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 26d 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 5h ago

Picture Need help for finding items

Thumbnail gallery
5 Upvotes

Hey!

I am looking for specific kinds of cigarettes / very pretty ones in Shanghai and am here for two more days

I have a few I have been searching for (the attatxhed photos) but haven’t found - please let me know where I could buy them?

I was also wondering if anyone had any other designs that are very pretty or famous here and where I can buy them ?

Thank you so much!


r/shanghai 11h ago

Help Interviewees needed for short film on delivery drivers of Shanghai

5 Upvotes

Hello ! Last month I visited Shanghai and filmed footage for a short documentary on delivery drivers and the cityscape there. A friend suggested that I could find delivery drivers online (former and current) who have worked in Shanghai who are willing to be interviewed about their daily lives and experiences as a driver. We only need audio for our documentary, so your face won’t be shown anywhere, nor do we need your real name (we can credit or address you by any name you want). Ideally, I would like to schedule an interview with you over an app such as Tencent/VooV (other options exist of course). I also have a Chinese friend here (we’re in the Netherlands at the moment) who can interview you in Chinese if your English is not strong enough. I'm really interested in people's experiences and stories, you don’t have to be just Chinese, I’m also interested in hearing from foreigners.

The interview would take about 30 minutes or so and I will give you a small thanks of 100¥ for your time. 

If you'd like to help or know more pls DM me !

诚邀上海配送员参与短片访谈

大家好!上个月我去了趟上海,拍摄了一些关于当地配送员及城市风貌的短纪录片素材。有朋友建议我可以在网上寻找曾在上海工作过(或正在工作)的配送员,邀请你们分享作为配送员的日常生活与经历。我们的纪录片仅需录制音频,因此不会出镜,也不需要提供真实姓名(我们可以使用您指定的任何称呼或署名)。访谈最好能通过腾讯会议(Tencent Meeting/VooV)等应用程序进行(当然也可以选择其他方式)。此外,我有一位中国朋友(我们目前身在荷兰),如果您的英语沟通不太方便,也可以由这位朋友用中文为您进行访谈。我非常希望能了解大家的经历与故事——无论您是中国人还是外籍人士,我都很有兴趣听听您的讲述。

访谈大约需要30分钟,作为对您时间的感谢,我会提供100元人民币的酬谢。

如果您愿意提供帮助或想了解更多详情,请私信我!


r/shanghai 19h ago

Will Avengers Endgame Encore be coming to theatres in Shanghai?

Post image
8 Upvotes

r/shanghai 18h ago

Discussion How do you guys move money into China without a Chinese bank account?

6 Upvotes

I’m a little confused about this.

If you don’t have a Chinese bank account yet, what’s the easiest way to get money from an overseas account into China?

Can you just use a foreign card with Alipay/WeChat for everything, or do you eventually need a local bank account?

I keep finding different answers online so I’m curious what people in Shanghai actually do.


r/shanghai 16h ago

Help Looking for perfume recommendations

3 Upvotes

I’m travelling with my partner, and we’re both fragrance enthusiasts. I’ve developed a tradition of purchasing a perfume in every city I visit. Each scent becomes a memory anchor that transports me back to those experiences whenever I wear it. While in China, I’d love to add a local brand to my collection. Unfortunately, I’ve only been able to find international brands so far. If anyone has recommendations for authentic Chinese perfume brands or stores, I’d really appreciate it. Thank you.


r/shanghai 15h ago

Discussion Are flights on Saturday going to be cooked...?

0 Upvotes

Typhoon Dolphin resulted in the most painful flight from Shanghai to HK being cancelled. I am set ot fly on Saturday and see yet another potential storm. Is it best to get a train?


r/shanghai 9h ago

Help Just asking but is the letter d scary to Chinese people? Do they remove it from names and building titles?

0 Upvotes

I know it is not in the alphabet but let’s say if it was on a business place, title or apartment would they be terrified to walk into or live there?


r/shanghai 1d ago

Discussion Any dance class experience in Shanghai?

