Shanghai Travel FAQ: 50+ Common Questions Answered
Updated September 2026 · Complete Q&A guide
Got questions about traveling to Shanghai? Here are the answers to the most common questions from travelers, compiled by our team at Shanghai Private Transfers.
🛂 Visa & Entry
Do I need a visa to visit Shanghai?
Most nationalities qualify for 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit if you're transiting through China. If Shanghai is your final destination, you'll need a tourist visa (L Visa).
What documents do I need for 240-hour visa-free transit?
Valid passport (6+ months), confirmed onward ticket leaving China within 10 days, and entry/exit through Shanghai airport.
✈️ Getting There & Around
How do I get from Pudong Airport (PVG) to downtown?
Options: Metro Line 2 (¥7, 1 hour), Maglev train (¥50, 8 min to Longyang Rd), taxi (¥150, 45 min), or private transfer (¥280+, door-to-door with English-speaking driver).
How do I get from Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to downtown?
Much closer than Pudong! Metro Line 2/10 (¥5, 30 min), taxi (¥60, 20 min), or private transfer (¥180, door-to-door).
Is it easy to get around Shanghai without speaking Chinese?
Yes! Metro signs are in English + Chinese. Taxis are hit-or-miss for English. Private car services have English-speaking drivers — the easiest option.
🚗 Private Car & Transfers
How much does a private transfer from Pudong Airport cost?
Private transfers from PVG to downtown Shanghai start at ¥280 for a sedan (1-3 people), ¥380 for an SUV (1-4 people), and ¥480 for a van (1-7 people). Prices include fuel, tolls, and flight tracking.
Is it worth hiring a private driver in Shanghai?
Absolutely, especially if you're sightseeing or visiting multiple spots. Your driver waits for you at every stop, speaks English, and knows the best routes. For families and groups, it's the best value.
Can I book a Suzhou or Hangzhou day trip by private car?
Yes! We do Suzhou day trips (¥1,280/group) and Hangzhou day trips (¥1,580/group). Round-trip private car + English driver, flexible itinerary.
🏨 Accommodation
What's the best area to stay in Shanghai?
For first-time visitors: People's Square or The Bund area. Best for couples: French Concession. Best for shopping: Jing'an. Best for business: Lujiazui.
🍜 Food & Drink
What food is Shanghai famous for?
Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjian (pan-fried buns), Shanghai-style noodles, hongshao rou (braised pork belly), and scallion oil pancakes.
Do restaurants have English menus?
Tourist areas and international restaurants do. Local restaurants might not — point at what other people are eating, or use your phone to translate.
💰 Money & Costs
How much money do I need per day in Shanghai?
Budget: ¥300-500/day (hostel + street food + metro). Mid-range: ¥800-1,500/day (nice hotel + restaurants + private car occasionally). Luxury: ¥2,000+/day.
Can I use USD or Euros in Shanghai?
No, you need Chinese Yuan (RMB). Exchange money at airports, banks, or use ATMs. WeChat Pay and Alipay accept foreign cards too.
🛡️ Safety & Health
Is Shanghai safe at night?
Yes, very safe. You can walk around at any time without worrying. Shanghai is one of the safest major cities in the world.
Can I drink the tap water in Shanghai?
No, drink bottled water only. It's cheap and available everywhere.
📱 Connectivity
Can I use Google / Facebook / Instagram in Shanghai?
No, these are blocked in China. Download a VPN before you arrive, or use local alternatives (WeChat, Weibo, Baidu).
Should I get a local SIM card?
Yes, or buy an eSIM before you arrive. Data plans are cheap (¥50-100 for 10GB). You'll need data for maps, WhatsApp, and translations.
More Shanghai travel guides: travel blog