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Which city is better for expats: Shanghai or Bangkok?
ExpatsTravelShanghaiBangkokCity ComparisonVisa ChallengesLifestyleCost of LivingCultural Differences
Mar 10, 2026
2 months ago
Garrett ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERFor those that have traveled before:
Shanghai vs Bangkok
Shanghai vs Bangkok
TLDR : 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.
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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 ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@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.Reply to
Joel ******
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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 ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@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.Reply to
Garrett ***********
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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 ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@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 departmentGarrett ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cris *****
Once you get it, visa is good for 10 years. Japan you can visit for 90 days without a visa.Cris ******
@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?Reply to
Cris ******
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Sasha ********
Both are fascinating in their own right. Visit both!
Kevin ******
Lived in both. Love both.
Garrett ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@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.
Garrett ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@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 10cKevin ******
Then you will likely enjoy Shanghai. It’s a great city.
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Kevin ******
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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!
Andi ***********
Todd McGowanGreat pool shot...your condo in Bkk?
Todd *********
Andi Traveller no- this is just hotel. It's Mercure Sukhumvit 24 right next door to EmQuartier
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Todd *********
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Richard *******
Shanghai
Reply to
Richard *******
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