First 72 hours in Shanghai
Complete these tasks to get fully settled
0 of 8 completed
Get connected
Connect to airport WiFi (free 2hrs at Pudong/Hongqiao) or activate your eSIM. Download WeChat if you haven't already — it's essential for everything in China.
Get to your accommodation
From Pudong: Maglev (8min to Longyang Rd) + Metro, or DiDi/taxi (~200-300 CNY to city center, 45-60min). From Hongqiao: Metro Line 2/10 direct to city. Show driver your address in Chinese.
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay
Open Alipay → 'Tour Pass' → Add Visa/Mastercard. Or WeChat → Me → Pay → Cards → Add card. This is your #1 survival tool — 95% of payments in Shanghai are mobile.
Buy a local SIM card
Visit China Mobile or China Unicom store (bring passport). Recommended: China Unicom 'B Abroad' plan ~128 CNY/month for 30GB. You need a local number for many Chinese apps and services.
Full SIM card guide →Save key addresses in Chinese
Save in your phone notes: home address (中文), office/hotel, nearest hospital, nearest police station (派出所), nearest metro station. Screenshot them — you'll need these daily.
Register your accommodation
MANDATORY within 24h of arrival. Hotels do this automatically. If staying elsewhere: go to local police station (派出所) with passport + landlord's ID copy + lease contract. Takes 10-20 minutes. Failure to register = potential fine.
Get a transport card or set up metro QR
Option A: Buy Shanghai Public Transport Card at any metro station (40 CNY deposit, reloadable). Option B: Open Alipay → 'Transport' → activate Shanghai metro QR code. Works on all metro lines and most buses.
Locate nearest international hospital
Save addresses of: Shanghai United Family Hospital (仁爱医院), Parkway Health (百汇医疗), Jiahui International Hospital (嘉会国际医院). For emergencies: call 120. Bring passport + insurance card to any visit.