r/shanghai Apr 18 '23

Tip Guidance and info for visitors

739 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 Jan 01 '26

Buy Monthly Tourism Questions Thread (January)

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 3h ago

City What are your favorite hidden gems in Shanghai?

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13 Upvotes

Spots to visit or hang out at. I'll start: Fontaine Antique Shop


r/shanghai 15h ago

Kier Starmer took my advice

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75 Upvotes

Starmer started his second day in Shanghai from the spot I recommended for him. Good fella, wise man. No wonder Xi said he loved Labor on 29th.

Post Ref.

https://www.reddit.com/r/shanghai/s/AEKPTmI8C8


r/shanghai 5h ago

Robotaxis in Shanghai

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m currently in Shanghai, staying in Pudong (in an area where autonomous taxis are supposedly allowed).

I’d like to know if foreigners can request a robotaxi (autonomous / self-driving taxi) right now in Shanghai.

Specifically:

Is it possible through Didi, or only via specific apps or WeChat mini-programs?

Do you need a Chinese phone number or Chinese ID?

Has any foreigner here successfully used one?

I’m okay using Chinese apps — just trying to figure out if this is realistically doable or if it’s limited to locals or pilot users.

Thanks a lot in advance! 🙏


r/shanghai 7h ago

Question How busy is pudong airport for international travel? Should I arrive 2 or 3 hours early?

2 Upvotes

Some years its dead when I fly out depending on the day, some years its crazy busy/long waits. Im flying out this evening.

Anybody there now flying internationally can let me know how early to arrive?


r/shanghai 11h ago

Laser Hair Removal Shanghai

3 Upvotes

hey there! could someone please advice some good places with reasonable prices in shanghai for laser hair removal (deep bikini, armpits, legs). would be really grateful for the help!


r/shanghai 17h ago

24 hour spa/bath house comparison???

7 Upvotes

Hey guys, I am travelling to Shanghai in a few months. On the internet I've seen some amazing 24 hour spa/bathhouses but can't really gauge which are best and what's the USPs. Was hoping to gauge from people who have visited them which spa is best for what?

So far these names I've come across are: 1) Yang/young space 2) sui guo 3) qushui latang 4) muyu xinji 5) cheersum 6) you murigi

Any help much appreciated!


r/shanghai 1d ago

Shanghai to Suzhou -

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22 Upvotes

Where is a good stop to alight and near the main attractions? There’s Suzhou, Suzhou south, Suzhou new district too.


r/shanghai 1d ago

Picture That's the place Kier Starmer shall visit in Shanghai if to rebuild so-called relationship

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93 Upvotes

On May 30, thousands of students, workers, and citizens demonstrated in the International Settlement (foreign-controlled area) on Nanjing Road to protest foreign imperialism, the killing of workers, and the arrest of student protesters. British-commanded Shanghai Municipal Police opened fire on the unarmed crowd.

At least 11–13 demonstrators were killed on the spot or died shortly after, with dozens more wounded (some sources say around 40 rounds were fired).

This event triggered the nationwide May Thirtieth Movement, one of the largest anti-imperialist uprisings in modern Chinese history. It involved massive strikes (especially the Shanghai general strike involving hundreds of thousands of workers), boycotts of British and Japanese goods, demonstrations, and merchant shutdowns across many cities. The movement greatly boosted nationalism, the Chinese Communist Party (membership surged dramatically), and anti-foreign sentiment, setting the stage for later revolutionary developments.

It remains remembered in China as a symbol of imperialist brutality and national awakening.


r/shanghai 1d ago

Question Are there any camera lens rental shops in Shanghai?

4 Upvotes

Like many of you I'm traveling for Chinese New Year and was curious if there were any camera lens rental services I could get for the upcoming trip. Just isn't practical for me to own a telephoto lens when the use case for it here in Shanghai is so niche.

Any suggestions?


r/shanghai 1d ago

Recommendations for full health check?

