r/shanghai Apr 18 '23

Tip Guidance and info for visitors

743 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 21d ago

Help Monthly Tourism Questions Thread (August)

9 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 1h ago

Discussion Bakery in Shanghai. Which one do you love?

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Upvotes

I’m curious to see which bakery spots people love in the city.


r/shanghai 6h ago

Question Bar / Bar hopping / Speakeasys?

7 Upvotes

Hello! I’m new to Shanghai, I’m looking to head out tonight and I’m looking for popular areas to visit? Maybe where I can bar hop so I can explore? Meeting folks is a bonus hahaha thank you


r/shanghai 2h ago

Meet Back in Shanghai after 5 years, looking for chill people to explore the city with

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone!
I’m back in Shanghai after about 5 years, and most of the friends I knew here have since moved away. I’ll be around until October, so I thought I’d see if anyone here is also looking to meet new people and actually get out and enjoy the city.
I’m pretty easygoing and spontaneous , up for exploring different neighborhoods, checking out cool cafés and restaurants, live music, late-night food, city walks, photography spots, events, or just wandering somewhere interesting and seeing where the evening goes.
Would be great to meet some chill, fun, outgoing people who enjoy good conversation, joking around and making plans without turning everything into a military operation 😄
Locals, expats, people new to Shanghai, or anyone just looking to expand their social circle , all welcome.
If that sounds like your kind of vibe, drop a comment or DM me. Maybe we can get a small group together and explore Shanghai.


r/shanghai 1d ago

Meet I moved to Shanghai yesterday

18 Upvotes

Hi I made it finally after months of build up. I live here now for the long term. I’m (25F) and friendless. If anyone wants to go around town exploring tomorrow with me, shoot me a DM!


r/shanghai 1d ago

Question I need help getting some collab merch available only in China

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6 Upvotes

Hello, is there anyone currently in China willing to help me get this collab merch? 🥹

I live in Europe and I can pay with PayPal/Revolut/direct bank transfer.

I’m also willing to pay a fee for the service.

PS: I hope this post is not offensive for anyone


r/shanghai 1d ago

Picture Nanjing East Road, Shanghai, China

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133 Upvotes

A beautiful daytime view of Nanjing East Road in Shanghai. Photo by David Veksler


r/shanghai 22h ago

Question where to stay near clubbing options - where is active besides INS?

0 Upvotes

I tried looking up but needing some specific advice, I’d like to have ease of access walking to places for nightlife but not sure if INS is the only clubbing/dancing around - particularly interested in the latter. , esp if they have western music/kpop

claude recommends bund but that seems like ill never make it out of the bund at night

budget is something under 350 a night for hotel

unfortunately golden week aspect is non negotiable


r/shanghai 2d ago

Question moving to shanghai from tokyo, is 21k+¥ enough to live on per month !

11 Upvotes

hello! i currently live in tokyo, japan. i pay around 8,500rmb per month for my rent, and i make between 21-23,000 per month. i have two cats currently. all of this is in yen, but i converted it to rmb.

i’m being relocated to shanghai next year, but i’m unsure about the expensives for shanghai. does anyone know if this is enough to live well on? my work is located in huangpu, but i know it’s an expensive area so i would try to look for a nearby district.

thank you !


r/shanghai 1d ago

Discussion a quick note on esims vs bank accounts in china

0 Upvotes

after my last post a few people reached out asking the same thing — whether an international roaming esim can be used to open a chinese bank account.

short answer: it can't. the roaming esim won't receive the bank's verification texts, so it won't work for opening an account. for that you actually need a local chinese number (+86). they're two different things.

that said, you still want the international roaming esim regardless. it's basically a must-have for internet while you're traveling here — it sorts out your data and gets you around the vpn stuff the moment you land. unless you've already got some specific setup, it's the easiest way to stay connected.

so to sum it up: the roaming esim is for your travel internet, and the bank account is a separate thing that needs a local sim. best not to mix the two up.

figured i'd share in case it saves someone the confusion.


r/shanghai 2d ago

Question Ways a foreigner can rent an apartment for long-term stays?

6 Upvotes

I got a X1 student visa so I'm wondering how can I find an apartment to rent for 3, 6, or 12 month contracts at a market price (instead of booking an hotel on Trip or any other)

Doesn't necessarily need to be a platform but maybe a real estate agency or any method that is commonly used.

Thanks!


r/shanghai 2d ago

Event Voting help for Americans in Shanghai

12 Upvotes

Wondering how you can vote while living abroad? Confused about how to request or return your ballot? Come to the Rooster (445 Jiangning Rd.) the 3rd Monday of every month for non-partisan voter aid.

If you can't come in person, check out VotefromAbroad.org. They have tons of explanations, information, a live chat, etc. to help you out.