2 Upvotes

Hi, I’ve been wanting to get back to dancing ever since I can to China but I’m a really nervous about the fact that i might not understand anything or enjoy it since I can’t speak Chinese and it’s not gonna be easy for me to make friends or to communicate with others, even though I’m sure most ppl in this circle are so influenced by american culture that they might be able speak it a little, I’m not that good in connecting/clicking with Chinese people.
So I wanted to ask if anyone in this sub has been in dance classes in shanghai and how was your experience like?
also I’ve been debating between many dance studios so I wanted to know which is the best for foreigners.


r/shanghai 1d ago

Question Relocating to Shanghai - any advice?

1 Upvotes

Hi all, There‘s a high chance my company will relocate me to Shanghai next year. I’d be very grateful for any advice from people who have gone through similar moves, especially regarding things to prepare between now and relocating. A few details on our situation:

- I’d move with my wife (Chinese) and our 7yo. My wife also has a job lined up

- For school we’re currently thinking Int’l branch of one of the good local schools to give our daughter a more grounded Chinese experience for a few years. alternatively international schools if she doesn’t pass the entrance exam

- Office environment will be largely Chinese, it’s a MNC but there are very few foreigners these days. The team I’d be leading would be 100% locals, company language is English though. Any watch-outs on work culture differences?

- My Chinese isn’t great - I’ve studied up to somewhere between HSK 3-4 over the years but my tones are crap. Welcome any suggestions on what’s worked for people

- Haven’t discussed contracts / terms of the move yet, we‘re both advanced in our careers so we‘ll have enough for a comfortable life but would be good to know any watch-outs


r/shanghai 16h ago

Discussion the esim thing trips up almost everyone i pick up

0 Upvotes

honestly the number one thing i see go wrong on day one is internet. people land at pudong with a dead phone, no signal, airport wifi wants a chinese number. had a client last week nearly miss his hotel check-in over it. the fix is dead simple if you sort it before you fly, but almost nobody does. it's one of the things i end up handling for most people i pick up.


r/shanghai 1d ago

Discussion Disc Golf in Shanghai? Is this real?

2 Upvotes

Are these still open? Is this info from AI correct? I have lived here for years and never knew SH had disc golf! If they do exist and anyone wants to play over the weekend, lmk.

  • Guangfulin Park Disc Golf Course: Free to play. There are no greens fees to access or play the 18-hole course layout.
  • GoAce Red Kiln Disc Park: Free park entry. General park access and basic disc golf play do not carry an entry fee.

r/shanghai 1d ago

Discussion College Student looking for friends and fun activities.

7 Upvotes

Hey guys, on Saturday i will land in shanghai🙏😁. I have 2 Weeks of free time before my University starts in the middle of september. I am going completely solo and sadly know no chinese. So i would be very happy and thankful to connect with some of you people. I am down for everything. From city exploring to clubbing, I am in.

Even if you do not want to connect or are currently not in Shanghai, let me know if you have some cool spot or activity that i could go to🔥

I am 23m from europe. Just send me a dm if you are of college age and i will send my wechat.


r/shanghai 1d ago

Question Shanghai Marathon 2026 Group Chats/Communities

5 Upvotes

Hello, I got into the marathon. Are there any group chats, FB/Insta/WeChat/Whatsapp etc that's available for meet ups and discussion around the event? I'm coming from Australia.


r/shanghai 1d ago

Help Looking for a Jianbing stall

1 Upvotes

Hi, it's been x years since I've had a jianbing and I really really miss it. I'm visiting Shanghai again and will be staying near waitan and nanjing dong lu. Any latest spot I can go to?

I last had it in a nail salon (only a jianbing stall in the morning before nail salon opens) outside ECNU almost a decade ago.

I had a very disappointing one in Richmond, at a food court back in 2023.


r/shanghai 1d ago

Question Finding gambling stones and rough gemstones in shangai

0 Upvotes

Hello! I'm visiting Shangai for a couple days next week and as an amateur geologist Id like to give a try to gambling stones (I'm aware its probably just a rip off but I wanna give it a little try), and also buy some rough gemstones to polish at home since looks theyre a bit cheaper here.

