Shanghai Travel Tips

Top 10 Useful Shanghai Travel Tips

1. Visa-free Policy for Traveling to Shanghai

Starting from November 30, 2024, citizens from 38 countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia and Japan can visit China, including Shanghai, without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. Currently, the number of countries that can travel to China without a visa has increased to 63.

Moreover, passport holders of 54 countries and regions including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand enjoy a 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit when taking an international transfer via Pudong International Airport (PVG), Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), and international cruise ports in Shanghai.
 
Cruise passengers from all foreign countries can enjoy a 15-day Visa-Free Policy for Cruise Tour Groups to Shanghai if they meet all the requirements.

Shanghai Pudong
Pudong, Shanghai

  

2. Must-see Attractions in Shanghai

The Bund, as the landmark of Shanghai, is a must-see for travelers going there. On in, there is a cluster of western style buildings erected in the 1920s and 1930s. Benefiting from their different styles, they are called “expo of world buildings”. Opposite the Bund across the Huangpu River, is a totally different skyline with skyscrapers standing one by one including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and World Financial Center. What’s more, it’s recommended to spend time appreciating Shanghai’s other beauties, covering Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, Disneyland ParkYuyuan Bazaar, Jade Buddha Temple, Zhujiajiao, Waibaidu Bridge, Longhua Pagoda, Old Street, etc.

See More About:  Shanghai Attractions
 

3. Common Payments Methods in Shanghai

In Shanghai, there are several common payment methods:
 

a. Alipay and WeChat Pay:

Alipay and WeChat Pay are the most commonly used payment methods in Shanghai now, covering almost all consumption scenarios. So, how to pay via WeChat or Alipay?
1). Use your mobile phone to download and install the WeChat or Alipay APP, register according to the APP instructions, and enter your mobile phone number and other information.
2). Open the app and bind an international bank card with the logos of Mastercard, Visa, JCB, Diners Club, Discover, etc. 
3). When paying, open the APP and scan the merchant's payment QR code or show your payment QR code to the merchant.
 

b. Credit cards:

In some large supermarkets and hotels, you can choose to pay directly by swiping your VISA or MasterCard.
 

c. Cash:

Of course, cash payment is also an available option. You have the convenience of exchanging Chinese yuan at the airport or withdrawing it from any ATM that is affiliated with the bank of your card.
 

4. Universities and International Schools in Shanghai

kindergarten
Kindergarten
Shanghai has several prestigious universities, including Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Fudan University, and many international schools, offering excellent education at all stages for students. We provide practical information on famous universities and international schools in Shanghai. Click here:
 

 

5. A Converter May be Necessary.

The standard voltage in China is 220V, 50 Hz. A majority of sockets are dedicated to flat double sockets or flat triple sockets. Most hotels provide converters for their guests. But just in case, packing a converter should be on the “What to do before going to Shanghai” list, or travelers can buy one from electronic stores in Shanghai.
 

6. Squat Toilets in Public Areas and Western Toilets in Hotels

Most public toilets are squat toilets; but a few western toilets can be found as well, like in shopping malls, scenic spots, and airports. Some places will have the prompt to inform which type of toilet it is. The toilets in hotels mainly are western toilets. Remember to carry toilet tissues for most public toilets do not provide them.
 

7. Free Wi-Fi is Widely Available.

The coverage of free wireless networks is extensive, and you can easily connect WIFI freely in your hotel, shopping mall, airport, scenic spots, coffee shops, restaurants, and other public areas. But sometimes the Internet speed is relatively slow, not so satisfactory.
 

8. Medical Services

Shanghai offers excellent medical conditions. Specifically for international patients, there are dedicated international hospitals like Shanghai Jiahui International Hospital and Shanghai United Family Hospitals and Clinics. These hospitals possess professional and amiable medical teams that offer top-notch services and guarantee seamless communication with patients from various countries. Moreover, they can interface with your insurance to safeguard your rights. The medical environment is also pleasant, allowing you to feel relaxed during the treatment process.
 

9. Mosques in Shanghai

There are mosques in Shanghai including Xiaotaoyuan Mosque, Songjiang Mosque, Jingxing Road Mosque, Huxi Mosque, Pudong Mosque, Pudong Mosque, Fuyou Road Mosque, and Caoxiewan Mosque.
 
