First Time in Shanghai? Essential Tips You Need to Know

Visiting Shanghai for the first time? This mega-city can be overwhelming, but with these tips, you'll navigate it like a pro!

Before You Arrive

1. VPN is Essential

• Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram are blocked
• Download a reliable VPN before arrival
• Popular options: ExpressVPN, NordVPN
• Test it works before your trip

2. Download These Apps

**Essential:**

• WeChat (社交 + 支付)
• Alipay (支付)
• Amap / Baidu Maps (导航)
• Dianping (大众点评) - like Yelp
• DiDi (滴滴) - like Uber

**Helpful:**

• Pleco (Chinese dictionary)
• Google Translate (download offline)
• Railway 12306 (train tickets)

3. Set Up Payment

• WeChat Pay and Alipay are everywhere
• Foreign cards now supported in both apps
• Some places don't accept cash!
• Follow in-app instructions for foreign card linking

4. Cash Backup

• Still bring some RMB
• Exchange at airport or banks
• ATMs widely available
• Credit cards less common except hotels/malls

Arriving in Shanghai

From Pudong Airport (PVG)

**Options:**

1. **Maglev + Metro** - Fast (30 min total), ¥50+

2. **Metro Line 2** - Cheapest (60-90 min), ¥7-10

3. **Airport Bus** - Direct to hotels, ¥20-30

4. **Taxi** - Comfortable (45-90 min), ¥150-250

5. **DiDi** - Cheaper than taxi, book in app

From Hongqiao Airport (SHA)

• Metro Lines 2 or 10 (30-40 min to center)
• Taxi (30-60 min depending on traffic)
• More convenient for city center

Getting Around

Best Transportation Options

**Metro (地铁):**

• Most convenient and cheap
• English signs
• Download app for real-time info
• Get transportation card

**Taxi:**

• Cheap compared to Western cities
• Few drivers speak English
• Have destination written in Chinese
• Use meters (insist on it)

**DiDi:**

• Like Uber but Chinese
• Pay through app
• No language barrier
• Slightly cheaper than taxi

**Bike Sharing:**

• Hello Bike, Mobike
• Pay via app with deposit
• Great for short distances
• Watch traffic!

**Walking:**

• Best way to explore neighborhoods
• Sidewalks can be chaotic
• Cross with crowd, watch for scooters
• Allow extra time

Communication

Language Barriers

• English speakers rare outside hotels
• Learn basic phrases
• Use translation apps
• Pictures/pointing works!

Useful Phrases

• 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) - Hello
• 谢谢 (Xièxie) - Thank you
• 多少钱? (Duōshao qián?) - How much?
• 这个 (Zhège) - This one
• 不要 (Bù yào) - Don't want/No
• 帮帮我 (Bāng bāng wǒ) - Help me

Using Translation Apps

• Take photo of menus/signs
• Show translated text to locals
• Learn offline works best
• Have hotel address saved in Chinese

Money Matters

Typical Costs (RMB)

• Coffee: ¥25-40
• Street food: ¥10-30
• Restaurant meal: ¥50-150
• Metro ride: ¥3-10
• Taxi (20 min): ¥30-50
• Hotel night: ¥300-2000
• Attraction ticket: ¥0-200

Tipping

• **Not expected or required**
• Included in service charge at restaurants
• Don't tip taxi drivers
• High-end hotels only exception

Scams to Avoid

• Tea ceremony scam (friendly locals invite you)
• Art gallery scam (students invite to exhibition)
• Massage parlor overcharges
• Fake bills (less common now)
• Unofficial taxis at airport

Food & Dining

Restaurant Etiquette

• Loud restaurants = good restaurants
• It's okay to be loud and messy
• Don't tip
• Signal waiter with hand wave
• Split bills uncommon

Ordering Food

• Most have picture menus
• Point and order
• Dianping app shows popular dishes
• Street food is generally safe
• Hot water (热水) often served instead of cold

Food Safety

• Stick to busy restaurants
• Street food from popular vendors
• Bottled water (tap water not drinkable)
• Wash fruits
• Trust your judgment

Culture & Etiquette

Do's

• ✓ Take shoes off when entering homes
• ✓ Use both hands when giving/receiving items
• ✓ Be patient with queues (they're chaotic)
• ✓ Download lots of apps (Chinese love apps!)
• ✓ Take business cards with both hands

