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 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit when taking an international transfer via Pudong International Airport (PVG), Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), all railway stations and 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.
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| 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 Park, Yuyuan Bazaar, Jade Buddha Temple, Zhujiajiao, Waibaidu Bridge, Longhua Pagoda, Old Street, etc.
See More About: Shanghai Attractions
3. Common Payments Methods in Shanghai
a. Alipay and WeChat Pay:
b. Credit cards:
c. Cash:
4. Universities and International Schools in Shanghai
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| Kindergarten |
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
9. Mosques in Shanghai
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| 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