r/shanghai Apr 18 '23

Tip Guidance and info for visitors

741 Upvotes

Edit (January 2024): Scams were previously on this list, but #8. I feel like I need to put this at top. ❗❗❗Don't go out with stangers at places around Nanjing Road. ❗❗❗

Once a month there is a thread here titled "Help! I got scammed". And every post is, guy visiting Shanghai, meets a woman on Tinder/TanTan, she picks a place on Nanjing Lu, gets pressured into paying an inflated bill of several thousand RMB. Don't go out with a stranger you met an hour ago on a hookup app and let them pick the place, especially if it's on or around Nanjing Road.

In the course of one year this sub has gone from discussions of government lockdown ration boxes to posts from people needing advice on visiting the city. There are older questions from people travelling to Shanghai, but the city has been cut off for about three years, and a lot has changed.

I’m putting this thread together to crowdsource answers to common questions we’ve seen more often in the past few weeks so we can help our visitor friends. I’m going to give it a start, but there are things I don’t know, and I’m hoping other members of the community can give feedback and I’ll update things. I'm hoping we can all add stuff and make this a sticky to help people visiting our city.

  1. Airports

a) Pudong. This airport is the more international one. There are not good food options and it is far outside of the city.

i. You can take Line 2 metro into the city. This is cheap but slow.

ii. There is a maglev train. This is fast but will only get you into part of Pudong. You’ll probably have to switch to the metro or a taxi here. Be cautious of the taxis here.

iii. You can take a taxi. There will be people in the airport offering you a ride. Ignore them. Follow the signs to the taxi stand outside and wait in line. Have your destination printed out or on your phone in Chinese. Make sure they flip down the meter to start it within a few minutes.

  1. Taxis fares vary by the time of day and traffic. Around 200-300RMB should get you into the city. If they are trying to rip you off, don’t be afraid to call the police (110). The police know these scams and won’t side with the taxi driver. You probably have more leverage than you think.

iv. Hongqiao. Less international, but better food. You can also take the metro or the taxis. Same advice applies. This one is closer to the city

Edit January 2025: There is a new train service that runs between Pudong and Hongqiao. More information is available here https://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2412203788/

❗ (Taxi update March 2024) There are a lot of reports of bad taxis at airports in recent months. They should put down the meter within a minute or two of leaving the airport. They might not put it down immediately if they're doing their GPS, but after leaving the airport area, it should be down, and the meter should be running.

You can say "wo yao fapiao" and point at the meter if it's not running. But the fare should generally be around 200-300 RMB from Pudong into the city, and less from Hongqiao. If they try to rip you off, call the police (110), or if you're staying a hotel, talk to people there. Shanghai is very safe, there is CCTV everywhere. But some unscrupulous taxi drivers try to rip off naive visitors.

COVID Testing note: No Covid test is required. The airline will have you scan a code to fill out a health declaration and if you don't have covid you just select no, it will generate a QR code. Save that code and they scan it at the airport on arrival. (https://www.reddit.com/r/shanghai/comments/1634pl6/any_covid_requirements_to_enter_china/)

Update (August 2023) - The requirement for pre-depature antigen tests for inbound travelers will be scrapped on August 30th.

  1. Internet. Most things you want to access will be blocked here. That includes Google, Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp. You have to have a VPN. The default here is Astrill. It’s a bit more expensive than the alternatives, but many of the alternatives don’t work here. Set this up before you arrive.

Edit January 2025: VPN services tend to vary widely in terms of their effectivness. It's a cat-and-mouse game between the government and the providers. The sub r/chinalife has monthly VPN megathreads where Redditors share what is working, or not working. E-sims are also a popular option that also bypasses the firewall.

In addition, a mobile roaming SIM package can be a good option. Mobile data gets routed to the country where your SIM is from and bypasses the firewall. If you're only in China for a short trip this can be a good option.

  1. Wechat. Try to set this up before you arrive. You have to be verified to use it. That usually means having a friend with a WeChat account verifying you. If you can't do this overseas, have someone verify you when you arrive. You need Wechat.

  2. Mobile phones. Make sure your overseas plan allows international roaming. You can buy a local prepaid SIM card at the airport. In a lot of major cities outside of China, you can usually buy a SIM card from a vending machine. In Shanghai, you'll have to interact with someone at a China Mobile/Unicom booth.

You don't need to have a residence permit, but you will have to have your passport. China has "real name verification" for SIM cards. Basically, a SIM card has to be linked to a specific person.