Don'ts

• ✗ Stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral symbolism)
• ✗ Write names in red (bad luck)
• ✗ Expect personal space (crowds!)
• ✗ Talk about politics
• ✗ Get frustrated with service

Public Behavior

• **Pushing is normal** - Don't take it personally
• **Queuing is looser** - Hold your ground
• **Staring is common** - Foreigners attract attention
• **Spitting reduced** - Much better than before
• **Smoking areas** - Not always respected

Safety & Health

Safety

• Shanghai is very safe
• Petty theft rare
• Walk alone at night generally fine
• Watch belongings in crowds
• Trust hotel safe for valuables

Health

• Air quality varies (check AQI)
• Wear mask on bad days
• Drink bottled water only
• Bring medications (limited brands available)
• Insurance recommended

Pharmacies

• Watsons & Mannings (Western style)
• Traditional Chinese pharmacies
• Need prescriptions for many drugs
• Bring own medications if possible

Internet & Communication

Staying Connected

**SIM Card:**

• Buy at airport or convenience stores
• China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom
• Show passport
• Cheap data plans (¥50-100/month)

**Pocket WiFi:**

• Rent at airport
• Multiple devices connect
• Battery life 4-8 hours
• Need to return

**Hotel WiFi:**

• Usually reliable
• VPN may not work on hotel networks
• Ask for password

Weather & Packing

Best Times to Visit

• **Spring (March-May):** Pleasant, cherry blossoms
• **Fall (Sept-Nov):** Comfortable, clear skies
• **Summer (June-Aug):** Hot, humid, rainy
• **Winter (Dec-Feb):** Cold, damp

What to Pack

• **All seasons:** Power adapter (Type A/I), VPN, patience
• **Summer:** Light clothes, umbrella, sunscreen, AC cardigan
• **Winter:** Layers, warm coat, scarf
• **Year-round:** Comfortable shoes, hand sanitizer, tissues

Accommodation Tips

Neighborhoods

**Best for First-Timers:**

• People's Square (central, metro hub)
• East Nanjing Road (tourist central)
• Jing'an (upscale, convenient)
• Xintiandi (trendy, higher prices)

**For Budget:**

• Hostels in French Concession
• Hotels near outer metro lines
• Jing'an north area

**For Luxury:**

• The Bund hotels (views!)
• Xintiandi area
• French Concession boutiques

Booking

• Register all guests (passport required)
• Confirm location on map (addresses confusing)
• Near metro is ideal
• Read reviews carefully

Quick Reference

Emergency Numbers

• Police: 110
• Ambulance: 120
• Fire: 119
• English: Most don't speak, have Chinese speaker help

Power & Plugs

• 220V
• Type A (US-style 2 pin)
• Type I (Australian style)
• Bring adapter

Time Zone

• China Standard Time (CST)
• UTC+8
• No daylight saving
• Whole country same timezone

Public Toilets

• Available in malls, metro stations, parks
• Quality varies greatly
• Carry tissues (toilet paper often absent)
• Some charge ¥1-2

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. **Not downloading apps before arrival**

2. **Expecting English everywhere**

3. **Not setting up payment apps**

4. **Over-planning (stay flexible!)**

5. **Avoiding street food**

6. **Only staying in tourist areas**

7. **Not checking if VPN works**

8. **Forgetting to bring adapter**

Day 1 Checklist

• [ ] Get Chinese SIM card or WiFi device
• [ ] Set up WeChat Pay/Alipay
• [ ] Download offline maps
• [ ] Get transportation card
• [ ] Save hotel address in Chinese
• [ ] Test VPN
• [ ] Exchange some cash as backup
• [ ] Find nearest metro station
• [ ] Buy water and snacks
• [ ] Start exploring!

Your First 48 Hours Suggested Plan

**Day 1: East Shanghai**

• Morning: Yu Garden & Old City
• Lunch: Xiaolongbao in Old City
• Afternoon: Walk to The Bund
• Evening: The Bund lights & dinner

**Day 2: West Shanghai**

• Morning: French Concession walk
• Lunch: Brunch on Julu Road
• Afternoon: Tianzifang shopping
• Evening: Xintiandi dinner & drinks

Remember: Shanghai is huge, pace yourself, and don't try to see everything in one trip. Embrace the chaos, try new things, and enjoy the adventure!

**Welcome to Shanghai! 🇨🇳**