Travel Guide

Easy Shanghai Guide: Live the City Like a Local!

Welcome to the Easy Shanghai Guide, your ultimate resource for experiencing Shanghai like a local! This guide is designed for professionals in the flooring industry, offering essential information and tips for a smooth visit at DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR.

Essential Information for Flooring Professionals

DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR provides crucial details for navigating Shanghai, including digital payment options (Alipay, WeChat), taxi-hailing apps, and more. To download the Easy Shanghai Guide 2024, click HERE.

Key Basics for Navigating Shanghai

Emergency Numbers & Hotlines

Police (警察Jing cha): 110

Ambulance (救护车 Jiu hu che): 120

Fire (火警 Huo jing): 119

For English assistance, call the city's English-language hotline at 12345 and press 7 for English.

Is Shanghai Safe?

Yes, Shanghai is generally safe, especially compared to many Western cities. Exercise common sense and stay alert to potential scams.

Visa Requirements

Most travelers need a visa before arriving. Visa regulations change frequently; check the Travel Visa page for the latest updates.

Water Safety

Do not drink tap water; consider using water filters or buying bottled water for your safety.

Essential Apps for Living in Shanghai

Must-Have Apps

•WeChat (微信 Wei xin): The primary communication tool for chatting and payments.

•Alipay: Essential for payments, taxi bookings and other utilities.

•Didi: The go-to app for ridesharing.

Transportation in Shanghai

Major Airports

•Pudong Airport (PVG): Mainly serves international flights. Plan extra time for travel to and from the airport.

•Hongqiao Airport (SH): Closer to downtown and serves domestic flights.

Train Station

•Hongqiao Train Station: For high-speed train connections.

•Shanghai Railway Station: Another major hub for train travel.

•Shanghai South Railway Station: Offers additional train connections.

Taxis and Ride Shares

Taxis start at 16 RMB. Use Alipay or Didi to hail a taxi.
For ridesharing, use the Didi app, which can help overcome language barriers.

Metro System

Shanghai boasts the world's largest metro network. Use the ExploreShanghai App for navigation and ticket purchases.

 

Communication and Connectivity

Phone Services

Foreign phones work well, but ensure your plan supports international roaming for seamless connectivity.

 

Buying a physical SIM Card

You'll need your passport for real-name verification. Visit shops for China Mobile or China Unicom to purchase a SIM card. Yu can make it as well at the Pudong International Airport on your arrival.

Accessing Restricted Website

In case you will opt for the Chinese SIM card, many foreign websites, like Facebook and YouTube, will be blocked in China. Consider installing a VPN for access to these sites.

 

Translations

Download Google Translate and the offline language pack to assist with communication during your stay.

Payments in China

Payment Methods

Credit cards are not widely accepted outside of major hotels and shops. Setting up Alipay is recommended for easier transactions. It will allow you to collect all bills and invoices in one place.
Cash payments are also an option, the digital payments are not the only solution.

 

For more tips and detailed guides, explore the resources available in the Easy Shanghai Guide 2024! Enjoy your stay and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Shanghai!