Do I need a visa to visit Shanghai?

Yes, most foreign nationals require a visa to enter China. Check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements. Some transit visas are available for short stays under strict conditions.

Is English widely spoken in Shanghai?

In major tourist areas, hotels, and by younger people in city centers, you will find some English. However, it is not universally spoken. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases or using a translation app is highly recommended.

What is the best way to pay for things?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are ubiquitous and often preferred. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and stores. Always carry some cash (Chinese Yuan - RMB) for smaller vendors, markets, and taxis.

Can I access Google, Facebook, and other Western websites?

No. Many Western social media platforms, search engines (like Google), and news sites are blocked in China. You will need a VPN (Virtual Private Network) installed on your devices before arrival to access them.

What is a must-try local dish?

Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) are Shanghai's most famous culinary export. Also try Shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns), Shanghai hairy crab (in season), and red-braised pork (Hongshao Rou).

Most nationalities require a visa. Check with the Chinese embassy. Some cities offer 144-hour transit without visa for certain nationalities.

What is the currency?

Chinese Yuan (RMB/CNY). Credit cards are accepted in hotels and malls, but cash is king for small shops and taxis.

Is English widely spoken?

Not widely. Learn key phrases or use a translation app. Hotel and tourist staff speak basic English.

Can I use Google/WhatsApp/Facebook?

No, they are blocked. You'll need a VPN installed before arrival. WeChat and Alipay are essential.

No. Drink only bottled or boiled water. Even locals boil tap water.

What is the best way to get from the airport?

Pudong Airport: Maglev train (8 min to Longyang Road), metro Line 2, or taxi. Hongqiao Airport: metro Line 2/10 or taxi.

Are there any cultural taboos?

Avoid discussing politics, Tibet, or Taiwan. Don't point with your finger. Remove shoes when entering someone's home.

What is the tipping etiquette?

Tipping is not expected and can be refused. Some high-end hotels may add a service charge.

Is Shanghai expensive?

Mid-range. Budget travelers can get by on $50/day, luxury travelers can spend $300+.

Can I use my mobile phone?

Your phone may work on roaming, but local SIMs are cheap. You'll need to show your passport to buy one.

Comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, a power bank, and a VPN. Seasonal clothing: light layers in spring/autumn, rain gear in summer, warm coat in winter.

Is it safe to eat street food?

Generally yes, but choose busy stalls with high turnover. Avoid raw or undercooked food.

Shanghai

MunicipalityChina, Asia

Shanghai is a STATE in China, Asia.

Shanghai, China's dazzling metropolis, is a vibrant fusion of ancient heritage and futuristic ambition. As a direct-administered municipality, it offers travelers a breathtaking skyline dominated by the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower, one of the world's tallest buildings. Stroll along the historic Bund waterfront to witness colonial-era architecture juxtaposed against the modern skyscrapers of Pudong across the Huangpu River. Dive into the city's rich culture at the Shanghai Museum, explore the classical Yu Garden and its bustling bazaar, or wander through the charming, cobblestone streets of the French Concession. Shanghai is a culinary paradise, from delicate xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at neighborhood eateries to world-class fine dining. The city pulses with energy, hosting major events like the Shanghai International Film Festival and offering vibrant nightlife in districts like Xintiandi. Its efficient metro system makes navigating between these diverse experiences seamless, revealing a city that perfectly balances its profound history with its relentless drive toward the future.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are ideal. Spring offers mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Autumn features clear, comfortable skies and is perfect for outdoor exploration. Avoid the hot, humid, and rainy summer (June-August) and the chilly, damp winter (December-February), though winter has fewer tourists. Major festivals like Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) are spectacular but very crowded.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Mild 16-23°C, clear skies

Travel notes

Crowds: High
Prices: High

Golden week (Oct 1-7); best weather but crowded.

Know before you go

Getting there

PVG

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

International

30 km away

SHA

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

International

13 km away

Getting around

"Shanghai's Metro is extensive, efficient, affordable, and signs are in English. Use the 'Metro Shanghai' app or purchase a rechargeable transportation card. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive; use Didi (China's Uber equivalent) for ride-hailing. Buses are extensive but can be challenging without Chinese language skills. Walking is excellent in central districts like the French Concession. Car rentals are not recommended for tourists due to heavy traffic and complex driving regulations. Bicycles and e-bikes are available via apps like Meituan or Hello Bike."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in hotels, cafes, and public areas

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

+86

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Very safe overall, but watch for pickpockets and taxi scams.