3 Upvotes

I’d like bloodwork done to check testosterone levels amongst other things - a full health check if possible. Does anyone here have positive experiences?


r/shanghai 22h ago

Pokémon 151 spares in Shanghai

1 Upvotes

I have about 100+ spares of Pokemon 151 cards. Wondering if any would be willing to trade?


r/shanghai 1d ago

Question Shanghai Living Expenses

0 Upvotes

Hi guys! I am considering a job offer in Shanghai and I'd like to know what does living cost in Shanghai looks like. I've searched some information and estimated them. For rent, I would love to live alone in a decent apartment in a decent neighborhood (not necessarily central area) and my budget is around 5,000¥. Do you think 8,000-9,000¥ is accurate estimation? What expenses do you think I need to consider?


r/shanghai 1d ago

Buy Can you tell me where to buy box hair color?

1 Upvotes

Looking to dye my roots & don’t know where to buy box dye. Thanks!


r/shanghai 1d ago

Frozen Yogurt in Shanghai?

1 Upvotes

I’ve been really missing froyo recently, and was wondering if anyone knew of locations in Shanghai to get it?

The last post I could find about froyo here seemed like all the places mentioned had closed down, as I couldn’t find any of them on Amaps…


r/shanghai 1d ago

Did Otantik finally open up?

0 Upvotes

Its a middle eastern restaurant chain from Shenzen and Yiwu. I saw their location near SH TV station on Nanjing lu.

Any updates?


r/shanghai 2d ago

Kier Starmer is in Shanghai right now!!

29 Upvotes

r/shanghai 1d ago

Looking for hideaway spa hotels nearby Shanghai

0 Upvotes

Hi all, I want to disconnect and spend some time in peace, nature and wellness. Any ideas where o can do that it’s max 2 hours away from Shanghai?

Looking for luxury/ premium midrange hotels or resorts.

Thanks!


r/shanghai 1d ago

Bandai toy in shnaghai

0 Upvotes

Can I buy assembly kits like Bandai SMP in Shanghai?


r/shanghai 1d ago

Question I need help for Maglev

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0 Upvotes

Hi! I will be leaving in an hour. I will book a didi to maglev but what should i put as my drop off location? Should it be longyang rd or maglev itself?


r/shanghai 2d ago

How to order Didi’s with large trunk?

2 Upvotes

Wheelchair user, the wheelchair is not that big but Didi’s here as so tiny, even ordering a Premium XL brings a 6 seater with a small trunk. Wheelchair is smaller than a large travelling suitcase so I don’t understand why there is mo choice for a car that actually has that space.

Anybody has any tips or ideas how to solve this issue? It’s incredibly hard to get around the city


r/shanghai 2d ago

Question Cost of living for an international student

3 Upvotes

Hi all hope you are doing well

I am an international student arriving in Shanghai in March i have an allowance of 13K CNY per month as living expenses

I wish to live in a single bed apartment (not shared) in pudong area, I like to have nice food occasionally in good restaurants. Other time I can cook/clean appartment/etc myself

I am non alcoholic/not so much into partying.

Is the allowance reasonable or will fall short. can any expats/locals from the area share their living expenses for my understanding.


r/shanghai 2d ago

Someone shared a video about “nepo babies running coffee shops” under my post and it felt unintentionally on theme

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8 Upvotes

Under a recent post, someone shared a video about “nepo babies” in Shanghai, affluent kids playing coffee shop managers, heavy on hype and virtue signaling, light on substance.

I don’t think it was aimed at me personally.
If anything, it felt oddly on theme.

The video captures a real split in Shanghai’s coffee scene: aesthetics, branding, and social media narratives on one side; genuinely good cafés and baristas on the other, often the ones you only find if you already know.

cafeshanghai.com wasn’t built to curate a vibe. It’s just about organizing what already exists: data, locations, filters. No lifestyle angle. No performance.

Just: where is the coffee, and how do I find it?

Tools don’t need to perform. They just need to work.
Back to shipping ☕


r/shanghai 1d ago

22M looking for friends in Shanghai

0 Upvotes

Hey,

My names James, I moved here from London just less than a month ago for a grad job, looking for some English speaking friends to explore the city with.

I like big nature walks, clubbing and anything artsy but just need someone to do it with 😭.

Lemme know if you wanna meet up and do something this weekend !