The essential guide to beginning your life in Shanghai
Now that you've decided to move to Shanghai, you may find the preparations to be daunting. Here is some essential information to help make the transition a bit smoother.
Airports and transportation
Shanghai has two international airports: Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
| PVG | SHA | |
| Distance from city center | 30 km | 13 km |
| Service hotline | (+86) 021-96990 | |
| Complaint hotline | (+86) 021-96990 | (+86) 021-32531090 |
| Website | ||
Pudong airport ⇆ Downtown Shanghai ⇆ Hongqiao airport
Metro Line 2
Pudong airport ⇆ East Nanjing Road (7 yuan ($0.99),1 hour)
Pudong airport ⇆ Hongqiao airport (8 yuan ($1.13), 1.5 hours)
Click here and visit the official website for more information.
Maglev + Metro
1) Maglev
Pudong airport ⇆ Longyang Road（50 yuan ($6.9)）
Note: The normal fare is 50 yuan, and you may pay 40 yuan by virtue of the airline ticket of the day or using Shanghai Public Transportation Card.
2) Metro
Guanglan Road ⇆ East Nanjing Road （5 yuan ($0.71)，25 minutes）
Guanglan Road ⇆ Hongqiao airport（6 yuan ($0.84)，55 minutes）
Taxi
Pudong airport ⇆ East Nanjing Road (about 200 yuan ($28.24)，about 1 hour)
Pudong airport ⇆ Hongqiao airport (about 200 yuan ($28.24)，about 1 hour)
Airport Shuttle Bus: 8 lines to the city center
Cost: 2-36 yuan
Getting a local SIM card
Once you arrive in Shanghai, you will need a local SIM card.
Major telecom carriers: China Mobile; China Unicom; China Telecom.
Choose a carrier → Go to the nearest store → Show your passport → Sign up for a phone plan
Useful apps
With the right apps on your phone, your stay in Shanghai can go from zero to hero!
- Primary line of communication
- WeChat Pay: digital payments
- Online shopping
- Financial services
- Translations
Alipay
- Use for digital payments
Taobao
- Online shopping
Meituan
- Order food
- Buy groceries
Ele.me
- Order food
- Buy groceries
Ctrip
- Book trains, flights, hotels and experiences
Didi
- Ride hailing
Baidu Translate
- Photos
- Conversations
- Text