2010-06-11 08:57

SHANGHAI - Expatriates living in Shanghai are most content with the service industry of the city, according to a report released by the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Shanghai Committee recently.

The number of expatriates in Shanghai reached 152,100 by the end of last year, about 0.8 percent of the city's total population.

The survey, which was launched last November, was aimed at gaining more knowledge about expatriate life and soliciting their suggestions to improve the city.

International hotels scored the highest among all the 37 surveyed items.

To Penni Parvianien, a Finnish, who has been living in Shanghai for about two years, the city's hotels are some of the best in the world.

"I have been to many places the world over. But the hotels in Shanghai are absolutely excellent. The staff here speaks very good English. And most importantly, their first-class service makes you feel like a king," Penni said.

The service provided by department stores and supermarkets in Shanghai also scored high in the survey. But stores hidden in residential communities are an attraction for foreigners.

"We have exactly the same supermarkets in Europe. They have no face. On the contrary the papa-mama stores in Shanghai are more appealing to me, for they are much more personal," said Penni.

While the environment in Shanghai received the most frowns, air quality scored the lowest among all the 37 surveyed items.

As the survey started before Expo 2010 Shanghai opened, some of the expatriates felt that raised dust was to blame for pollution. Although the municipal government has made great efforts to build green belts around the city, it seems the green areas are not evenly scattered.

Automobile exhaust is also a problem for foreigners in the city.

"I used to take the taxi when I first came to Shanghai. But now, I rather take the subway, which is much more comfortable and convenient," said Penni.

Many expatriates also complained about inadequate access to WiFi in public places.

Even in Tianzifang, an area frequented by foreigners, some of the cafes are not connected to the wireless network.

"There is no WiFi access when I am in the Shanghai Railway Station. That is frustrating," said Steven Shek, a Hong Kong resident who is now working with a foreign-funded company in Shanghai.

"I never go to those cafes that don't have WiFi access. So, I have opened my own cafe shop on Taikang Road with WiFi," said Penni.