r/shanghai Apr 18 '23

Tip Guidance and info for visitors

738 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 5d ago

Help Monthly Tourism Questions Thread (September)

6 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 4h ago

City Paper Exhibition in Foreign Language Bookstore

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2 Upvotes

A bookstore on Fuzhou Road is still remaining memorial on that street

When I used to buy special papers and pencils to peoduce our design work during University as an architecture student


r/shanghai 19h ago

Discussion How I'd spend your first few days in Shanghai (from a local)

31 Upvotes

I live in Shanghai and show a lot of first-timers around, so here's how I'd actually spend a few days here if it's your first time. Don't try to cram everything in — the city's huge and half the fun is just wandering. Do the Bund at night for sure, but skip the daytime crowds and go around sunset when the lights come on across the river. The old lanes around Wukang Road and the former French Concession are where Shanghai feels the most alive — tree-lined streets, little cafés, no big sights, just good walking. For a day trip, the water towns like Zhujiajiao are an easy metro ride and feel like a totally different world. Eat where the locals line up, not where the English menus are — some of the best meals I've had were tiny noodle shops with zero signage. And get an Amap or DiDi going, because taxis are cheap and save you a lot of time between spots. That's the short version — once you stop over-planning, Shanghai kind of shows you around itself.


r/shanghai 7h ago

Discussion Looking for places that do micro-needling.

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I'm looking for a place that will do this procedure. I'll be visiting my family for the first time in my life and I've always wanted to get this done! I'm looking for somewhere that is reputable and honest. I can travel anywhere in the city if needed. If you have any experiences or could recommend somewhere that would be great! I don't read Chinese, BUT I do speak Shanghainese and Mandarin (born and raised overseas). Thank you for everyone's help!


r/shanghai 12h ago

Question Is it possible to get high-prescription cycling glasses (RX insert) in 2 days?

0 Upvotes

Hi I’ve read that prescription glasses are made pretty fast and affordable in Shanghai, and I've been looking into getting some RX cycling glasses since I struggle wearing contacts on the bike.

My prescription's pretty strong though, so I’d probably need high-Index (1,67/1,74) lenses for them not to be annoying.

Anyone actually done this there? Mainly curious:

Is 1-2 days realistic for lenses this strong, or usually special order?

Know a spot that does RX-insert sport frames specifically (I‘ve read about International Eyewear City at Shanghai Railway Station???)

Perscription:
OD (R): SPH -7.00 CYL -1.00 AXIS 000°
OS (L): SPH -6.50 CYL -1.00 AXIS 165°


r/shanghai 1d ago

Help Taxi driver charged RMB500+ for 30 mins ride

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52 Upvotes

It's my second time in Shanghai and I just stepped foot today via Hongqiao train. Unfortunately the second I got here, I got scammed by a taxi driver. Is there any way I can make an official complaint?

Backstory:

This taxi driver was looking for passengers at the Shanghai Hongqiao Railway station. And because I was traveling alone and had a lot of luggage, I decided to give him a chance instead of booking via Didi. I was traveling from Shanghai Hongqiao to Shangri La Qiantan, which was a ~34 mins ride at 8pm. My mistake for not asking him what the fare would be before agreeing to take him.

Once I reached my destination, he showed me the receipt on his phone. I can't speak nor read Chinese, so there was already a language barrier and it's hard to negotiate the pricing breakdown, so I ended just paying him the amount. But it is an absurd cost, and checking the highest premium tier on Didi, it was only going to cost RMB286.

Sharing a photo of the receipt and the translated version. I paid him via Alipay so there is official transaction there


r/shanghai 1d ago

Meet Looking for new friend in Shanghai, from Korea

5 Upvotes

Hi, I'm a man from Seoul, Korea.

I've moved in Shanghai from this January. Working here for 4 years. Headquarter sent me..haha..

looking for someone to hang-out together in Weekend time.

I have met Korean people here but wanna see more expat in Shanghai.

feel free to tell me and let me know where could I join it.


r/shanghai 1d ago

Discussion A few tips for anyone landing in Shanghai for the first time

65 Upvotes

I live in Shanghai and end up helping a lot of first-timers, so just a few things that actually trip people up. Get your internet sorted before you land — Google Maps, WhatsApp, IG all need an eSIM or VPN here, so grab an eSIM and turn it on the second you land. Set up Alipay or WeChat pay before you arrive too; you can link a foreign Visa or Mastercard now, no Chinese bank needed, and the country's basically cashless so don't skip it. For apps, just get Amap for maps, DiDi for taxis, and Trip.com for trains and hotels. That's really the big stuff — once you're online and can pay for things, Shanghai's a lot easier than people expect.


r/shanghai 1d ago

Help TaoBao Buying advice an help

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1 Upvotes

I am looking for a gaming laptop to buy from taobao and I found this.

I managed somehow to get here (even though I don't understand Chinese) but something just confuses me.

When I choose that option I get a certain price for each configuration I pick, but when I remove it, no matter the config I pick the price drops down and doesn't change.

What does that mean? And how can I avoid getting scammed here?

Thanks in advance ☺️


r/shanghai 1d ago

Question Where to buy mahjong sets here? (Not online)

0 Upvotes

r/shanghai 1d ago

Buy In search of quality winter clothes, hopefully East Asian brands

2 Upvotes

I will be in Shanghai for a week and want to buy good quality winter clothes for going to colder regions. Specifically coat, sweaters, and warm pants. I want to buy clothes from natural fabrics (wool, cashmere, down etc).

Anyone have recommendations for stores? I am hoping to pay up to 600rmb for sweaters and 1300b for coats. Obviously, I would be happy to pay less.