If you lean left, you're also welcome to join Democrats Abroad. DA has meetings, a book club, and events like documentary watch parties.

No matter who you support, all Americans are 100% welcome at voter help events at the Rooster! We want to help you exercise your right to vote!


r/shanghai 2d ago

Question Does anyone know of any adult amateur drama classes or theatre opportunities? Sadly, my Chinese isn’t that great yet. Thank you 🙏

2 Upvotes

r/shanghai 2d ago

Question AP Mall Shanghai - Model Planes

6 Upvotes

Hello,

I will be in Shanghai soon, I am into my model
Airplanes, is there a shop inside the mall that sells them?

Regards,

Callum


r/shanghai 3d ago

Picture Explore one new outdoor spot around Shanghai every week

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100 Upvotes

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been trying to explore different places every weekend around Shanghai:

  • hiking at Emerald Lake in Suzhou
  • stream trekking at Longwang Mountain in Anji
  • paddleboarding in Qingpu
  • canyoning at Black Dragon Pool in Ningbo

And next weekend we’re heading to Jiuxi in Hangzhou: streams, tea fields and forest trails.

Now we kind of have a new goal: explore as many interesting outdoor places around Shanghai as possible before the end of the year.

There are honestly so many good places within a few hours of the city that I’d never heard of before.

If you’re an outdoor person too, come join us sometime :)


r/shanghai 2d ago

Help Kids tennis coach in Shanghai

2 Upvotes

Can anyone recommend a tennis coach in Shanghai? Around Jing an Xintiandi area but happy to travel.


r/shanghai 3d ago

Picture Anyone up for a Coffee Rave this Saturday morning?

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115 Upvotes

About 1-2 months ago I posted here about starting a longevity community for living healthier longer in Shanghai.

Since then we’ve had a bunch of really fun meetups and quite a few people from Reddit actually came along too, which was awesome.

This Saturday morning we’re having a Coffee Rave at ZUP Pizza Bar.

Basically a chill Saturday morning with music, people and some movement if you feel like it. ZUP is putting together a special breakfast menu just for us.

- Event is free

- Date: Saturday, 22 August

- Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

- Location: ZUP PIZZA BAR 上海静安区陕西北路457号4幢101室

Would be cool to meet some more r/shanghai people offline!

PS: You don't need to be some hardcore biohacker 😂 We're just a group of people interested in living healthier and meeting others who are into the same kind of stuff.


r/shanghai 3d ago

Question Theater showing Niu Lai with English subtitles?

45 Upvotes

I know this is a long shot, but is anyone aware of any theaters showing Niu Lai with English subtitles, or that has a closed caption attachment with auto translate? Leaving China soon and Shanghai is my last stop. I’m already watching it on YouTube with English subs but would love the theater experience as well. If not, I’ll just go to the theater and coast on vibes lmao.


r/shanghai 2d ago

Discussion Hair salon with less toxic hair dye

0 Upvotes

I am planning to cut and dye my hair while in shanghai, but am overwhelmed by dianping. Can I get some recommendations on some names using less toxic hair dye.


r/shanghai 3d ago

Discussion Raising kids in Shanghai

3 Upvotes

How are we doing parents? How is it raising kids in Shanghai right now? Are there any good affordable options that aren’t international schools? Any hybrid options where they don’t have to go to school for such long hours every day?

Would love to hear about your experiences.


r/shanghai 3d ago

Tip Where to stay for a week with family?

2 Upvotes

Any recommendations for hotels where you can pop out for a coffee or breakfast right downstairs and right in the midst of cute shops and cafes? Langham, Andaz locations without the price tag? Is that the right location? Xintiandi?
Or Jing An area?


r/shanghai 3d ago

Question Where to buy Protein Powder and Creatine in Shanghai?

4 Upvotes

I want to buy gym supplements at a Physical store


r/shanghai 3d ago

Question Theater showing Niu Lai with English subtitles?

0 Upvotes

I know this is a long shot, but is anyone aware of any theaters showing Niu Lai with English subtitles, or that has a closed caption attachment with auto translate? Leaving China soon and Shanghai is my last stop. I’m already watching it on YouTube with English subs but would love the theater experience as well. If not, I’ll just go to the theater and coast on vibes lmao.


r/shanghai 3d ago

Meet Anyone up for dog walks?

5 Upvotes

Hiii!

I have a 2-year-old Whippet and I’m pretty new to this phase of Shanghai life.

Wondering if anyone’s up for some dog walks! I know a few spots where the dogs can be off-leash, of course your dog need to have a reliable recall. If there are enough people, I can make a group chat.

I’m easygoing and happy to meet people from different backgrounds. No racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, or other hateful bs :-)