Shanghai is an extremely modern and luxurious city, but if you don't know the "tricks," it's very easy to burn through your wallet with unnamed expenses. Let me share a few small tips to travel to Shanghai stylishly and thriftily, just like a local!
- Don't be "prey" at the Bund
This area is the symbol of Shanghai, beautiful indeed but also the easiest place to "lose money unfairly."
Be wary of "Take a photo for you" invitations: If someone is too enthusiastic inviting you into a nearby tea shop to "exchange culture" or watch "tea ceremony performance," just smile lightly and refuse immediately. That's the familiar script for you to receive a million-yuan bill for a few cups of bland tea.
Take pro photos without spending a dime: Instead of paying street photographers, go to the opposite side (Pudong) or up to rooftop bars during Happy Hour. Enjoy cocktails while having a "million-dollar" view to live virtually comfortably. - Transportation: Shanghai is "vast," don't overuse Taxi
Many newcomers feel tired and call a taxi, but traffic jams in Shanghai are a "specialty."
Metro is the true love: The Metro system here is extremely advanced. Go into Alipay, select Transport, get the Shanghai QR code and swipe away. Cheap and no worry about drivers "drawing routes". - Eating: Go deep into the alleys (Longtang)
Frontage restaurants on Nanjing Road often have quite high prices due to rent.
Street-side eateries: Find small shops in the alleys (called Longtang). A steamer of xiaolongbao here might be only half the price of big restaurants but the taste is extremely authentic.
"Godly" app Meituan/Dianping: This is China's version of ShopeeFood/Foody. You can check reviews and hunt for "combo" discounts for customers. Sometimes up to 30-50% off for the same meal! - Shopping: "Overpricing" is an art
If you visit markets like the Science and Technology Market under Metro Line 2 basement:
"Halve the sorrow" tactic: Sellers see tourists and often shout prices 3 or 4 times higher. Boldly bargain down to 1/3, then gradually increase. If they don't sell, just turn away, they will surely call you back with a much more "friendly" price.
Check prices on Taobao: See something you like, use the image search feature on Taobao. If the app price is much cheaper, use that screen to haggle with the shop owner. - Internet: Don't buy "shady" Sim at the airport
Many counters at the airport sell tourist sims at very high prices.
Experience: You should buy eSIM or Chinese tourist Sims from Vietnam (types that access Facebook, Google without VPN). Cheaper and less hassle declaring passport when just arriving at the airport.
A small "trap" to avoid: Handmade candy shops in project areas often offer enthusiastic free samples. But be careful, they often charge by 100g (1 tael) not by catty (kg). When weighed, a small bag can cost a few hundred yuan easily. Remember to ask the price carefully before nodding!
Cre: Phạm Hiền Minh
