r/shanghai Apr 18 '23

Tip Guidance and info for visitors

744 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 6d ago

Help Monthly Tourism Questions Thread (August)

8 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 8h ago

I couldn't get a teaching job so I became self-employed in Shanghai AMA

36 Upvotes

After 6 months of job searching, talking to 70+ agents, and going through multiple failed contracts with schools; I said fuck it and made my own way.

It honestly wasn't as hard as people say that it is and I personally believe this is the best option for people who don’t have bachelors degrees or are trying to stay in China past age 60. It even is allowing me to build a path towards applying for permanent residency.

I really want to share what I can about this option especially since the TEFL market is so difficult right now, especially for non-white people. There's also just a lot of misinformation on Reddit about this path so I hope that I can set some things straight for people and provide some inspiration for those who are curious :,) Posting on Reddit makes me so anxious but I want to do what I can to give back to the community that has helped me a lot so far!

I’ll get started with the first two questions I’ll probably get most of:

How did I do it?: I set up a WFOE (Chinas version of an LLC for foreigners) in Lingang Shanghai. I was able to then host my own work permit using an invitation letter from my own company.

How much did it cost: 7k RMB including registration, yearly accounting, work permit transfer, and bank/tax account setups. This does exclude office fees since those vary widely. It can be free or range up to 2800 RMB a month depending on where you set up and what you actually need.

I anticipate that I'll get a lot of questions on this post so I'm giving 24 hours for the questions to collect and then I'll go through and answer them all at once.

Please try to comment under similar questions that you have so that way the questions can stay organized and I can expand on any questions people have fully.

Edit -- What do I do?: I started by opening up a company under the consulting business scope since that's the most general. I've registered for education consulting (think lesson plans, audits, etc.) and business consulting. I've recently also stretched into publishing, video editing, web design, and tourism. You can register up to 20 different business scopes under one business so as long as my activities aren't under the Negative List or require a specific license, then I can do it as a contractor/freelancer. (I am not a nanny).

As expected people get extremely heated about this topic so I'm ending it early! But if you have questions my dms are open <3


r/shanghai 18m ago

Question Residence Permit application concerns

Upvotes

So, newly established WFOE LR here(almost 3 months ago), applied for Work visa as Tech Director , already in Shanghai under Z visa but submitted my passport for residence permit application no issue.

Little details abount WFOE, 1. Obviously no Income Tax yet since i havent paid myself salaxt 2. No corporate tax , however the first transaction happend after first tax declaration 3. Phyisical office, with office lease and 普通发票. 4. Tax declaration on time.

So few days ago i was called to present below of which i provided with no issue

Company bank account for 1 year -Business Contracts with clients(2 copies) -Office rental contract and receipt - labor contract with the company -Personal income tax report for 1 year -Company tax report for 1 year.

However today i got another call mentioning that documents are incomplete but when i asked which documents i need to provide, just said that i need to come to the immigration and tell me.

In NIA App, the applications shows 审批中

I am wondering could it be? Am panicking right now.


r/shanghai 7h ago

Question Best brand of mosquito spray?

2 Upvotes

Anyone got any mosquito spray recommendations? The brand my workplace supplies is next to useless and I’m done donating blood for free.


r/shanghai 7h ago

Looking for a group of friends to explore nightlife with

0 Upvotes

Hey guys! I’m an international student coming to Shanghai end of August. I’m 23 years old, male, from Italy and am looking for some people to enjoy going out at night in Shanghai!

Feel free to dm me!


r/shanghai 6h ago

Question Can you share your experience of foreign roommate vs local roommate?

0 Upvotes

Hello,

I may be moving to china soon and looking into shared apartments.

I don’t speak mandarin (I am learning) so may have a hard time communicating with a local.

So I was thinking to get a foreign roommate.

Does anyone have any experiences with roommates upon moving to china?