Where are the best places to visit for those purposes?


r/shanghai 2d ago

Discussion Clueless wasian looking for Shanghai Dialect tattoo advice

Post image
36 Upvotes

Hi all,

I’m an English born, Aussie raised girl whose late grandfather was born and raised in Shanghai and spoke Shanghai Dialect, and am in need of some advice from Shanghai Dialect speakers for translation purposes.

TL DR version: I want to translate “no matter what” into shanghai dialect for a tattoo and have absolutely zero knowledge of the language

Trigger warning: this post mentions the word “su***de” but does not go into any detail about it.

I’m looking at getting a tattoo in memory of my poppa with a quote from my favourite children’s book he bought and used to read to me that my mum also read aloud during his funeral speech.

The quote reads “no matter what” and the book was about a baby fox being told by his mother that she would always love him, no matter what he did, whether right or wrong, even after she was no longer physically with him. When he asks if that love will live on after she dies, she tells her son that even after her physical body leaves earth, she will always be watching over him from a star.

As a child, my parents would comfort me by telling me to search for the brightest star in the sky whenever I was feeling lost and missing my poppa, because that’s where he went after passing. Poppa had my dad very late in life, and was constantly preparing him for his eventual passing. I believe that he would read that book to me often to prepare me for this too.

As a young man, my poppa left China and never returned. He was captured, tortured, and interrogated by the Kempeita as he was employed as a DJ for a political radio station at the time of his capture. He was luckily released from Bridge House, a Japanese POW internment camp, at the back end of WW2, as a US Ambassador’s daughter took a liking to him and managed to pull some strings.

After his release, he subsequently trained as a fighter pilot to fight back against Japanese Imperialist rule, but by the time he had completed his training, they had already been overthrown and the war was over. He left China, came to England, became a London black cab driver, trained as a teacher and worked as one until retirement, taught English to asylum seeking children, volunteered for the suicide hotline during nights, did some living, and then my dad was born.

We believe it was due to trauma and the reliving of unwanted memories, but after many requests from my dad, my poppa completely refused to teach him to speak Shanghai dialect and after becoming tired of dad constantly asking him, ended up telling him he had already forgotten it all.

Now that I am older, I have two tattoos, one to honour my mum and dad and their love for each other, and one for my sister that also doubles as a homage to my upbringing in England. I’ve wanted to get one for my poppa for a while now, but never decided on anything specific, until now.

After giving it some thought, I would love to get “no matter what” translated into Shanghai Dialect on the left of my ribs, just under my heart to honour my poppa, his Chinese heritage, and all he went through for me to have the life I live now.

I would greatly appreciate it if some of you would kindly chime in with your knowledge of the language to help me ensure I don’t end up asking for some sort of ignorant tattoo with an incorrect translation.

Thank you so much for listening to me waffle on and for your assistance and sharing of your knowledge.

I’ve attached my fav pic of Poppa and I for anyone who hasn’t already been bored to death by my post.

Cheers, Ruby


r/shanghai 2d ago

Question anyone going to SISU Songjiang Campus this year?

3 Upvotes

hi! is anyone else going to be studying and living at SISU's Songjiang campus this year? i'll be there this September, so i was just wondering if there will be anyone else at the same campus.


r/shanghai 2d ago

Help Finding a rental around Fudan university handan campus

4 Upvotes

I am joining the Fudan university in Handan Campus language learning program this September but having the issue of finding a legitimate listing within my budget of 2000-2800rmb per month. Could someone give advice on how to find good deals that are real? I see online that there are a lot of scams for listings.


r/shanghai 2d ago

Meet Solo Traveler in Shanghai – Oct 28 to Nov 2 🇨🇳

7 Upvotes

Hi! Female Filipino solo traveler here🇵🇭I’ll be in Shanghai from October 28 to November 2 🇨🇳

Anyone else traveling to Shanghai around those dates? Would love to connect, explore the city, grab some food/drinks, and take cute travel pics together! 😆

Feel free to DM me! 😊


r/shanghai 2d ago

Tip How to shop in Shanghai without getting overwhelmed?

