Here we collect some travel tips in Shanghai for foreign participants.
Currency Exchange:
We recommend exchanging 1000-2000 RMB cash per person before your international trip or at the airports. Since the number of ATMs has decreased recently. You can also 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, you may encounter problems because many vendors may not be able to give you changes. 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, buying tickets 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（advise to have at least Alipay）.
Note that for usage of Alipay or WeChat pay, you need a data connection. Thus, please prepare the data roaming method (see next topic).
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 cannot buy prepaid SIM cards in the convenience store. For more info.
Alternatively, you may prepare a mobile WIFI router.
Transportation:
For Metro, you can buy a single journey ticket from a ticket machine in the metro stations, or use Alipay (Transportation) for public transportation in Shanghai without buying a ticket.
Consider using local map apps such as Amap. or Baidu Map, which works better in China than Google Maps.
VPN:
Many websites such as Facebook, Google, and Instagram are blocked here in China. See the link below of the best China VPN recommendations for paid and unpaid subscriptions:
The Best VPNs for China (Free and Paid)
Download and set up your VPN before arriving in China, as app stores in China may block VPN downloads.
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.