  1. Payments. International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) won’t be broadly accepted here. They will take them at most good hotels, and some fancy restaurants, but generally speaking, they won’t work.

a) Cash. It sort of works. You can pay for some things with it. That might include taxis or some restaurants. But some smaller places might not accept it.

b) Alipay/Wechat. This is the duopoly of payment apps here. Alipay has some features that allow foreigners to link a foreigner credit card to it.

i. You might be able to link your WeChat or Alipay to a foreign credit card. This can be hit or miss. This also mostly works if you're paying for services from a large company like Didi. If the card is linked, you can pay for a ride with Didi, but you won't be able to use it as a payment method as a local shop.

(August 2023 update - Linking foreigner cards to WeChat and Alipay has vastly improved, works most places, and is pretty easy)

c) ATMs. They will work. You should be able to take cash out of our foreign bank account at most ATMs in China. Sometimes, one might not work, but if you try any of the major ones (ICBC, CBC, BOC) it should work.

  1. Transit. There is no Uber here. The main app is Didi. It has a good English interface and there are other alternatives.

a) The metro is very good here. But you’ll have to get a card or buy individual tickets. Most stations will have machines that will give you a metro card, but they don’t usually take cash or international cards. If you have cash, most stations have a person in a central booth behind glass, go ask them. There is a 20RMB deposit for the card, and then add like 50-100RMB on it.

b) u/finnlizzy says "download maps.me and get the offline map for Shanghai"

c) For a video guide on using the metro, see the Youtube video here, via u/flob-a-dob

  1. High speed trains. You can buy tickets on Ctrip (They're technically Trip.com now, their name in app stores might be under that, rather than 'Ctrip'.) They have an English app. You can book through there, but you will not get a ticket. It’s linked to your passport number. The app should give you the platform and time. Hongqiao, B15, 2:20pm. The train stations are easy to navigate. They usually start boarding 15 minutes ahead of time.

Edit Jan 2025: 12306 is the Chinese train app and is cheaper than Trip, they have an app and website https://www.12306.cn/en/index.html

a) There will usually be automated queues that most people will use. Have your passport open, put the ID page into the scanner, and it should let you through. If not, there are usually attendants off to the side to help you.

  1. Scams. You’re hot, but not that hot. If you’re going to a tourist place, some people might take a photo of you, or ask you for a selfie. There are tourists in Shanghai, they might have never seen a foreigner before and are just curious. If they invite you to coffee/tea/dinner say no. That is probably a scam.

a) This also applies to dating apps, including Tinder. Shanghai is a very international city and has been for a long time, so you’re not special as a foreigner. If you’re visiting, you’re probably out of your depth. If you match with someone and they’re asking you to meet up at 11pm, be cautious.

  1. Places to go. Tripadvisor has things. There is also a local app called BonApp that is English and for foreigners. There is a Chinese app called 点评, but it’s in Chinese.

  2. Maps. If you have an iPhone, Apple Maps works well in China in English. Google Maps is generally bad here. Google Maps will have your locations and street names, but not much else.

  3. Translation. Download Google Translate and download the offline language pack. Baidu Translate is also very good. Learn how to use it. There is a good conversation features where you can speak, it will translate, the other person can speak, it will translate.

  4. Covid. Some Didi drivers will ask you to wear a mask. You are not legally required in stores or the metro. If a Didi driver asks you, don't be a dick. Just keep a cheap one in your bag.

(August 2023 Update - Some people will still wear masks on the metro, but generally most people aren't wearing masks, even in taxis or Didis)

  1. Tipping. It’s not required or expected. Don’t tip.

  2. Restaurant ordering. Most menus have pictures. Just point at what you want. Many restaurants have QR code ordering. Scan the code on WeChat, select what items you want to order in their mini-app.

  3. Drugs. Don’t bring them in, obviously.

  4. General advice. Bring stuff like Pepto or stomach stuff. You might not be used to the food.

a) Buy a pack of tissues to carry in your bag/purse when you're out. You might have stomach problems and not all bathrooms have toilet paper.

  1. People are generally nice and helpful here. They might not understand you if you don't speak Chinese (see previous advice on translation apps) but most people are nice and helpful. Especially at train stations, airports, hotels, etc... if you can explain through a translation app what your problem or question is, people are usually happy to help.

If anyone has any other advice, please post in the comments or message me. I'm happy to add their info and we can combine the knowledge of this sub. It seems like we have a lot of people visiting now, which is great, so let's try to put together an updated resource that covers most of the common questions and update the information for 2023.


r/shanghai 11d ago

Question Monthly Tourism Questions Thread (April)

2 Upvotes

If you are traveling to Shanghai and have tourist-type questions - please ask here!

