Minerva
The Roman goddess of wisdom

Some helpful leads and connections for living in Shanghai

Um, first be sure to join the EPWS.... then...

Orientation
English / pinyin map of SH! (this is something that one can buy at any subway newsstand or bookstore) - also subway map
Guanxi - 85880 - SMS to find contact info for restaurants, hotels, etc.
Taxi Cards: available at City Supermarkets (ask at the checkout)

Travel & Entertainment
 nnnnnnnnnnwww.elong.net http://www.elong.net
nnnnnnnnnnwww.ctrip.com http://www.ctrip.com
The Enjoy card (www.enjoyshanghai.com) discount card for shops, restautrants etc.

Resources - a phone call away
China Helpline: 4008 808080 On the phone translation service. Sign up at www.chinahelpline.com

Shanghai Call Center: 962288 - 24hr helpline in English providing info on SH services, culture, entertainment, education, hospitals, and can arrange delivery of theatre tickets.

AustCham / Britcham / Amcham / Eurocham are all great sources of info and help.

Skills
LEARN CHINESE!  There are tons of schools with loads of different levels.  This is very helpful.

Websites

These are some sites that can get you more in touch with what goes on in the city and how to be involved:
Smart Shanghai www.smartshanghai.com 
The Community Center www.ccshanghai.org
HASH House Harriers www.shanghai-hhh.com (Runners with a drinking problem!)
Expat Shanghai http://www.expatsh.com