Shanghai Travel Guide: Conquer the City on Your Own
Seeing some folks online struggling with their Shanghai trips, I wanted to share my recent experience so you can explore this amazing city without the stress. Here's a rundown of essentials for a smooth, independent journey.
1. 4G Connectivity: Absolutely Essential
Opt for an eSIM before you leave your home country. It's a lifesaver! With an eSIM, you can access Facebook, Zalo, ChatGPT, YouTube, and Google Mail – crucial for staying connected and navigating the city.
2. Cash is King (and Queen)
Exchange your currency for Chinese Yuan before your trip. While Visa/Mastercard are accepted in some places, Alipay and other local apps are more prevalent. Using these apps often requires complicated verification processes.
- Cash is widely accepted, but having smaller denominations is recommended. Sometimes, vendors may not have change for larger bills.
- You can still use cash to purchase metro and intercity bus tickets.
Keep some US dollars as a backup. If you run out of Yuan, you can exchange dollars at a bank (remember to bring your passport).
3. Getting Around Shanghai: Transportation Tips
The subway system is incredibly affordable and efficient. A ride from the airport to my accommodation, lasting over an hour, cost only around 7 Yuan (about $1 USD). It's clean, convenient, and budget-friendly.
- Consider purchasing a 1-day or 3-day metro pass for even greater savings. These passes are available at the service counters in subway stations. Have your passport ready, and use Google Translate to communicate with the staff if needed.
- Use the "Amap" app to check routes for trains, buses, walking, and intercity transportation, including fares. It's similar to Google Maps but offers comprehensive transit information and has an English interface.
- "MetroMan" is a great backup app for checking train routes and fares. It provides detailed information in English. I used it to confirm my route from the airport.
- Rely on Google Maps for walking directions; it's generally accurate for navigating on foot.
4. Subway Navigation Pro Tips
- Buy a 1-day or 3-day pass for cost savings. Remember to purchase it using cash and your passport. If the card malfunctions, simply ask the staff at the service counter to reactivate it.
- For single tickets, use the automated ticket machines. They have an English interface. Select your destination, choose your payment method, and insert your cash. If the machine doesn't accept your money, ask the staff to exchange it for coins, then try again.
- To determine the correct train direction, look for the directional arrows (a horizontal number 1 shape with a color, not grey) and the name of the next station above the platform queue lines. It can be tricky at first, but once you understand the system, it's very straightforward.
- Pay attention to the exit gates listed on Amap or MetroMan. Using the correct gate ensures you reach your intended destination.
- When waiting for your train, cross-reference the English station names on Amap or MetroMan with the platform signs. Asking locals for the English name of the station might not be effective, as many may not understand it.
5. Accommodation: Finding the Right Place to Stay
Your choice of area depends on your budget. When selecting a hotel, check if it states English support on Agoda or Booking. This increases the likelihood of English-speaking staff being available to assist you.
- Use Trip.com to check hotels and accommodations. It often has a wider selection than Agoda or Booking. It also provides detailed information about tourist attractions in Shanghai, including hours, prices (free or paid), and whether advance booking is required.
I was pleasantly surprised that the staff at my accommodation spoke English and the wifi allowed access to Facebook and Zalo. Perhaps it was because there was a high concentration of international guests staying there long-term.
6. Communication is Key
- Install Google Translate. Its voice translation and image translation features are invaluable for communicating with locals and understanding signs and documents.
- Prepare a list of destinations in both Chinese and English. When you need to find directions, copy the Chinese name into Amap or MetroMan.
