[Shanghai] 7 Things You Need to Know Before You Go So You Don’t Miss Out!

Warning before traveling to Shanghai! 7 Things You Need to Know Before You Go So You Don’t Miss Out ✈️🇨🇳 1. Ordering Food and Shopping I traveled for 4 days and 3 nights without exchanging a single yuan, surviving with just 2 apps. At first, I only downloaded Alipay, but I wanted a backup plan, so I also downloaded WeChat. Make sure to link your credit card before traveling. I used UnionPay credit cards from AEON and KTC because if you swipe over 200 yuan, you won’t be charged extra. ✅ Metro/Shopping/Calling Didi works with Alipay, tested and it works ✅ WeChat is used for ordering food because some places don’t accept Alipay when scanned 🛍️ Shopping at Disneyland, I used AEON UnionPay card by showing it to the staff, it worked fine (got 3% cashback). If they ask for a PIN, just say you don’t have one and press OK. I’ve tried it myself. ⚠️ Don’t forget to call your credit card call center to notify them you’ll be using it abroad. 2. Check the Temperature and Prepare Your Clothes 🌦🧥 It’s currently spring in Shanghai. The weather is cool and comfortable but it rains often. Flowers are blooming beautifully. You need to prepare well because the temperature from March to May averages around 10-20°C. Bring adaptable clothes like a light jacket, umbrella ☔, and waterproof shoes because it might rain frequently some days 🌸. 3. Shanghai is Great for Photos! 📸✨ Don’t miss taking pictures at The Bund, Pearl Tower, Wukang District, Anfu Road, and Xintiandi. The views are beautiful both day and night. My favorite spot is North Bund by the river, where the flowers are gorgeous in spring and the weather is pleasantly cool. If you get a chance, stop by Manner Coffee, a riverside café that will make your morning coffee experience very special ☕🌷. 4. Smoking in Public Places 🚭 When visiting Shanghai, be prepared to see people smoking almost everywhere in public places. It’s something many are not used to, and it can be uncomfortable, especially in crowded tourist spots like Disneyland where people still smoke. If you’re traveling with young children or elderly people, be extra cautious. Always carry a face mask 😷 to protect yourself from cigarette smoke pollution, and try to avoid smokers as much as possible. 5. Traveling in Shanghai is Convenient and Cheap 🚇💸 Shanghai has a very convenient and affordable transportation system! The subway is the easiest and cheapest way to get around, covering the whole city. If you use Didi (a ride-hailing app similar to Grab), the prices are reasonable. But for major tourist spots, the subway is recommended for convenience and speed. There are English signs everywhere, making it easy to understand. For Apple Maps users, you can check routes in the app, but it’s good to note the place names in Chinese just in case you have trouble finding locations or need to use Chinese apps 📱. 6. Highly Recommend Visiting Shanghai Disneyland 🎢🏰 If you come to Shanghai and don’t visit Disneyland, you’re missing out! It’s full of thrilling rides and a very charming atmosphere for the whole family. Kids get to meet familiar Disney characters up close. The evening shows are spectacular and not to be missed. The park’s atmosphere is both romantic and fun, with plenty of shops and food options to choose from. P.S. The castle here is the biggest in the world 🏰. 7. Travel Insurance 🛡️🌍 Whenever I travel abroad, I always buy travel insurance. Especially in China, it’s important to have travel insurance because unexpected events can happen anytime, such as accidents, illness, or flight cancellations. Choosing comprehensive coverage gives you more peace of mind. This time I chose MSIG again because after reading reviews from many groups, it’s easy to claim. My personal opinion: If it’s your first time traveling abroad, this might not be the best place because people here don’t speak English, making communication difficult. #TravelChina #Shanghai