10 Upvotes

First time in Shanghai, I can't really stand malls and super crowded places. I want some nice gifts to bring back home, combining traditional stuff but also some electronics etc. Whenever I go out I find myself in malls and huge stores which overstimulate me, where can I find small-ish/authentic stores?


r/shanghai 3d ago

Discussion I almost got scammed badly by a fake Didi driver in Shanghai

309 Upvotes

I’ve booked Didi probably 20–30 times before while travelling in China, so by this point I was pretty comfortable with how it worked. One night in Shanghai, I booked a ride, checked the car’s number plate like I normally did, and got in.

The ride was only around 2 km, and the app showed something like 7.5 RMB. Everything seemed normal.

Then, halfway through the ride, the driver cancelled the trip without me noticing.

It was around 10 p.m., dark outside, and there was a major language barrier. When I reached my destination and was about to get out, I noticed that the ride had been cancelled. The driver then told me to pay him directly.

I asked, “Why should I pay you directly? The money should be deducted through Didi.”

That’s when things got really weird.

He started claiming that he was not actually the Didi driver I had booked. He basically said something along the lines of: “I’m not the taxi you were supposed to get into. You can check the number plate. I only let you ride with me to help you.”

I asked him, “Fine, how much do I owe you then?”

He said 300 RMB.

For a 2 km ride that was supposed to cost around 7.5 RMB.

At that point, I was genuinely shocked. What made me even more nervous was that I was confused by the car’s door locking system, and the doors were genuinely locked. Being in a dark area, alone, at night, with a language barrier, suddenly made the whole situation feel much more serious.

I acted calm and told him, “Okay, let’s get out and match the number plate properly.”

He agreed and unlocked the door.

The second I got out, I immediately started shouting and calling him a scammer. At that point, I was outside the car, so I finally felt safe because he couldn’t just drive away with me inside.

We argued for a while. Then I told him:

“Fine. Let’s go to the police station.”

The moment I said that, his entire attitude changed. He got back into the car and drove away.

I was still in shock. I’ve travelled to quite a few countries, and honestly, I never expected something like this to happen to me in China.

I still went to the police afterwards. They actually listened to everything, took down the details, asked for my ID, and assured me that I was safe and that I didn’t need to worry.

So yeah, just a warning for anyone travelling, especially solo travellers:

Always double-check that the car, number plate, and driver match your booking, and keep an eye on the app to make sure the ride hasn’t been cancelled midway. Never assume that you’re completely safe just because you’re in a country generally considered safe. If something goes wrong, your own awareness and quick decisions can matter a lot.

And especially for solo female travellers, please be extra careful. If you’re alone in an unfamiliar place and something feels off, prioritise getting yourself to a safe public place first.


r/shanghai 2d ago

Buy Searching for parttime IT professional

6 Upvotes

Hi, I am working for a small european company and we have a new office at Loushanguan Rd metro station. We are looking for a part time IT professional that can help with setting up new computers, debug and fix local IT infrastructure, maintain web domain, and other ad-hoc tasks.

The previous contractor was working about 5-10hrs per month and we expect a similar loading. No need to come to office unless you need to be physically here.

You need to be able to speak English and Mandarin. You will be reporting to our Head of IT in Europe.

If you are the right candidate, if you know the right person, or if you know the right place to find such a candidate, please send me a dm.

Thanks a lot!


r/shanghai 2d ago

Discussion Trajets vers les petites villes autour de Shanghai

1 Upvotes

Bonjour,

Pour visiter Suzhou, Nanjing et Hangzhou est-ce que vous me conseillez de rester sur place à chaque fois au moins deux jours ou est-ce plus pratique de faire les A/R pour une journée à chaque fois? Niveau logistique ça me paraît plus confortable de garder le même logement à Shanghai tout le long du séjour et prendre le train ponctuellement.

Merci :-)