Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ¥50–150 | ¥300–700 |
| Food | ¥60–120 | ¥150–300 |
| Transport | ¥15–30 | ¥40–80 |
| Activities | ¥40–100 | ¥150–350 |
| Drinks | ¥10–30 | ¥50–150 |
| Daily Total | ¥175–430 | ¥690–1,580 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Getting Around
- Shanghai Metro has 19 lines and covers the city extensively. Fares ¥3–9. Get a Shanghai Public Transportation Card (¥20 deposit) for convenience
- DiDi (China's Uber) is essential for taxis — most drivers don't speak English. The app translates destinations automatically
- Shared bikes (Hellobike, Meituan) are ¥1.5 per 15 minutes — scan QR code with Alipay or WeChat. Great for French Concession exploring
Connectivity
- China blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and most Western apps. Get a VPN before arriving (Astrill, ExpressVPN) or buy a roaming eSIM
- Set up WeChat before arriving — it's essential for communication, payments, and daily life in China. Almost nothing works without it
- Buy a China Unicom or China Mobile SIM at the airport (¥100–200 for 7–30 days data). eSIMs from eSIMDB bypass the Great Firewall
Money
- China is almost entirely cashless — WeChat Pay and Alipay are used everywhere. Some places refuse cash. Set up mobile payment before arriving
- Foreign cards work at some ATMs — Bank of China and ICBC are most reliable. Withdraw ¥1,000+ per transaction to minimize fees
- No tipping culture in China. Service charge is never added. Prices are as displayed
Visa & Entry
- 144-hour visa-free transit for many nationalities — must have onward ticket to a third country (not the same country you arrived from)
- Standard tourist visa (L visa) requires application at a Chinese embassy. Processing takes 4–7 business days
- Shanghai has two airports: Pudong (PVG, international) and Hongqiao (SHA, domestic/regional). Both connected by Metro Line 2
Health & Safety
- Shanghai is safe with low crime. Petty scams exist (tea house scam, art student scam) — decline invitations from strangers near tourist sites
- No vaccinations required but Hepatitis A/B recommended. Tap water is not safe to drink — buy bottled or use a filter
- Air quality varies — download an AQI app and wear a mask on high-pollution days. Spring and autumn have the cleanest air
Packing Tips
- Download a VPN, WeChat, Alipay, DiDi, and offline maps BEFORE arriving — many apps can't be downloaded in China
- Carry toilet paper — most public restrooms don't provide it. Hand sanitizer is also wise
- Power outlets are Type A/C/I — most hotels have universal sockets but carry an adapter just in case
Cultural tips
Digital Life
China runs on WeChat and Alipay. Download WeChat before arriving and link a payment method. You'll need it for restaurants, shops, bikes, and even some public toilets.
Table Manners
Slurping noodles is fine. Communal dishes are normal — use serving chopsticks if provided. Leaving a little food shows you were given more than enough. Tea pouring for others is appreciated.
Common Scams
The "tea house" and "art student" scams target tourists near the Bund and People's Square — friendly strangers invite you to see art or drink tea, then present a huge bill. Politely decline unsolicited invitations.
Language Tips
"Ni hao" (hello), "xie xie" (thank you), and "bu yao" (don't want) are essential. Learn to recognize basic characters for exits, restrooms, and food items. Translation apps are crucial.
Smoking & Spitting
Smoking indoors is technically banned but enforcement varies. Spitting on the street is common — it's cultural, not malicious. Public restrooms range from modern to very basic.
Temple Etiquette
Remove hats inside temples. Don't point at Buddha statues. Photography may be restricted near specific icons. Incense is usually available for a small donation — follow the locals' lead.
