Apps
Essential apps for Shanghai
WeChat, Alipay, Didi, Baidu Maps, and the setup order that makes arriving easier.
Shanghai Expat Guide
Living in Shanghai.
A practical guide for expats, newcomers, international students, tourists, and foreign residents settling into life in Shanghai.
First priority
Get set up
Apps, payments, internet, and connectivity — the things that need to work before anything else in Shanghai.
VPN
Best VPNs for China
Compare providers, understand reliability tradeoffs, and install before you arrive.
Arrival
SIM cards and internet access
China phone plans, eSIM options, and how to get connected after landing in Shanghai.
Payments
How to use Alipay
Link your overseas card, verify your account, and pay in shops and on the metro.
Transport
Get around
The metro, ride-hailing, taxis, and airport connections that keep you moving across Shanghai.
Daily life
Settle in
Neighbourhoods, groceries, healthcare, and the everyday essentials that make Shanghai feel like home.
Areas
Best areas to live in Shanghai
Jing'an, Xuhui, Pudong, Changning, Huangpu, and Minhang compared by commute, lifestyle, and budget.
Daily life
Foreign grocery stores
International supermarkets, specialty stores, and grocery delivery options for expats in Shanghai.
Safety
Healthcare and emergency contacts
International hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and emergency numbers for foreigners in Shanghai.
Next step
New to Shanghai? Start with the essentials
Set up payments, apps, and transport with the Shanghai starter guides, then explore neighbourhoods and daily life at your own pace.