A: You need to bring your insurance documents to the nearest district social security center to check the pension insurance payment status. You can inquire about the details of your account of housing provident fund for the past three years at the outlets of the Shanghai Provident Fund Management Center or those of the China Construction Bank, with any of the following valid identification – passport, residence permit, exit and entry permit, or other valid ID.

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If you work in Shanghai, don't forget to ask your company to set up and contribute to your housing provident fund. It's very important if you want to buy a house in the city. Here is an illustration to show you how much you should contribute to your housing provident fund. 

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If you hold a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, your employer can open a personal housing provident fund account online for you. This fund is a long-term savings plan created for individuals for buying (or renting) a house. The personal account will be contributed by monthly deposits by both employers and employees.

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According to the National Medical Products Administration, individuals can bring a small amount of medication for personal use when entering or leaving the country. However, the drugs should be for personal use, within reasonable quantity, and subject to Customs inspection.

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When you’re wandering around Shanghai and nature calls, don’t worry. A WeChat mini-program can help you find the nearest public restrooms. Search for “上海智慧寻厕” (Find a toilet in Shanghai) in WeChat.

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While the cost of living in Shanghai is relatively high, the city provides a wide range of options to accommodate the needs of individuals with varying financial capacities. According to official statistics, in 2023, the average spending per person in Shanghai was approximately 4,300 yuan ($600) per month, while the average disposable income in the city was about 7,000 yuan monthly.

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The step-by-step process includes reporting the lost passport, obtaining the lost passport report, applying for a new passport, updating accommodation details at the hotel or permanent residence's nearby police station with the new passport number, and preparing the necessary application materials for the residence or stay permit.

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Shanghai is one of the safest cities in the world. People in the city seldom worry about being robbed when they walk on the streets.

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Consumer taxes are included in price tags on goods. Cafeterias and bars in all hotels and some restaurants and bars outside hotels may include a service charge of 10 percent to 15 percent. Tipping is not expected in most restaurants and hotels. But, tipping can be a way to show your satisfaction with the services.

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