PRACTICAL ARRIVAL GUIDES
Make the next step
a clear one.
Start with what you need now. Each guide has recorded dates and official sources you can check.
Preparation
Before you fly to Shanghai
Prepare your documents, apps and an offline backup before departure.
Sources checked 2026-10-01
Payments
How to use Alipay with a foreign card in Shanghai
Prepare Alipay or Weixin Pay, handle card and SMS problems, and keep a payment backup for arrival.
Sources checked 2026-10-03
Mobile data
China SIM vs travel eSIM vs roaming: a Shanghai arrival guide
Choose mainland-China mobile data: compare SIM, travel eSIM and roaming, check your device, retain bank SMS access and troubleshoot after landing.
Sources checked 2026-10-03
Airports
Pudong Airport to Shanghai: metro, taxi and late-night options
Plan your Pudong Airport transfer with Line 2, Maglev, taxi and late-night bus comparisons, reference costs and a backup for arrivals after the trains.
Sources checked 2026-10-03
Airports
Hongqiao Airport: find the right terminal
Arrive at SHA, connect to the city and distinguish the airport from the railway station.
Sources checked 2026-10-01
Accommodation
Choose a practical place to stay
Pick an area by your itinerary, then check arrival and registration arrangements.
Sources checked 2026-10-01
Getting around
Get around Shanghai with confidence
Prepare a metro route, payment option and Chinese destination for taxis.
Sources checked 2026-10-01
Preparation
Your first 24 hours in Shanghai
A simple sequence for landing, checking in and getting the basics working.
Sources checked 2026-10-01
Preparation
Coming to study in Shanghai
Prepare your university arrival: documents, the right campus, first-night accommodation, registration and your first week.
Sources checked 2026-10-04