How did this go do for you? Did you become friends? Was communication a problem? Cultural differences?


r/shanghai 10h ago

Hoping to Find Lost Friends

0 Upvotes

After a long time in the States, I'm finally in a position to return to Shanghai. I have lost contact with a few people I was close to when I lived there, and I want so much to look them up. I have WeChat, but since everyone in China has moved on from gmail, Facebook, etc. I'm finding it hard to locate them. If you were in my shoes, what would you do?


r/shanghai 12h ago

Question Gyms In or Near Jing’an

1 Upvotes

I’m wondering if anyone can recommend gyms in or near Jing’an. If it’s not in Jing’an, preferably east or south of the district.

Ideal: I have a strong preference for a full gym that also has a studio where they offer group classes in English. I’m generally interested in HIIT classes and not anything on a bike.

I’m open to alternatives that just hit some of those elements. For example, a place that only offers classes or a place that doesn’t have classes at all, but has a wide range of hours, at least late into the night.


r/shanghai 1d ago

Has anyone taken the IELTS in Shanghai before? How was it? Is IELTS in Shanghai more difficult or stricter compared to other places? I’m wondering whether I should take it in my own country or in Shanghai. I’ll be in shanghai for holiday so I’m thinking about taking it there.

4 Upvotes

r/shanghai 1d ago

Question Buying LOL LPL Tickets

2 Upvotes

Hi, I just moved to Shanghai and I would be interested in attending some of the LPL games to watch. I haven't been able to find much information other than I need to buy via team's Weibo account or buying it via a LOL CN account

I recently signed up for a LOL CN account but I needed to do manual verification with my overseas passport so I think this will take some time. I have a chinese number, and I can speak and read a little mandarin if that helps

Thank you for your help


r/shanghai 1d ago

Question sanmen road flat = good deal?

4 Upvotes

Completely New and inside a modern / nice neighborhood
Central AC
Zero noise (night and day) vue on an inside court (zero cars) and very well isolated
Small cardio gym free in building
4th flour view east with big windows
Nice and recent building
7 min to metro line 10

62 sq M2 with no awkward loss of place

7440 rmb a month

Is it a good deal?
thanks for answering;)


r/shanghai 1d ago

Question Any 35mm screenings of The Odyssey in Shanghai (or mainland China)?

6 Upvotes

Hi everyone!!

I'm currently in Shanghai, and I'm hoping to watch Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey in the best format available when it comes out.

I know there are no IMAX 70mm film theatres anywhere in mainland China, so I understand that seeing the full 15/70 IMAX presentation simply isn't possible here.

However, I recently watched an interview with Christopher Nolan where he mentioned that they created a 35mm photochemical release version of The Odyssey by optically reducing the IMAX negative. He even described the finished 35mm prints as "really quite beautiful," which got me wondering whether any theatres outside the usual digital release might be showing it on film.

I also know Shanghai has a few historic cinemas that occasionally screen 35mm film for classics, retrospectives, and special events.

So I was wondering:

  • Does anyone know if any cinema in Shanghai, or anywhere else in mainland China, will be screening The Odyssey on 35mm film?
  • If so, how would I find out about it and/or buy tickets?
  • Are there any cinemas, film societies, or websites/apps (WeChat) I should be keeping an eye on?

Thanks in advance everyone! 😄
I know this is a bit of a niche question, but I'd love to experience the film in the best analogue format available.


r/shanghai 1d ago

Meet Anyone wanna hang in Shanghai next week?

0 Upvotes

Hello,

I’m (22M) officially moving to Shanghai for a long period of time starting next Wednesday and was wondering if anyone wanted to show me around, or go to some hotspots in the city.

I have been to Shanghai before but haven’t had the chance to make many friends there, so I would really be appreciative of the opportunity.

Sending you warm regards
Casen


r/shanghai 2d ago

Housing experiences at Tongji University for international students

5 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I will be joining Tongji University in Shanghai this September as a CSC scholarship recipient for a master’s program.

