinking of leaving us?!!! I do agree with one of your comments, the heat here is a fucken killer... We dont hit 39, but even in the 37s its rough.
Garrett ***********
OP@Cris *****
Yeah, I'm leaving next week for a few months. Debating where to go. Would love to try a few months in China but the visas are working my patience. coming up on 6 weeks for a tourist visa.Cris ******
@Garrett **********
Well i will blast the "Closing time" by Semisonics.... haha Ya i feel you, i have been uh struggling here a bit as well. I would love to go to China but ya i have heard similar stories of visas. I would love to go to Japan but they are similar in the Visa departmentCris ******
@Garrett **********
Oh its 90 days?? I thought it was a lot shorter than that. That is good to know, but sadly for my wife its only 14 days with no visa. China looks pretty awesome though. Is it just a vacation or looking for a new home base?Garrett ***********
OP@Cris *****
Once you get it, visa is good for 10 years. Japan you can visit for 90 days without a visa.
Sasha ********
Both are fascinating in their own right. Visit both!
Kevin ******
Lived in both. Love both.
Garrett ***********
OP@Kevin *****
Which did you like living in better?Kevin ******
Oh that’s a tough one. Well I live in Bangkok now. I’m a nightlife kind of person and both are amazing. If I had to choose, I’d say BKK because overall better weather (I have seen it snow in Shanghai), and I prefer Thai food.
Kevin ******
Then you will likely enjoy Shanghai. It’s a great city.
Garrett ***********
OP@Kevin *****
Wow, me and you are very different people. I've lived in Thailand about 8 years and the weather is the thing I hate the most. Fking 39c this week is mental to me. Much prefer 10c
Gentle*******
Bangkok
Todd *********
Oh man. Tough call. Bangkok is the awesomest. But the glitter and brilliance of Shanghai is special. You gotta do both
Carl *****
Shanghai is boring and you can't even access Facebook and such freely in China, that sucks.
Andi ***********
Todd McGowan Agreed, I'm doing both next month my first trip to Shanghai before returning to Bkk.
Todd *********
Andi Traveller both are just absolutely brilliant!! And back in BKK now. Always fun!
Todd *********
Andi Traveller no- this is just hotel. It's Mercure Sukhumvit 24 right next door to EmQuartier
Andi ***********
Todd McGowanGreat pool shot...your condo in Bkk?
Richard *******
Shanghai
Activity
14 joined14
people
Related
25What should I consider when looking to visit and settle in Thailand?
1k992mo
What has been your experience with immigration wait times upon arriving in Bangkok recently?
5.6k51542mo
What Keeps Travelers Coming Back to Thailand?
3.1k25363mo
What are the best cities in Thailand for bodybuilders and what visa options are available for a 40-year-old expat?
5.9k50654mo
What are the best options for trusted VIP Fast Track services in Bangkok?
847245mo
What are the best areas to live in Bangkok for expats and how can I gather more information before relocating?
497345mo
Which country is the best for retirement: Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia?
72.8k4551.3k6mo
What are the experiences of expats moving from Dubai or Kuwait to Thailand?
6.6k241546mo
Is the cost of living in Thailand now 80% of that in Australia?
107.7k6261.9k9mo
What are the best Thai language schools in Bangkok for expats on DTV?
2.1k1141y
Which city is better for expats with elderly family members: Chiang Mai or the suburbs of Bangkok?
4.2k19811y
What is the total monthly cost of living well in Bangkok for a single person?
11.2k391951y
Why are people less interested in Malaysia's Digital Nomad Visa compared to Thailand's?
13.5k1121112y
Which is the best place to celebrate New Year's Eve in Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket, or Pattaya?
3.7k23202y
Will the new online eVisa process in Vietnam be effective or create challenges?
679422y
What are some chill and trendy areas near Bangkok for expats looking for an authentic experience without needing to go downtown?
8.1k65792y
How can I travel from Phrichit to Bangkok or nearby areas without inconvenience?
10.2k751353y
What are the options for owning or renting a car in Thailand when living there part-time?
4k22423y
Is a monthly income of $3,000 sufficient for a retired couple to live comfortably in Bangkok?
11.4k831293y
What are the best areas to live in Bangkok for a peaceful environment and good views?
2.1k7143y
What are recommended services for visa runs in Bangkok?
1.3k5103y
What are some recommendations for finding the cheapest one-way flights from New York to Bangkok under $600?
4.5k33544y
What is the best part of Thailand to visit in October and November regarding weather?
1.3k624y
How far can a $2000 monthly income stretch in Thailand with the current economy?
12.7k1021435y
What are the best links to book ASQ accommodations in Pattaya or Bangkok?
84566y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served