Heading to Shanghai in December?

QUICK GUIDE BEFORE YOU LEAVE

1. Install WeChat and Alipay. Enable the “International/Overseas” versions and link your international card (Visa/Mastercard/JCB/Discover/AmEx supported on WeChat; Visa/Mastercard/Diners/Discover supported on Alipay). This way, you can pay with QR codes almost anywhere—including at street food stalls, in taxis, and on the subway.
More information on mobile payments

2. Get a data plan: If you don’t want to deal with VPNs, buy an international eSIM that uses network gateways outside of China (this way, Google, WhatsApp, etc., will work without a VPN). Local eSIMs are still limited; a physical SIM card will definitely work. More information on SIM cards

3. Download map and navigation apps: Amap/Gaode (English mode is being rolled out), Baidu Maps (limited English), and Apple Maps work well. DiDi (the equivalent of Uber) operates in English and accepts foreign credit cards. More information about the map app

4. Bring a small amount of cash (100–300 RMB) for emergencies; cash is accepted, but QR codes are the norm. More information on payments

Paying in China, 2026

• WeChat Pay (Weixin Pay): You can link foreign cards (Visa/Mastercard/JCB/AmEx/Discover) and pay by scanning a QR code. You can set it up using a foreign phone number. tencent.com+2tencent.com+2
• Alipay (International): Select “International version,” then link a foreign card (Visa/Mastercard/Diners/Discover). Partnerships with Mastercard and (currently) AmEx have expanded its use among tourists. alipayplus.com+2Mastercard+2
• Physical cards: Foreign Visa/Mastercard cards still work inconsistently at physical payment terminals; QR codes almost always work. China has also improved cash acceptance (government policy). english.www.gov.cn
• DiDi rides: The app accepts international cards (including direct payments to DiDi). An easy way to get around the language barrier. Wise+1
• Public transportation :
  • Shanghai Metro 1/3-day passes: 24 h ≈ 18 RMB; 72 h ≈ 45 RMB. Also available: combo passes (Maglev + 1 day). Available at stations. chinadiscovery.com+2us.trip.com+2
  • Shanghai Public Transportation Card (Yikatong): valid on buses, the metro, the Maglev, and even taxis. travelchinaguide.com

Tip: If the QR code doesn’t work (due to a spotty connection), show the cashier the payer’s QR code from the WeChat or Alipay app, or pay with cash.

Social Media & Communication in China

• Blocked services (Great Firewall): Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, YouTube, Reddit, WhatsApp, etc. – WhatsApp and Threads were also removed from the Chinese App Store at the request of authorities in 2024. AP News+3Expatriate Group+3Travel China Cheaper+3
• Local alternatives :
  • WeChat (essential: messaging, calls, location sharing, payments)
  • Xiaohongshu / RED (小红书) for travel tips; the app still has an English language setting, but brand and English support have been discontinued. Dan Business+2DFC Studio+2
  • Weibo, Douyin (China’s TikTok), Bilibili – work without a VPN.
• If you want to use Western services :
  • A roaming or international eSIM can bypass the firewall without a VPN (depending on the provider). VPN performance varies, and the legal situation is unclear—install several options in advance and use them with caution. getnomad.app+2The Food Ranger+2

Connections: SIM, eSIM, Wi-Fi

• eSIM: International eSIM plans work widely and can provide unrestricted access to Western services; support for local eSIMs on phones is still limited (the situation is evolving with news about the iPhone Air). ByteSIM+1
• Physical SIM (China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom): Purchase with a passport at official stores or the airport.
• Wi-Fi at hotels and shopping centers: Often requires registration with a phone number (SMS code).

Maps and Navigation

• Amap/Gaode: The English interface is expanding; public transit routing works. Trip.com+1
• Baidu Maps: Partially in English; Pinyin search works, basic navigation is okay. Trip.com+1
• Apple Maps: Works well without a VPN.
• DiDi: Book in English; international credit cards accepted; avoids language barriers with street taxis. Wise
• Taxis: They definitely accept cash; QR code payments are becoming more common, but foreign QR codes aren’t always accepted when offline. Keep some small change on hand. Travel China Cheaper

Small but important practical tips

• Receipts & addresses: Show your destination in Chinese (using WeChat’s mini-translator, a hotel business card, or the Amap app).
• Tipping: Not customary in China.
• Electricity: 220V, A/C/I plugs—bring a universal adapter.
• Emergency supplies: A little cash, a spare card, an offline map (downloaded).
• Internet without surprises: If you absolutely need Gmail/WhatsApp/IG, roaming or an international eSIM is the easiest “set it and forget it” solution; VPNs sometimes don’t work well. getnomad.app

Quick Lists (save these!)

Must-have apps: WeChat + WeChat Pay, Alipay (International), DiDi, Amap/Gaode, Apple/Google Translate, hotel apps. tencent.com+2alipayplus.com+2
Metro passes: 24 h = ~18 RMB, 72 h = ~45 RMB; a Maglev+1-day combo is available. Buy at the station. chinadiscovery.com+2us.trip.com+2
Payment options: WeChat/Alipay + 100–300 RMB in cash + one physical card. english.www.gov.cn
Social media situation: most Western services are blocked; use WeChat and/or an international eSIM/VPN with caution. Expatriate Group+1