Detailed in Shanghai Mosques.
Xiaotaoyuan Mosque
Xiaotaoyuan Mosque
 

10. Useful Numbers

Fire: 119
Police: 110
Ambulance: 120
Telephone Information Enquiry: 114
The Shanghai Call Center: 962288
Consumer Complaint: 12315
Tourists Complaint: 64393615
National Tourist Service Hotline: 12301
Traffic Accidents: 122
Airport Consultation: 021-96990
Railway Consultation: 021-12306
China Telecom Phone Card Application: 8008205114

More to read: Shanghai Area Code & Zip Code

- Last updated on Dec. 30, 2024 by Gabby Li -
Questions & Answers on Top 10 Useful Shanghai Travel Tips
Asked by w. waugh from USA | May. 18, 2021 08:10Reply
How do I properly address a letter to a resident of Shanghai?
The address is 96-1 Ronghua Dongdao, Shanghai, NA 201103
Answers (1)
Answered by Ellie | May. 23, 2021 19:02
00Reply


The address: 96-1, Ronghua Dongdao, Changning District, Shanghai City.
Zip Code: 201103
Asked by Diego from SPAIN | Jan. 25, 2020 02:00Reply
Spanish citizen traveling to Shaghai and then onwards to Seoul
Hello, I´m a Spanish citizen who is traveling to Shanghai via Singapore, staying in Shanghai for three nights and then flying to Seoul. Am i elegible for the 144 hours visa free. If so, how long in advance can i apply for the visa free online?. I will be arriving on 24 November and departing 27 November.

Thank you
Answers (1)
Answered by Nathan from FRANCE | Feb. 01, 2020 19:42
00Reply


Yes, you are eligible for the 144 hours visa free policy. You don't need to apply for it in advance. Just apply it when you landing at the airport.
Asked by Nancy Guthrie from USA | Aug. 30, 2019 14:58Reply
US citizen. Flying into Shanghai from Singapore.
Boarding Spectrum of the Seas for 2 seven day cruises. Departing SH the day of disembarkation. Do I need a Visa?
Answers (3)
Answered by Stella from CANADA | Sep. 02, 2019 19:44
00Reply


Would you mind offering your route?
Answered by Nancy Guthrie from UNITED STATES | Sep. 03, 2019 08:03
00Reply


PVG to SFO
Answered by Stella from CANADA | Sep. 03, 2019 19:18
00Reply


Don't worry, you are eligible for 24 hour visa free transit.
Asked by Hitesh goel from INDIA | Jul. 12, 2019 17:39Reply
Want to visit child fair in Shanghai July 25
Planning to visit child fair on July 25 to 27 and another 3 days to explore or around area
Answers (1)
Answered by Jessica from NEW ZEALAND | Jul. 18, 2019 23:47
00Reply


So do you want to book a tour or have some other problems? If you want to book a tour, then you can contact the e-mail:
traveltravelchinaguide.com
Asked by Ashley from MEXICO | Jun. 21, 2019 23:33Reply
Hi, I am going Shanghai on 26th of June until 1st of August.
I will staying in the summer camp program with a Chinese school in Shanghai, the school provided me the invitation letter including the start and end date which is 30th of June-28th of July. I have provided the flight details and the invitation to the Mexico embassy to get the tourist visa, but the visa is only valid for 30 days, but I will be staying in China for 36 days. I do not want to be charge for overstay, but I am leaving in two days so I don't have time to go to the embassy to ask about them(weekend today and tomorrow), Can I extend the visa when I'm in China? What documents do I need? I will be with my sister and we both 12 and 11 years old. The school teacher will go with me to extend the visa but is this necessary? Is there another way? Also, I am curious as I have provided my flight details which shows that I will staying over 30 days, why did the embassy issue me a 30 day visa?
Besides, I have informed them when I applied the visa that my guardian will be taking me and sister few days early before the start date of the camp to settle down.
Can someone please advise me what is the best solution to fix this problem?
Answers (1)
Answered by James from CANADA | Jun. 25, 2019 01:17
00Reply


Yes, you can extend the visa in local police station when you get to China. The documents you need to take your passport and flight details, travel itinerary. It is necessary to go with your teacher. Have a nice trip!
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