Family Guide
Wednesday, 27 May 2009 08:05
Written by LS

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While Shanghai’s public transportation system continues to improve, some expats still prefer the convenience and relative peace of car travel. Some employment packages include a car and driver, but those forced to decide on the question for themselves have to consider whether they would be driving themselves or employ a driver, whether they would buy or lease their car, and whether they can bear the costs of insurance, tax, and the additional fees required to be on the road legally.

Driving in this immense city can be intimidating, and if it seems too much to handle, drivers can be found easily via agencies, word of mouth, or on-line postings. Driver salaries range from RMB 1,500-3,000 per month, plus RMB 10-30 per hour for overtime. Agencies charge a higher rate, but eliminate some of the hassles of hiring, firing and drawing up employment contracts. In theory, drivers are familiar with the city and the quickest and safest routes available.  However, not all of them know the city as well as they should or drive very safely.  Some people who employ drivers find it bothersome to have someone constantly waiting for them. There is also a lack of privacy when someone knows where you are at all times.

If you are up for the challenge, driving yourself is another option which provides a sense of freedom and control. You are required to have a Chinese driver’s license, but this is fairly easy to get. You can hire an agency for a minimum of RMB 800 to help you obtain a license. To avoid this fee, you need the following: several recent passport photos, a passport with a valid Chinese visa and a valid residency permit for China. The permit needs to be for over one year if you want a permanent driver’s license or at least three months for a temporary driver’s license. Your current  overseas drivers license needs to be translated into Chinese, which can be done at the Shanghai Translator Union, Room 702-4 Guolu Business Tower, 66 East Nanjing Road.

You also need a medical check, available from the Shanghai Vehicle Management Bureau, 1101 Zhongshan Bei  Lu (6516 8168). Once you have gathered all of this information, go to the Shanghai Transportation Office at No.3, Gate 179 Qingchun Lu (6498 7070 ext 54280), fill out the Driver’s license application and make an appointment to take the written test. The test consists of 100 multiple choice questions, which are issued before the test to study from. The Transportation Office will issue the license. This should all cost less than RMB 200 and can all be done in English. If you don’t hold a current overseas drivers license, you must enroll in driving school.

If you intend to buy a car, there are many dealerships in Shanghai within a huge price range. There are also some but not many used car dealerships. When considering the cost of the car, also factor in the registration fee, annual road maintenance fee, license plate fee and insurance. The total will come to approximately RMB 3,000 annually in addition to the license plate, which is a one-time cost that varies depending on the demand in a given month, but will be at least RMB 4,000. If you buy a used car, the license plate is included as it comes with the car. There will also be car maintenance expenses, varying with the vehicle. Many dealerships offer service packages which cover insurance, taxes, and maintenance. Otherwise, insurance can be provided by your current provider or through local providers at costs ranging from RMB 2,000-8,000. For a simpler but more expensive process, long-term car leasing is also available. Check with the dealership of your choice for available leasing programs.

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