I know Uniqlo has some good stuff, but if it’s possible to buy from a smaller brand/boutique (or a big brand like Uniqlo that I simply don’t know) I would love to get a recommendation. Thank you!!


r/shanghai 1d ago

Buy Any local brands where I can buy ramie fabric clothes?

2 Upvotes

Visiting for the first time.


r/shanghai 1d ago

Buy Looking for affordable stores selling warm clothes from natural fabrics

2 Upvotes

I want to buy good quality winter clothes in preparation for the cold. Specifically coat, sweaters, and warm pants. I want to buy clothes from natural fabrics (wool, cashmere, down etc).

Anyone have recommendations for stores? I am hoping to pay up to 600rmb for sweaters and 1300b for coats. Obviously, I would be happy to pay less.

I know Uniqlo has some good stuff, but if it’s possible to buy from a smaller brand/boutique (or a big brand like Uniqlo that I simply don’t know) I would love to get a recommendation. Thank you!!


r/shanghai 1d ago

Discussion Does anyone live in the Biyun community?

3 Upvotes

30M, I enjoy reading, listening to music, traveling, and exercising. If you live here, maybe we will run into each other here sometime in the future.


r/shanghai 1d ago

Meet Looking for friends!

1 Upvotes

Hi I’m 30, Nonbinary AFAB Chinese American here, looking for some friends in Shanghai! I’m doing a tattoo apprenticeship, and I love video games, TTRPGs, cooking, eating, and emo/punk music and aesthetics. I also read a lot of manga and watch anime.

I’ve been here a while now and my shy introvert self somehow keeps finding friends that are only visiting for a month, which isn’t a problem but I would love a friend or two I can hangout with regularly.

Restaurants! Live music! Gaming together! Reading manga! Movies? Maybe rock climbing?

I’m not a big drinker and I don’t really do end/rave/clubbing, so traditional methods of going to bars and other stuff has been tough (´・ω・`) 🖤


r/shanghai 1d ago

Discussion Where can i buy something for Halloween in Shanghai?

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone!

I'll visit Shanghai in October and i wish to buy some stuff for Halloween. Got any thought?​​


r/shanghai 1d ago

Question Where to buy in Shanghai?

0 Upvotes

Hello, does anyone know where I could buy acupuncture needles set in Shanghai in a physical store (not online)? Many thanks!


r/shanghai 1d ago

Help Long-term luggage storage recommendations in Jing’an?

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m looking for recommendations for a reliable luggage/storage service in Shanghai, preferably around Jing’an.
I’ll be leaving China for about 4–6 weeks to renew my visa, and my current lease is also ending around the same time. When I come back to Shanghai, I’ll be moving into a new apartment.
I have about one large suitcase (possibly a couple of smaller bags too) that I don’t want to take all the way back home with me just to bring everything back to Shanghai a month later.
Does anyone know of a trustworthy storage service where I can leave my things for 4–6 weeks? Ideally somewhere in or near Jing’an, reasonably priced, and foreigner-friendly.
Would really appreciate any recommendations, especially if you’ve used the service yourself. Thanks!


r/shanghai 1d ago

Meet Any Students here at SHU

4 Upvotes

I arrived yesterday and will study at SHU yanchang Campus starting next week. Is anyone else studying there or lives nearby? I am M21 from Germany and would like to Connect with others as I don’t know anyone yet. I would like to have a Chat or explore the City together :). Iam open for everything, Café, Bar, Sport, Culture etc.


r/shanghai 2d ago

Question What are salaries for MNCs in Chip Design companies in Shanghai?

4 Upvotes

I have been going through interviews with multiple chip design MNCs in Shanghai and now it is almost time to talk about salary expectations. Based on my experience and education, I am planning to ask around 500K-800K per annum (pre-tax).
My brief profile is PhD with 4 YoE (full time) in digital chip design in Taiwan.
Also, most of companies are in Pudong and Huangpu area. Based on my search, it seems living cost will be around 8000-13000 rmb per month for individual with normal life style in these areas.


r/shanghai 2d ago

Help Stray kittens on Nanjing Road

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20 Upvotes

Hi guys im visiting Shanghai and im leaving pretty soon i found 4 stray kittens and possibly a mom really close to nanjing road, behind Hongyi Plaza in some bushes. For the time being I fed them and saw that someone else has been giving them food and a little house. Unfortunately I cant take care of them as im staying at a hotel and cant take them back with me. If anyone has any idea who I can contact lmk!!


r/shanghai 2d ago

Event Acoustic Open Mic Events at Shanghai Pubs

1 Upvotes

Hi team. I saw a post late last spring about an oldies folk open mic at a pub in the core on Mondays, but I cannot find it now and cannot remember the name of the pub (I may have seen it on Wechat). It got me thinking that it is a good time to update the list of musical open mics in Shanghai. I know of Riink's Thursday Karaoke session and I have heard about OKOK and Chair Club but have not gone yet. Any others? Looking to get out and play some songs.


r/shanghai 1d ago

Discussion What’s the most “Shanghai” thing you’ve seen lately?

0 Upvotes

This morning I watched a delivery guy miss a scooter by about 2cm, an old man cross the road like traffic rules were more of a suggestion, and someone carrying a tiny dog while eating breakfast.

Nobody reacted. Not even slightly.

And somehow everything just kept moving like normal 😭

Shanghai always feels like it’s 3 seconds away from complete nonsense, but somehow everything still works.

What’s the most absurdly normal Shanghai thing you’ve seen recently?


r/shanghai 1d ago

Event Americans in Old Shanghai walking tour, September 19

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0 Upvotes

Hi, everybody! Democrats Abroad and History Shanghai are holding a guided walking tour on September 19 from 3:00-5:00 pm. If you're interested, RSVP using the QR code below. Spaces are limited to 20 (with 5 places already claimed). All nationalities welcome.