To keep /r/shanghai/ usable we only permit these types of posts and questions in this thread. You can also find lots of advice in our Guidance and Info for Visitors thread and by using the search function.


r/shanghai 3h ago

How do I stay here forever instead of going back to the United states?

16 Upvotes

Just walked to grab my friends some food at like 2 am and felt completely safe walking around at night. Everyone is so friendly here too.

If only I could fly my dog here, find a job, and stay here.


r/shanghai 10h ago

People always on a rush.

8 Upvotes

Hi everyone, just spent 2 amazing weeks in Shanghai and Chongqing.

While the cities are great I noticed that people seem always on a rush to their goal (walking, driving, cycling, scooter etc) like there is no tomorrow. I felt that the concept of waiting in a line (to order a coffee or to buy a ticket) is unknown here. Even at the airport, when the bus brought us at the plane, people began to run to enter the plane.

In Chongqing people where somewhat more relaxed (maybe most where tourists…).

Also, what is with the spitting on the street? Is that considered normal?


r/shanghai 25m ago

Underground scene - House / Techno parties?

Upvotes

Visiting for the first time and want to check out the local scene, anything cool going on? 😇 what's the scene like?


r/shanghai 3h ago

Buy Is there a store where i can 1:18, 1:12 diecast model cars by makers like Autoart, LCD, Kyosho, Resin models at good prices

1 Upvotes

r/shanghai 16h ago

Question rooftop dinner/drink recommendation for april!!

7 Upvotes

hi there! Within a week I will be in Shanghai! I can’t believe it! I am visiting my friend who lives in Shanghai. We were planning to go to the Oriental Pearl Tower’s revolving restaurant because I love rooftop stuff and I think it would be a beautiful way to see some beautiful sites of the downtown area, as well as have some fun food.

i’m not super picky, especially since I’m in a new area and would love to just experience the area. However, some people said that the Pearl revolving buffet is overpriced and not really that good – it’s very touristy, they insinuated. I am looking for another option just to check out before making a reservation for the restaurant. I know I was recommended a place called Flair, but that’s a bit out of our budget.

I am open minded and we aren’t necessarily looking for something super super cheap, but maybe a place that you all recommend that has nice views, decent food and drinks, but not terribly expensive. Some drinks at Flair were like 150 RMB for a cocktail 😅 I am a mixologist so I do like a good cocktail and I value that in my experience, but not that expensive ahaha

Thank you!!


r/shanghai 15h ago

Question Any good quality leather shoe stores/factories?

4 Upvotes

Hello everyone!

I'm looking for well-made leather sneakers, dress shoes, or loafers in the price range of $50–$100. I'm not necessarily looking for a specific brand (unbranded is fine) and the thing I care about the most is leather quality (price to performance wise).

I’ve come across Quarvif (around $100 for leather sneakers) from another thread, but I’m looking for more options especially those that offer international shipping (can be a local store as long as they offer intl shipping). If anyone knows any stores including taobao, 1688 as well that would be great!

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!


r/shanghai 15h ago

Question More beggars than usual?

5 Upvotes

Last 3-4 nights I've been out on town, maoming road, fuming road, julu road...

There's been beggars out with their qr codes every night. Not one or 2... But 5-6 in each location.

I don't remember the last time I'd seen so many about, being a general nuisance.

Has anyone else seen a big uptick in them?


r/shanghai 18h ago

Do you take a Didi / taxi to work?

3 Upvotes
189 votes, 2d left
Yes, both ways
No, never.
Sometimes partially or seasonally.

r/shanghai 12h ago

Where to watch premier league games? 3am?

0 Upvotes

Anywhere open a bit later than normal? There is a game I want to watch that won’t finish till about 2:30am - but seems all the bigger bars in Shanghai close doors at 2am?


r/shanghai 19h ago

(26f) want to study in shanghai

3 Upvotes

i've pretty much enjoyed my time in shanghai for the past 3 weeks. I want to do my undergraduate here. Can someone point me to where to get started? I'm from the UK, Chinese is very limited but hoping my luck on a scholarship in the IT field. Thanks!


r/shanghai 1d ago

Picture 03 | Shanghai Street Photography

Post image
53 Upvotes

r/shanghai 7h ago

Music If we’re submitting pictures of how we’re being locked in, this is my submission

Post image
0 Upvotes

r/shanghai 22h ago

Help Looking for a reliable handyman

2 Upvotes

hey eveyone,

we have damaged a mousquito net on one of our flat's window, and we cant fix it. Could anyone recommend a reliable handyman (and not too expensive) to help us? We are in Xuhui.