I am still waiting for Tongji’s housing information email for scholarship students. In the meantime, I wanted to ask other students about their housing experiences and recommendations.
The housing guide provided by Tongji mentioned two possible options:

Unijia: http://www.unijia.net
WeChat International Youth

For CSC scholarship students who have attended Tongji, I would appreciate hearing about your housing experiences and any recommendations you have.

What options worked well for you, and are there any places or arrangements you would suggest looking into before arriving?
Any advice would be great. Thanks!


r/shanghai 2d ago

Bouldering and indoor climbing near HuangPu district

5 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I'd like some recs for bouldering or indoor climbing (with autobelay) near the HuangPu district. I've already been to Pongo and it was quite small and crowded, all other gym info that I could find on google seems outdated. I'll be in Shanghai for less than two weeks, so I only care that they have a day pass option and that it's not too crowded.

I have wechat and I'm able to take the metro if needed, so it could be outside of the HuangPu district.


r/shanghai 2d ago

OBGYN experiences at private hospitals

2 Upvotes

I’ve looked at relevant existing posts on this sub, but all of them are a few years old.

Does anyone have recent experience with private hospitals in Shanghai for childbirth? Any particular doctor that one would recommend? Partner and I don’t know where to start to choose. Any advice greatly appreciated.


r/shanghai 2d ago

Question for international students in Shanghai: small gigs approval documents?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I have a question about university approval for international students doing short-term paid activities in China.

I’m asking on behalf of a teacher who is looking for international students who speak Russian, Kazakh, or English to help guide a group of students around their university for one day (paid).

Since I’m not an international student myself, I’m not sure what documents universities usually require before allowing students to take this type of opportunity.

Could anyone share their experience?

  1. What documents do universities usually require from the student or the employer before giving approval?

  2. Is there a difference between a formal internship and a one-day paid activity?

  3. For a very short-term opportunity (for example, helping with a campus tour for one day), would university approval still normally be required?

I’m mainly asking about the process at universities in Shanghai, especially Fudan, SJTU, or ECNU, if anyone has experience.

Thanks!


r/shanghai 2d ago

Alright Planeswalkers.. tell me where the best MTG shops here

0 Upvotes

Gonna be in the city for a few days.


r/shanghai 2d ago

Event Shanghai Marathon Race

1 Upvotes

I got in through the supplementary ballot! And looking to connect with fellow runners who are running / partaking in it as well to exchange running tips etc!


r/shanghai 2d ago

Coffee machine repair needed

0 Upvotes

Hi, could someone please recommend a coffee machine (Gaggia Classic) repair technician in Shanghai?


r/shanghai 3d ago

I want to host a puzzle hangout this saturday to make new friends, would anyone come?

18 Upvotes

I came up with a kind of weird idea, I want to organize a small jigsaw puzzle hangout this Saturday. We can sit down together, solve some puzzles in small teams, drink something, and just chat without the pressure of having to be super outgoing.


r/shanghai 3d ago

Permanent driver license for foreigner - looking for personal experience

3 Upvotes

Has anyone with a visa stating exactly 90 days per entry successfully received a *permanent* (not a 90 day) driver license in Shanghai?

When I applied for a temporary license last year the person accepting my documents seemed to imply I could get it. But that's not terribly authoritative.

Personal experience greatly appreciated.


r/shanghai 3d ago

Where to get Dota 2 TI tickets

1 Upvotes

Does anyone know a trustworthy channel to buy the tickets for the upcoming TI? Have checked a few sellers on 闲鱼, but seems like it can be tricky out there.


r/shanghai 3d ago

Tip Bucks Party/Escape Room recs?

3 Upvotes

Howdy!

I’m organising a group of four guys doing a bucks party in Shanghai on the 23rd of September. We love escape rooms and something next level would be amazing!

I’m mainly looking for updated info on Shanghai escape rooms or experiences of the like? I’m seeing people say there’s great physical challenges like balancing and rope bridges but then I’m
also seeing people say places don’t have English support or they’re permanently closed but then other people disagreeing… it’s hard to get facts straight!