
A guide to setting up mobile services
When you arrive in China, one of your primary tasks is to purchase a SIM card. China has three major mobile providers: China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile. You can get a SIM card at the official representative offices of these companies.
Where to Buy a SIM Card at Shanghai Pudong Airport
How to get a SIM card offline
(1) Go to one of the major stores, found in various locations including malls
(2) Choose a mobile package or simply point to the brochure which lists the packages provided
(3) Show your passport
(4) Show the SIM card size you need — Normal, Micro or Nano
(5) Purchase and register
https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-MobileServices/20231214/aa9cb3290ab84bbbbd60d0b74c27fdfb.html
Essential apps for living in Shanghai
As a newcomer to Shanghai, you may find it challenging to live and travel in the city. But with the right apps on your phone, your trip can go from zero to hero.
Multipurpose app: WeChat
https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-UsefulApps/20240222/84434a36efa84ff4a08c877278d4061a.html
Payment: WeChat Pay and Alipay
https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-UsefulApps/20240312/f2968c5dcb2d41c895643afa9219ce89.html
Navigation: Gaode Maps and Baidu Maps https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-UsefulApps/20231214/3cac2d8cc7f847da92a72252bae06705.html
Car-hailing services: DiDi
DiDi is the Chinese equivalent of Uber and it is available in English. DiDi provides options for both taxis and private cars. In the occurrence of a dispute, expats can contact customer services via the help chat which is also available in English.
You can also use DiDi or Meituan for bike rental services, if you prefer bicycling around Shanghai.
Travel: Ctrip and Railway 12306
Ctrip is a travel app which is useful for booking flights, hotels and trains. The more you book, the higher your status goes, which includes bigger discounts and rewards. If you want to order train tickets, you can also go to Railway 12306, China's official train ticket booking system.
Food delivery: Meituan and Eleme
Are you hungry? Well, that's exactly what "Ele me" means in English. Ele.me is one of the leading food delivery apps in China, offering a diverse range of products such as flowers, electronics, and makeup to fulfill various needs
Getting stuff delivered to your door in China is way easier than sourcing what you need from physical stores.
Meituan is another popular food delivery app. Upon loading the app, the nearest eateries appear, but you can search for a more specific restaurant or food if you prefer.
Restaurant review: Dazhong Dianping
Dazhong Dianping is the app you need if you want to try a new restaurant or read the reviews of the restaurant your friend wants to take you to.
You can search nearby food options and how they compare according to locals and fellow foodies. Dazhong Dianping is also a good resource when looking for cinemas, spas, gyms and more. Once you are a savvy user of translation apps, you can even use it to buy discount vouchers.
Shopping: Taobao, JD, and Pinduoduo
The three apps are your typical online marketplace, much like Amazon. You can search for a product, sift through options, buy items for delivery and communicate with the sellers.
Pinduoduo is China's major online discounter, where you could buy products at sometimes surprisingly low prices through joint purchasing with other buyers.
Taobao is another popular online marketplace that offers a wide range of products, spanning from clothing and electronics to unique and niche items, providing you with virtually limitless options for your shopping needs. However, it is important to note that Taobao strictly prohibits the sale of illegal items.
For expedited delivery of your purchase, we recommend JD. Although you're not going to find as many options for niche items, it is possible to buy most items, from technology to overseas products.
Explore Shanghai's public transport system
Metro Daduhui app:Using the Shanghai Metro Daduhui app is the most convenient way to take the metro.
https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Transportation/20240102/44f499a17b324b25996f2d58fcbf5f23.html
Metro How to ride Shanghai Metro
Shanghai Metro is the backbone of the city's public transport system, connecting all major districts with over 800 kilometers of track across 20 lines.
Bus A guide to taking buses in Shanghai
Complementing the metro, Shanghai’s bus network plays a critical role in ensuring that every part of the city, including areas not served by the metro, remains connected. The city operates about 2,000 bus routes, with many featuring electric and hybrid buses to reduce emissions.
Shared bicycle A guide to using shared bicycles
Shared bicycles offer residents and visitors an eco-friendly and flexible mode of transport for short-distance trips.
Bike-sharing companies, including Hellobike, Meituan and Qingju, operate across the city, allowing users to rent bikes through mobile apps and cycle to their destination.
Public service hotlines in Shanghai
Service | Hotline |
Fire | 119 |
Police | 110 |
Medical emergency | 120 |
Government service | 12345 |
Train ticket | 12306/95105105 |
Health | 12320 |
Housing provident fund | 12329 |
Human resources and social security | 12333 |
Law | 12348 |
Customs | 12360 |
Tax | 12366 |
Property | 962121 |
Community | 962200 |
Medical insurance | 962218 |
Social security card management center | 962222 |
Real estate exchange center | 962269 |
微信公众号