🗺️ Shanghai Travel Essential Guide: Pre-Departure Checklist (2025 Edition)
This guide provides key information and a checklist for travelers heading to Shanghai, China. Focus is placed on essential preparations for payment and transportation.
Shanghai (China) Travel Checklist
| Item | Details (As of 2025) |
| Visa | Visa-free entry for tourism (up to 30 days) is possible. (Current policy expected to extend until the end of 2026). Passport validity of 6+ months is mandatory. |
| Currency & Payment | Prepare only a small amount of cash (Yuan). QR Code Mobile Payment (Alipay, WeChat Pay) is essential. Korean/International cards can be linked. |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October) are the most pleasant. (Summer is very hot and humid). |
| Local Transportation | Subway is the fastest and cheapest. For taxis, using the Didi (DiDi Chuxing) app is highly recommended (must be linked to Alipay). |
| Internet/Communication | VPN SIM or eSIM must be purchased, installed, and configured in advance in your home country to access services like Google and YouTube. |
| Essentials | Photocopy of passport, portable power bank, portable tissues (for public restrooms), and basic medicine. |
Essential Apps for Shanghai Travel
| App Name | iOS (App Store Link) | Android (Google Play Link) |
| Alipay | [Download Alipay on iOS](iOS에서 알리페이 다운로드하기) | [Download Alipay on Android](Android에서 알리페이 다운로드하기) |
| [Download WeChat on iOS](iOS에서 위챗 다운로드하기) | [Download WeChat on Android](Android에서 위챗 다운로드하기) | |
| Didi (DiDi China) | [Download Didi on iOS](iOS에서 디디추싱 다운로드하기) | [Download Didi on Android](Android에서 디디추싱 다운로드하기) |
Payment & Transportation Deep Dive
Here are detailed steps for handling currency, mobile payments, and local transport—the most critical aspects of modern Shanghai travel.
1. How to Register & Use Korean/International Cards (Alipay & WeChat Pay)
You can link international cards (VISA, Mastercard, etc.) issued outside of China to pay with the QR code apps, even without a local bank account.
1.1. Alipay: Registration and General Payment
Alipay is the most recommended main app as it has the best features for foreign visitors.
| Step | Description |
| 1. App Installation & Passport Verification | Install the app in your home country. Verify your account by entering your passport and personal information (Real-Name Verification). |
| 2. Card Registration | Go to the home screen: ‘Me’ → ‘Bank Cards’ → ‘Add a Bank Card’. |
| 3. Card Details Input | Enter the number, expiry date, and CVC of your international VISA/Mastercard. (Some foreign debit cards, can also be registered). |
| 4. Payment Methods | To scan the merchant’s QR: Tap ‘Scan’ on the home screen and scan the code. To show your QR to the merchant: Tap ‘Pay/Collect’ on the home screen and show the generated QR code to the staff. |
💡 Tip: A small transaction fee may apply for payments exceeding 200 Yuan when using international cards on Alipay.
Keywords: Alipay Card Fee, Alipay Foreign Card Registration
1.2. WeChat Pay: Registration and Payment
WeChat Pay registration is similar to Alipay and is useful for peer-to-peer transfers or at smaller shops that primarily use WeChat.
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Registration Path: ‘Me’ → ‘Services’ → ‘Wallet’ → ‘Cards’ (Similar process to Alipay).
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Payment Method: Select ‘Money’ from the ‘Services’ menu to generate a QR code, or use ‘Scan’ to read the merchant’s code.
2. Shanghai Public Transportation: Subway & Bus (Using Alipay ‘Transport’)
You can use the Shanghai subway and bus systems conveniently without a physical card by using the ‘Transport’ feature within Alipay.
| Step | Description |
| 1. Access the Transport Service | Click the ‘Transport (交通)’ icon on the Alipay home screen. |
| 2. Set Region & Verification | If it’s your first time, set the region to your current location (Shanghai). You may be asked for another round of terms agreement and passport verification. |
| 3. Generate QR Code & Use | Once the QR code is generated, simply scan it on the subway turnstile reader or the bus terminal. The fare will be automatically deducted from your registered international card. |
💡 Tip: Transfer discounts are applied for both subway and bus when using the Alipay QR code, making it more convenient and efficient than buying a physical card.
Keywords: Shanghai Subway QR Code, Alipay Bus Use
3. Taxi Service in Shanghai: Didi (DiDi) Ride-Hailing & Payment
In China, it’s more common to hail a taxi via the DiDi Chuxing (滴滴出行) app rather than hailing one on the street. It easily links with Alipay.
| Step | Description |
| 1. Didi App Installation or Alipay Integration | You can either install the separate ‘Didi’ app or launch the Didi service via the ‘Travel (出行)’ menu on the Alipay home screen. (Alipay integration is recommended). |
| 2. Enter Pick-up/Drop-off Locations | Input the pick-up location (usually auto-set) and your destination address in Simplified Chinese (English is possible but Chinese is more reliable). (It’s helpful to have the Chinese addresses copied beforehand.) |
| 3. Select Car Type and Hail | Choose your desired vehicle type, such as ‘Express’ or ‘Taxi’, check the estimated fare, and press ‘Call’. |
| 4. Automatic Payment | Upon alighting, the fare is automatically paid via your registered international card within Alipay. This is the most convenient method for foreigners, as it avoids the need for cash or complicated Chinese dialogue. |
💡 Tip: Install the Didi app in your home country, sign up with your phone number, and set your location to Shanghai so it’s ready to use upon arrival.