Here we collect some travel tips in Shanghai for foreign participants.
Converter and Adapter:
China operates on 220V and 50Hz electricity. Ensure you have the appropriate power plug adapter and/or voltage transformer for your devices.
Currency Exchange:
We recommend exchanging 1000-2000 RMB cash per person before your international trip or at the airports. You can get cash from ATMs in Shanghai by debit cards or credit cards. But the number of ATMs has decreased recently. It may be hard to find it. You can exchange and withdraw RMB cash at some international banks in Shanghai, particularly at the branches of the Bank of China.
Cashless payment, Alipay or Wechat pay
While cash should be accepted, in China, cashless electronic payments based on Alipay or WeChat pay are widely used. Almost all locals use these two types of payments. These enable access to convenient services in China, including ride-hailing, bicycle-sharing, and food delivery. Thus, for your convenient stay in Shanghai, we recommend install the Alipay or WeChat apps and setting it up in advance before coming to China.
Alipay setup:
https://www.alipayplus.com/pay-in-the-chinese-mainland
https://www.registrationchina.com/articles/how-to-use-alipay-app-to-help-foreigner-visiting-china/
WeChat setup:
https://www.registrationchina.com/articles/traveling-in-china-the-latest-wechat-pay/
Note that for usage of Alipay or WeChat pay, you need a data connection. Thus, please prepare the data roaming method (see next topic).
Prepaid SIM card:
For using data roaming on cell phones in China, you can buy a prepaid SIM card working in China at the airports. In Shanghai, we can not buy prepaid SIM cards in the convenience store. Alternatively, you may prepare a mobile WIFI router.
Transportation:
Public transportation in Shanghai is well-developed. You can go to any place by using the metro or bus.
Guide:
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/shanghai/getting-there.htm
Metro Map:
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/shanghai/transportation/metro-subway-map.htm
For Metro, you can buy a single journey ticket from a ticket machine.
You can use Alipay (Transportation) for public transportation in Shanghai without buying a ticket. For convenient of usage of public transportation in Shanghai, you can buy a Shanghai Public Transportation Card (上海公共交通卡) which includes some deposit.
Taxi at the airport:
Please note that taxi scams can happen at Shanghai airport. You may encounter a guy or girl coming directly to you offering a taxi. They often charge way more. It is a scam; ignore them. At the airport exit, please follow the sign to the official taxi stand and taxi queues. Or you use a taxi app (such as Didi, 滴滴) at the airport. Booking a taxi in advance is also a safe way.
