Practical Services in Shanghai
Payments, SIM, English-speaking clinics, and the numbers every Shanghai traveler should save.
Payments
Shanghai is nearly cashless β Alipay and WeChat Pay cover the metro, DiDi, 7-Eleven and every restaurant. Link a foreign Visa/Mastercard before you fly.
Internet & SIM
Excellent 4G/5G. A foreign eSIM works on arrival; for a local SIM, China Mobile/Unicom stores need your passport and take 20 minutes.
Medical
Shanghai has the best English-language medical care in mainland China β United Family, Parkway and Jiahui clinics. Travel insurance is recommended.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 110
- Ambulance: 120
- Tourist hotline: 12301
Consular help
Most major countries have consulates in Shanghai β keep your embassy's 24-hour line saved offline.
Locals' Tip
Link a foreign card to Alipay before you fly β Shanghai is almost cashless and you'll use it for everything from the metro to noodles.