First Time in Shanghai? Essential Tips You Need to Know
Practical advice for first-time visitors to Shanghai - from payment apps to cultural etiquette and common pitfalls to avoid.
# 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! 🇨🇳**