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Back in 2009, when we were first asked to move to China for work-related reasons, unlike the common perception, our reaction was ‘Why not?’ We had stayed in Switzerland earlier for two years. Our only regret was that we couldn’t stay longer to get a better experience of that country. The move to China was definitely an opportunity to live in a different part of the world and experience a new culture.

Following further developments, we moved to Shanghai in early 2010 and have been living here ever since. We faced no initial hurdles or issues while moving into this country. The arrangements and facilities for expats moving into China are very well-organized. The people are very welcoming and courteous and do not distinguish between Europeans and Asians. The initial vibes we got from the place and people were very nice.

Once we settled in, we realized that the Chinese are very friendly and go out of the way to help all foreigners. They are particularly inquisitive about the dress (salwar kameez) Indian ladies wear, and the bindi on the forehead. They also regard Indians as people from the land of the Buddha. The Chinese are willing to socialize with foreign nationals and eager to learn about other cultures. You will be surprised to know that some Chinese are even learning the Bhagvad Gita and are able to recite Sanskrit shlokas.

The love of the Chinese for all things cultural is evident in the passion with which they engage in their own cultural activities. For example, whenever we visit the local theater, we find a good crowd there. People come together to watch plays and engage in other performing arts. To get a feel of any new place, you have to explore around a bit.

The local infrastructure in most Chinese cities is so good that it gives you a chance to do this. In Shanghai, the infrastructure is exemplary. There is an extensive metro and bus service (air-conditioned and very clean). The taxis are very friendly and reliable.

There is a phone facility in every taxi, by which you can avail of a free interpreter service in English, in case you have a language problem. However, if you have your destination written down in Chinese with the building number and road number, you can rest assured that you will be taken to the right place without any problem. The road system in Shanghai especially is excellent with elevated roads all over, which enables you to get from any point in the city to another very easily and quickly. Though the traffic is heavy at all times, the road discipline is much better than in Mumbai. We have found this to be true in all the Chinese cities we have visited.

Before shifting, we didn’t get a chance to acquaint ourselves with the local language or take any kind of coaching for the same. But after coming here, we figured that though the usage of English is not widespread and there is a certain language barrier, the younger generation is fast picking up English and in the business environment, there is no real problem.

However, there could be a communication issue in shopping malls and markets. But change is happening. Now, even the older people here, especially those whose jobs involve dealing with foreigners, are making an effort to learn English. Our driver can follow basic English and even our domestic help is trying to learn English.

Many Indians coming to China have reservations about the food options in this country. In a city like Shanghai, there is certainly no issue for vegetarians. The variety of cuisines on offer includes Thai, Mexican and Italian. There are 14 Indian restaurants that we already know of in Shanghai. Of course, the Indian and foreign restaurants are a little more expensive than the local ones. There are also three caterers operational here—a Rajasthani one (which supplies Jain food as well) and two South Indian ones. All of them have dabba service for lunch and dinner. We believe other major cities like Beijing would also offer similar options. In smaller towns, the eating scenario may vary.

As far as healthcare is concerned, there are a number of hospitals here for foreigners with excellent facilities and doctors.

While China has secured for itself an enviable position on the global economic map, there are also many other things this land offers to people who make it home. There are all sorts of activities—sports, cultural and literary. The local government is actively promoting cultural activities and making people re-establish their links with their own cultural past, which had been severed as a result of the Cultural Revolution. The local TV programs contain a lot of cultural content and make an effort to promote the various ethnic groups of the country.

If you wish to socialize with Indians, there are multiple forums for that too. We have a very good group of Indian families which meet every Sunday in each other’s houses by rotation. We are known as the ‘Gita Parivar‘, as we normally recite and discuss the Bhagvad Gita and other scriptures for a couple of hours before socializing over a meal.

During weekdays, the women meet by themselves. This group is a very integral part of our support system here; we can rely upon them for any kind of exigency.

There is also an Indian Association under the aegis of the Indian Consulate. As we understand, there are over 5,000 Indians in Shanghai itself. The association holds regular programs for Indians. For example, we recently had a program for Onam, there was one for Holi and one for Ganesh Chaturthi.

It’s been a fun and interesting journey so far. We believe that this exposure will help us to grow professionally and personally.

KUMUD BONDAL is a homemaker in China, while her husband ASHWIN BONDAL is the Asia-Pacific head of an MNC that manufactures industrial machinery and equipment.

©Entrepreneur October 2010

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China, India, living, Shanghai, smetv