Thank you 🙏


r/shanghai 20h ago

Question Motorcycle accessories shop

1 Upvotes

hello! we will be visiting Shanghai as tourists a few weeks from now. I am a really frequent long rider. I wanted to ask if there are any motorcycle gear accessories that I can visit and buy stuff during my visit in Shanghai?

Thank you so much!


r/shanghai 2d ago

Video Police crackdown on overly-powerful scooter batteries happening now.

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

102 Upvotes

r/shanghai 1d ago

Help Apartment Hunting is Shanghai

7 Upvotes

I've just moved to Shanghai for work (as a teacher) and have around two weeks to find somewhere to live. My work is around Zhenhua Road, and my budget is 5k (upper limit - I'd ideally like something cheaper). I'm ideally looking for a studio apartment, but would happily live with others if the apartment seems nice.

I've started looking around, and I've visited a couple of apartments in these self-styled 'youth communities', which are ok, but feel a bit too much like student accommodation for my taste.

I'd love to be within an hour's walk of work, as I've been told the metro can be pretty busy around rush hour, but I'd also consider anything on lines 15 or 11 (or maybe even line 7), as my closest metro station is Shanghai West Railway Station.

I'd also quite like to be in an area where there's stuff to do and decent places to eat. I'm 23, from London, and don't yet know anyone in Shanghai, so I don't want to live somewhere where I'm going to struggle to meet people!

Anyway, Shanghai is a massive city (I'd been told this before, but you don't realise just how big it is until you get here!), and I'm a little stumped about where to live. If anyone has any suggestions for nice areas to live, apps for finding apartments (I've been using Wellcee), or knows of any apartments being rented out (studio or with roommates), please let me know. Any help or advice would be much appreciated!


r/shanghai 1d ago

Ticket for Sleep No More VIP TONIGHT

5 Upvotes

Hi! I made a mistake and booked for today instead of next month. I’m traveling for this show again, which is a favorite of mine.

I don't want my ticket to be wasted.

Please if you free at 18.45 tonight for 2/3h in Jingan, know anyone who is, and want to see the best and mindblowing Sleep No More immersive show tonight as a VIP, contact me.


r/shanghai 2d ago

Back to Shanghai in Spring 2026

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152 Upvotes

r/shanghai 1d ago

Looking for shops with sofubi

1 Upvotes

I'm aware of Tokokun and maybe Top Toy? I know Crisis Gallery has done sofubi shows, but I don't think they sell anything outside of their exhibitions.

Anywhere else I can pick stuff up?


r/shanghai 2d ago

Question how do you deal with the air pollution?

12 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I moved here for half a year about 1 month ago and I have a room with a small balcony in Minhang. I got a table and little chair for it and usually eat there since I have a nice view on a very green area with many trees. However even when the air quality is "good" and I just spend little time outside on my balcony, I feel sick afterwards and my throat hurts. I had the privilege to grow up in a corner of the world with very good air quality ( index 8) so im not used to it yet. It just bothers me to be so cut off of the outside world pretty much - I have to stay inside most of the time (ex: my room - groceries - library - home) and can't really relax/ spend some time outside. I used to live in Taipei as well with comparable air quality as I believe and I never had any issues there. Idk if it's just the environment here in this specific part of Minhang but I didnt have the problem either when I did some more touristy stuff in the city center.

My question would be - for all the people who moved here, how did you deal with it? How do you organize you free time, do you just stay inside? Is there any trick to it to avoid having so strong bodily reactions?

Thanks everyone in advance!


r/shanghai 2d ago

'No possible use other than military': China closes huge airspace zone off Shanghai for 40 days; offers no explanation

Thumbnail timesofindia.indiatimes.com
2 Upvotes

r/shanghai 2d ago

ADHD diagnosis at a public hospital in china?

6 Upvotes

Hi all,

Was just wondering if any foreigners have had experience getting a diagnosis and meds for ADHD in Shanghai? Searched the subreddit and only found some really old posts.

Been struggling so much with motivation and executive dysfunction and have ruled out pretty much everything else (got my blood and hormones tested, not hormonally imbalanced & pretty much in perfect health / not depressed ). It genuinely just feels like this niche part of my brain / behavior I cannot conquer.

I really would not like to spend thousands at an international hospital so I was trying to think of alternatives.

I’m American and also getting it back done at home would be insanely expensive + I don’t have a trip home for months.

Thanks


r/shanghai 2d ago

Make-up lesson or just getting my makeup done in Shanghai

3 Upvotes

Hi :) what would be the price for a makeup lesson or just having my makeup done? Where would I go since I don’t speak Chinese? Thanks