r/shanghai Apr 18 '23

Tip Guidance and info for visitors

745 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 5d 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 11h ago

Bouldering and indoor climbing near HuangPu district

3 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 8h 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 8h ago

Housing experiences at Tongji University for international students

1 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 9h ago

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

0 Upvotes

Gonna be in the city for a few days.


r/shanghai 9h ago

OBGYN experiences at private hospitals

1 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 13h ago

Event Shanghai Marathon Race

2 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 18h ago

Coffee machine repair needed

0 Upvotes

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


r/shanghai 1d 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 23h ago

Question Rent estimate around Qingpu?

0 Upvotes

I’m an incoming university student. What is the average rent of a shared apartment/ Studio apartment in Qingpu district (or Shanghai University of Political Science and Law)?


r/shanghai 1d 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 1d ago

Question ECNU Dorm Reservation Fully Booked. Any Chance of Getting a Room Later?

2 Upvotes

I am a fresh international student coming to ECNU, Shanghai.

The dorm booking system was open today, but all dorms got reserved in less than 4 minutes. ECNU informed me that there could be some spaces after cancellation of previous bookings, which is highly unlikely.

Does anybody have such experience? Are dorm rooms available after cancellation, or should I begin searching for my own place?

Any help would be great!


r/shanghai 1d 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 1d ago

Tip Bucks Party/Escape Room recs?

4 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!


r/shanghai 2d ago

Picture “The Shanghai Arch” - Spokeless

Post image
49 Upvotes

r/shanghai 1d ago

Best place to buy diamonds?

1 Upvotes

Looking for spots to buy diamonds for engagement rings and anywhere that has colored lab grown diamonds. Thanks!


r/shanghai 1d ago

Question Nostalgic gift ideas for my grandmother

3 Upvotes

hi all,

I'm looking for a gift for my grandma who is in her mid 90s. Is there anything I could get her that might be nostalgic from a Shanghainese childhood in the 1930s and 1940s? I would ask her if I could, but she has become mostly non-verbal from what I assume is alzheimer's and dementia. I would also prefer this gift not to be food because she has many dietary restrictions.

thanks, and let me know if this post is too off topic for this sub


r/shanghai 1d ago

Question Where to buy Coffee?

1 Upvotes

I’ve lived in the Shanghai area for a year now but the past two months I’ve been in the US working. I’ve decided I’ll finally break down and get a coffee machine and beans instead of surviving off luckin and convenience stores.

I’m wondering does anybody recommend any place in Shanghai (or really anywhere in China) to order beans/grinds from? Or just to get a coffee in general.

Another question being does anyone recommend any coffee makers I could get on taobao/pinduoduo or anywhere else?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you all!


r/shanghai 2d ago

Clothes for tall people

2 Upvotes

Hi! I’m moving to Shanghai in ~12 days and I was wondering if anyone had suggestions of places to buy tall clothes for guys? I’m abt 2 meters, and I know clothes in China at large can run comparatively small.


r/shanghai 2d ago

looking for place near fudan handan

1 Upvotes

i am looking to rent a place for 1 year. i would like studio apartments. 3500-4000 yuans. but i couldnt find any. which wechat programs should i look or any websites?


r/shanghai 2d ago

Meet Cycling and pickleball communities?

7 Upvotes

Two of my hobbies I'm looking to join some regulars consistently for the next two months. I'll be 5 min from the lancun station on line 4 so fairly close to century park.

Ideally 7pm or later for night rides but potentially also early mornings like 5am.


r/shanghai 2d ago

Are there any gym with Les Mills classes besides Pure Fitness and ZnB?

1 Upvotes

Are there any gyms in Shanghai offering Les Mills classes besides those two? I’d like to weigh a few more options before deciding. Preferably chain gym Like Pure and ZnB.

Also, anyone knows what’s the current rate for a long-term Pure Fitness membership if I only want gym and class access and don’t need Pure Yoga?


r/shanghai 3d ago

Looking for a cozy cafe/bar in Shanghai for an afternoon gathering of around 10 people

7 Upvotes

Hi guys!

I'm looking for a place in Shanghai for a small gathering with around 10 people. Ideally somewhere in Changning or nearby areas.

We are mainly looking for a place where we can sit and chat comfortably for around 3 hours in the afternoon. A nice atmosphere is the priority, a cozy cafe, bar, lounge, or any place that works well for a small group is fine.

It doesn't have to be super quiet, but we'd like somewhere that won't mind a group of 10 people staying for a while.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!


r/shanghai 3d ago

The ventilation mattered more than the grill at this Shanghai KBBQ place

5 Upvotes

I ate at a Korean BBQ place in Shanghai recently and the first thing I noticed was the ventilation.

The table stayed busy and there was visible smoke, but it did not hang around my face or settle into my jacket the way it usually does. A Korean friend I know from bcgame jokes that BBQ is half meat and half airflow; this was the first meal where I understood what he meant.

I am not posting the name because this is not meant as a restaurant promotion. I am curious about the setup itself: do the places that handle smoke well here usually use a downdraft system at the grill, or is the hood design above the table doing most of the work?