Currency
Renminbi (RMB), jiao (mao) and fen are the local currency. The term 'kuai' is commonly used, similar to the term 'bucks'. One kuai has ten jaio (mao), and one jiao (mao) has ten fen. The exchange rate of RMB to USD is 8.3 to $1.00. 

Crime
China still has a low rate of crime especially directed against foreigners. Incidences of burglary and pick pocketing have increased slightly. Most compounds have good security however it I still advisable to keep doors and windows locked. You will also need to carry identification with you at all times and register with your Consulate soon after arriving in Shanghai. 

Tipping
Tipping is not a custom in daily life in China except in places that cater for foreigners. Small change is a sufficient amount. Most large hotels add a 15% service charge to bills and therefore tipping is not necessary.

Public Transport
There is plenty of public transport in Shanghai with Taxis being most commonly used by expatriates. They are cheap and plentiful however drivers don't speak English so locations need to be written down in Chinese. There is also a good subway system, which is cheap, clean and well run although stations are limited. Using the new air-conditioned buses is the cheapest form of transport however they tend to be overcrowded and bus drivers don't speak English so, unless you know your bus number, route and stop they are difficult to use.

Banking  
It is recommended to have a local bank account to keep small amounts of RMB in it. The four large banks are Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Bank of Communications and Agricultural Bank of China. Banks are open weekends as well as week days and close early evening. Some smaller branches will close during lunch hours from 11.30am to 1.30pm.
In order to get a RMB licence and deal locally, the Chinese Government has moved most international banks to the Lujiazui area in Pudong. Contact your country's Consulate for their details. 

ATM Machines
ATM Machines are common in Shanghai and many banks are linked to the Visa, Mastercard and Cirrus networks. There is a limit of 1,500 - 2,000RMB per withdrawal but you can withdraw a number of times over from the same machine.

Money Exchange
The exchange rate in China is government controlled and therefore generally the same at hotels, banks and airport. Local banks that exchange money are listed below. Please call them to find the closest branch and don't forget your passport when changing money:
Bank of China Tel: 6329 1979
Bank of Communications Tel: 6275 1234
Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank Tel: 5876 1111

Maids
It is common in China to employ a maid, commonly called an "Ayi". Ayis can clean, iron, cook, shop, pay your bills and baby-sit. There are some Ayi agencies however the best way to find one is through word of mouth or check out the notice-board at the supermarket at Shanghai Centre and City Supermarket. You can expect to pay an Ayi who works 6 hours a day 5-6 days a week around 1,000RMB per month.

Health
Before coming to China, it is advisable to get a complete medical examination and bring the copy of the report with you. There are a number of hospitals in Shanghai that have wings specifically to treat foreigners. There are also medical clinics with western doctors' set up exclusively for expatriates. If conditions are too serious to be treated in China, foreigners are sent to Hong Kong or back home. For this reason, it is advisable to take out good health insurance coverage.

Hygiene
The level of hygiene in some areas is not so good and toilets in particular can be extremely dirty. It is best also to carry packet tissues as toilet paper can be limited. Wash hands well before eating and wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly in bottled water (some people soak fruit and vegetables in a mild solution of bleach). Tap water cannot be consumed in China, instead people drink bottled water which is freely available. Many people have drinking water tanks in their homes.