🇨🇳Shanghai, China
Verified 2026-03 · CNY · Mandarin Chinese, English (limited but improving in major transport hubs)
Fast answers for landing in Shanghai: how to pay like a local, how to get internet that actually works, which airport transfer to take, whether your foreign bank card works on the metro, which app replaces Uber, and how to buy train tickets to other cities.
PVG - Pudong International Airport
Fastest way into the city?
Maglev -> Longyang Road → transfer to central Shanghai. 8 min to Longyang Road. ¥50 one-way.
Cheapest way into the city?
Metro Line 2 -> People's Square / East Nanjing Road corridor. about 1 hour to People's Square. about ¥7.
Should I take a taxi instead?
DiDi. around 50 min. around ¥180 to People's Square.
What if I land late?
Pudong has a late-night bus from roughly 23:00 to 05:30. If you miss the last fast rail options, check the late-night bus before paying for a long taxi ride.
More detail
- Pudong is the main international airport and the one most visitors care about. Your main options are the Maglev, Metro Line 2, taxi/DiDi, airport buses, and the late-night bus.
- Follow signs for Maglev / Metro / Taxi after arrivals.
- If you want the fastest public option, take the Maglev to Longyang Road and transfer onward.
- If you want the cheapest direct option, take Metro Line 2 from the airport.
- If you arrive very late, check the late-night bus before defaulting to a taxi.
- Fastest option: Fastest way out of Pudong. Ride to Longyang Road, then transfer to Metro Line 2 or a taxi for the rest of the journey.
- Cheapest option: Cheapest direct option from the airport. Slower than the Maglev but much cheaper and simple if your hotel is on Line 2.
- Use the Maglev if you want speed and don't mind one transfer.
- Use Metro Line 2 if you want the cheapest direct option.
- If your destination is another airport or Hongqiao Railway Station, also check the Airport Link Line.
Will public transport actually work for this trip?
Shanghai's public transport is excellent and easier for foreigners than it used to be. The biggest change is that the metro now supports contactless entry with eligible foreign bank cards citywide, so many visitors no longer need to buy a local transit card on day one.
What should I use to ride?
You can use a contactless bank card or phone directly. Alternatively, use Shanghai Public Transportation Card. ¥20 refundable deposit + top-up. Buy at Metro stations, banks, and stores.
Can I use a bank card or phone directly?
Yes. Metro Daduhui and Suishenxing support QR-based metro access; foreign contactless cards also work across the network.
Can I pay cash on public transport?
Yes. Cash works in parts of the system, but expect exact-change rules or slower entry than tapping.
What does one ride cost?
Distance-based; metro starts at ¥3. Single tickets from machines or service counters
More detail
- Systems: Shanghai Metro, Maglev, Airport Link Line, Buses, High-speed rail
- Still useful, but not mandatory anymore if your eligible foreign contactless card works at metro gates.
- Warning: Hongqiao Airport and Hongqiao Railway Station are next to each other but not identical — check terminal and station names carefully.
- If your foreign bank card supports contactless and password-free small payments, try tap-to-ride first.
- Use AMap for route planning inside mainland China.
- If you want unlimited transport plus tourist extras, also look at the newer Shanghai Pass products.
What should I download before landing?
Which app helps most with public transport?
Shanghai Metro DADUHUI / Suishenxing. Best if you want QR-code transit instead of tapping a foreign contactless bank card.
Which app should I use for train tickets?
Railway 12306. Official China Railway ticket platform for high-speed and regular trains.
Which messaging app do locals actually use?
WeChat. Needed for messaging, mini-programs, and often general life in China.
Which map app should I trust?
AMap (Gaode Maps). Best map app for mainland China. Shanghai's official guide says the English version is available and works better than trying to force everything through non-local maps.
More detail
- Food delivery: Meituan / Eleme - Useful for food delivery and local services if you're staying more than a few days.
Should I use card or cash?
Does contactless work well?
Shanghai Metro supports Tap to Ride with eligible UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and JCB contactless cards citywide.
Do I need a mobile wallet?
Which ATM should I use?
Use ATMs or CRSs that show your international payment network logo. UnionPay cash withdrawal is supported by all ATMs and CRSs in Shanghai.
Will Visa or Mastercard work?
Overseas cards can be linked to Alipay, and foreign cards are accepted for metro tap-to-ride and ticket purchase in the network.
More detail
- If you do only one pre-trip setup for Shanghai, make it a mobile wallet.
- Keep some RMB cash or ATM access for edge cases.
Best way to get internet after landing?
Install a travel eSIM and your VPN before you fly
Should I set up an eSIM before landing?
Download and activate your travel eSIM before departure. If you need Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and other blocked services, install and sign in to your VPN before arrival too. For most Shanghai arrivals, a Nomad eSIM is the easiest way to land with data already working.
Can I buy a SIM at the airport?
One-stop foreign traveler service points at Pudong T1/T2 and Hongqiao T1, plus airport telecom outlets. China Telecom short-term cards: ¥85 (7 days), ¥125 (15 days), ¥195 (30 days). Passport required.
Is there usable Wi-Fi?
Shanghai airports support passport-based Wi-Fi login for inbound passengers.
Do I need a VPN?
Yes. Download, install, and sign in to your VPN before you land. Once you are on mainland networks, app stores, email verification, and blocked services can make setup much harder. Some international roaming eSIMs advertise overseas routing that can avoid this, but verify your provider before travel and still keep a VPN backup.
More detail
- City SIM: Official China Mobile / China Unicom / China Telecom stores
- Buy and activate your eSIM before entering mainland China.
- Install, sign in to, and test your VPN before departure.
- Download critical apps before arrival.
- Local physical SIMs require real-name registration.
What is the emergency number?
110 (police), 119 (fire), 120 (ambulance)
Where can I get basic medicine?
Look for 药店 (pharmacy) signs in malls and on major streets. Chain pharmacies are common in urban districts.
What is easy to get wrong on day one?
If you stay in a hotel, the hotel handles your accommodation registration. If you stay in an apartment, Airbnb, or at a friend's place, you or your host must register with the police within 24 hours.
More detail
- Hongqiao Airport and Hongqiao Railway Station are next to each other but not the same place.
- For high-speed trains, carry the passport you used for booking — 12306 and station gates depend on it.
- Download your critical apps before arrival. Mainland internet rules can make setup harder after you land.
- AMap is usually more practical than relying only on Google Maps inside mainland China.