Shanghai Visitor's Checklist

A few things to bear in mind when planning a visit to Shanghai from abroad

1. Download and install Alipay and WeChat
   Facebook and WhatsApp are both blocked in China, so WeChat makes it a lot easier to message people in China and is the universal method of messaging for China residents. If you are roaming, using a foreign SIM card, you will be able to use WhatsApp and Facebook, but it will not work if you are connected to local Wifi and roaming can get expensive. A secondary use of WeChat is as a form of payment. Although Alipay is more of a payment app, some places only accept WeChat and not Alipay, so it is helpful if you are able to link a payment card to WeChat pay. It is also useful for sending payments to locals, for instance if you are sharing the cost of a meal at a restaurant.
   
   Alipay is primarily a payment platform and if you are able to connect your bank card to Alipay, it will make things much easier when trying to pay for things in shops and restaurants.
   
   There is a kiosk in the arrivals hall of Pudong airport where staff will assist you if you have problems installing Alipay, although I am not sure how helpful they can be.
   
2. Exchange RMB in your home country before you travel
   Rates outside of China are generally less favourable but it's a good idea to exchange some local currency first so you can at least pay for transportation from the airport to your hotel. You can then exchange more money after you arrive at local banks. The exchange rates vary very little across different banks, so it doesn't really matter which bank you choose. You will need your passport in order to exchange currency at the banks.
   
   Although locals rarely use cash, it is still excepted in most places. However, because it is rarely used, some places may struggle to find change to give you if you don't have the exact amount.
   
3. Tipping
   Tipping is not customary in China and is not required nor expected. In places where tourists are more prevalent, the locals may have become more used to some tourists offering tips and may or may not accept it, but otherwise there will be no expectation of tips and attempt to tip may lead to awkward situations. This may feel strange to those coming from a place where tipping is the norm (eg USA) but those from non tipping countries can act as they do back home.
   
4. China Visa
   Most people require a visa to enter China, although citizens from certain countries are able to enter without a visa for a limited stay. China also operates a transit scheme which allows people from certain countries to stay in China for up to 10 days if they are travelling on to a third country. For example, if you are travelling from Bangkok to Tokyo via Shanghai, you may be able to stay in Shanghai for a few days without the need for a visa if you hold a passport from one of the countries specified.
   
5. Medication
   Some medication can be difficult to source in China, so if you do need certain medications during your trip, it may be wise to bring those with you. Deodorant and tampons can also be hard to find, so you might want to bring some with you.
   
6. Download the Didi app
   Hailing a taxi on the street is difficult these days because everyone uses ride hailing apps for taxis and other cars. Didi (a Chinese version of Uber) is by far the most widely used throughout China, so if you only download one ride hailing app, make sure it is Didi. The good news is that Didi has an English interface which you can choose within the app in the settings.
   
7. Chinese Address
   Try to get the address of your hotel (and any other important locations such as your office) in Chinese and get this printed out before you start your trip, where possible. Addresses in English will mean little to taxi drivers, although it might work in ride hailing apps.
   
8. Navigation Apps
   Google Maps does not work well in China even if you have a VPN (there is usually an offset, which will mean you are never where the map says you are!). Apple Maps works fine if you have an Apple device, otherwise Baidu Maps works well but is only in Chinese.
   
9. Flight and Train Tickets
   Flights and train tickets can be purchased on Trip.com. Flights can be booked well in advance, but train tickets usually are only available up to 2 weeks ahead of the travel date. Train tickets can also be purchased on the 12306 China Railway app but require a Chinese phone number.