Shanghai - Post Report Question and Answers
What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
You don't need a car. It's nice to have for large grocery runs but really you can hire out a Didi. Carjacking I'm sure exists but I've never heard of it. Shanghai is the safest large city I've ever been and I've been to a lot. If you bring a car a simple sedan is good enough. People drive a bit crazy and you will get bumped and dinged. - Nov 2020
Don't know. Get a scooter... - Oct 2016
Getting a driver's license in China is very, very difficult from what I've heard from expat friends but unless you live in the suburbs or plan to do a lot of road trips, you really don't need a car. Public transportation is very well-developed in China pretty much wherever you go. - Aug 2014
You don't need a car here; there is great public transportation. - Aug 2011
All are fine, but generally, the smaller the better (some garages are quite low).I believe the government mandates expat imported cars must be less than 4-5 years old. Services are available for most types, including Japanese, Korean, and European cars. - Dec 2010
Do not bring one. It is difficult to get a driving licence, and driving is not very safe here. - Jul 2010
A car can be pretty useful for shopping and day trips, as the city is huge, mass transport is crowded and there is quite a bit that is off of a subway line. I'd shy away from big SUVs just because of the traffic and tight spaces. American brands are popular locally, and there are garages that can fix almost anything. The road system is pretty good, but traffic varies from congested to total parking lot. Small car would be best. They drive on the right here. - Feb 2009
Don't have one, but unless you live out in the villas, you won't need to drive. Driving here is insane. I have been to some third world countries where I thought the driving was bad, but BY FAR Chinese driving takes the cake. - Jun 2008