Night safety

7/10

Very safe overall, but watch for pickpockets and taxi scams.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Shanghai is generally very safe for travelers, with low violent crime. Exercise standard precautions against petty theft in crowded areas like the Bund, Nanjing Road, and metro stations. Be wary of common scams: the 'tea ceremony' scam where you're invited for tea and presented with an exorbitant bill, or art student scams near tourist sites. Use licensed taxis (clearly marked) or reputable ride-hailing apps. Avoid unlicensed tour guides. While most areas are safe at night, be cautious in less crowded streets. Keep digital copies of your passport and visa."

Police

110

Ambulance

120

Fire

119

Tourist Police

+86-21-6439-0610 (Shanghai Tourism Quality Supervision)

Entry and health

Health information

"Shanghai has excellent medical facilities, including several international hospitals like Shanghai East International Medical Center and ParkwayHealth. Tap water is not safe to drink; consume only bottled or boiled water. Air pollution can be high; sensitive travelers should monitor AQI levels and consider masks. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine travel vaccines (Hepatitis A, Typhoid). Pharmacies are widely available, but bring any prescription medications in their original containers. Medical care is generally high quality but can be expensive; comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended."

Culture

Local customs

"Greet with a nod or slight bow; handshakes are common in business. Present and receive business cards with both hands. Avoid loud conversations in public. Dress is generally smart-casual; modest attire is appreciated when visiting temples. Tipping is not customary and can be refused; exceptional service at high-end hotels or restaurants may warrant a small tip. Never stick chopsticks upright in rice (associated with death). Refusing an offer of tea or food politely is acceptable. Bargaining is expected in markets, not in department stores."

Mandarin ChineseShanghainese (Wu Chinese)

Costs and practicals

Currency

Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) · ¥

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$5 | a cheap local meal costs around $5

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$0.50 | metro ride starts at ~$0.50

Cost notes

Mid-range hotels $80-150, luxury $200+. Street food is very cheap.

Timezone

Asia/Shanghai +08:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

24,870,000

Area

6,340.5 km²

Government

Direct-administered municipality

ISO code

CN-23

Type

Municipality

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: ෂැංහයි, 上海, Shaangaayi, ရှန်ဟိုင်းမြို့, Shaghai, সাংহাই, ছাংহাই, Shang-hai, Xangai, Şanxay, Šanchajus, .canxais., Ŝanhajo, Šangaj, Σαγκάη, Changái, ਸ਼ੰਘਾਈ, CN-SH, Siông-hāi, 沪, Shanxay, ಶಾಂಘೈ, Շանհայ, Shangai, ഷാങ്ഹായ്, शांघाय, Hangahai, Schanghai, Šanghaj, ཧྲང་ཧའེ་གྲོང་ཁྱེར།, Sjanghæ, Shanghai, Shanghái, Sjanghai, शंघाई, Szanghaj, شانگهای, 上海市, ຊຽງໄຮ້, Шангај, షాంఘై, شاڭخەي شەھىرى, Šang-chaj, Sciamhaevum, شنغهاي, ಶಾಂಗ್‌ಹೈ, Sanghaij, شنگھائی, شانغهاي, Thượng Hải, Šanhaja, சாங்காய், Siōng-hái-chhī, Shanghaï, შანხაი, 상하이, Шаңхай, เซี่ยงไฮ้, Шанхай, Şanghay, שאנגחאי, शाङ्घाई, שאנכיי, Sông-hói, Şanhay, Sanghaj, Şanhaý, Shànghǎi Shì, ሻንግሃይ, Gaa Ding, Ka Ting, SHA, San'nkae, Sanchajus, Sangaj, Sangay, Sanghay, Sanhaja, Sanhajo, Sanxay, Seung hoi, Shang-hai-shih, Shangaj, Shanghai City, Shankhaj, Sheung Hoi, Shànghǎi, Sjanghae, Thuong Hai, cankay, hu, sagha'i, sangha'i, sanghae, sanghai, seiynghi, shang hai, shang hai shi, shanghay, shanghhay, shanhai, shaniግhayi, shnghay, shngھayy, zhong guo shang hai, Şangay, Σανγκάη, شاڭخەي, شنگهای, সাংঘাই, ཧང་ཧའ་གང་ཁར།, შანჰაი, 中国上海, 상해

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