Each overseas family that has held Shanghai residence certificates for at least six months will soon start to receive their free ticket to the World Expo, plus a transport card of 200 yuan ($29.30).

The Shanghai government decided on a fair playing field and the overseas families will receive exactly the same treats as locals, starting from May 15.

In addition to the overseas residents, three other types of families are also eligible - those with local permanent household registrations, those with local permanent residence permits and those holding local temporary residence permits for at least six months.

Also in the gift pack are a thank-you letter, an Expo site map and a souvenir badge in the shape of mascot Haibao.

The gifts have been eagerly anticipated after the plan was announced by Shanghai Party Secretary Yu Zhengsheng.

Officials said the government had considered the distribution program carefully before announcing it yesterday.

Neighborhood committees will visit families one by one from May 15 to distribute the gift packs after checking required certificates.

Families who are away and don't receive the gift packs can go to their district social affairs center to apply for them.

Tickets can be used on any single day within a month from June to September.

Tickets distributed to families in the Pudong New Area and Huangpu, Luwan and Jinshan districts as well as Chongming County will be valid for Expo visits in June.

Those in Jing'an, Yangpu, Minhang, Qingpu and Fengxian districts can visit the event in July.

Tickets in Xuhui, Changning, Hongkou and Baoshan districts will be valid in August and those in Zhabei, Putuo, Jiading and Songjiang in September.

There are five patterns on the transport cards, featuring one of the Central Axis and the four pavilions along the axis.

The city has launched a hotline - 962200 - for queries on the free tickets and cards and another - 12388 - to specifically to receive complaints.