What to Expect When You Arrive in Shanghai

If you're moving to Shanghai with the help of a relocation company that includes destination services, your arrival will be a carefully guided experience. You'll be met at the airport by your agent and escorted to your temporary housing or hotel.

If you're arriving independently, don't worry—you’ll be landing in a major international airport with ample English signage.

Be Prepared with Essentials

Before you leave, print your hotel confirmation or destination address in both English and Chinese. While phone screenshots are useful, physical copies are a safeguard in case your phone runs out of battery or is lost. Keep one in your bag and one in your luggage.

Power banks are your best friends. Bring at least two: one for daily use and one packed in your suitcase. Your phone will be essential for navigation, translation, payments, and ride-hailing.

Set Up Your Apps in Advance

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Access to Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and some other services is restricted in mainland China. Download a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) before arrival—popular options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Astrill.

Once you have a local SIM card (available at the airport), switch your data to avoid international roaming fees. If you’re using a dual-SIM phone, even better—you can keep your home SIM active while using your China SIM for data and local calls.

Essential Apps for Life in Shanghai:

  • WeChat (微信): Messaging, payments, food ordering, and more
  • Alipay (支付宝): An alternative to WeChat Pay with similar functions
  • Didi (滴滴出行): China’s ride-hailing app (available in English)
  • Baidu Maps or Amap (高德地图): Local navigation alternatives to Google Maps
  • Meituan (美团) and Ele.me (饿了么): [Updated: Replaces Sherpa’s] Leading food delivery apps with wide restaurant selections
  • Taobao (淘宝) or JD.com (京东): Online shopping for everything from furniture to groceries
 

Registration and Residency

By law, all newcomers must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. If you're staying in a hotel, this is automatic. If not, visit your neighborhood police station with photocopies of your passport and visa, passport photos, and your lease/housing documents. You’ll be issued a Temporary Residence Permit, which you'll need for future visa and housing formalities.

Getting Around & Staying Connected

After arrival, start dropping pins in your map app for nearby services: dry cleaners, coffee shops, clinics, etc. These may not always appear in searches but are easy to mark when passing by.

Didi, available in English, is the most popular ride-hailing app and offers a smoother alternative to taxis. Vehicles are generally clean and reliable, though driving styles can vary.

Food, Groceries & Home Setup

Many expats now use:

  • Epermarket and Fields China: Online grocers specializing in imported and organic goods

  • Hema (盒马): A modern grocery chain owned by Alibaba—fresh produce, ready meals, and imported products; ordering and delivery available through their app (English UI available)

  • Meituan Grocery and Dingdong Maicai (叮咚买菜): Popular apps for fast local grocery delivery

To furnish your home or stock up on daily essentials, Taobao, JD.com, and Pinduoduo offer everything from trampolines to cookware. Most major vendors communicate easily in English via chat or email.

For sports and lifestyle gear, Decathlon stores are widely available across Shanghai.

Exploring Your New City

Once you’ve settled a bit, consider taking a driving tour. From Pudong to Puxi, use elevated highways like Yan’an Road to get a sense of the city’s scale. On your return, detour into Huaihai Road, Nanjing West Road, the Bund, or Century Park.

Don’t forget to pin favorite spots and take photos/videos—great for memories and sharing updates with family and friends back home.

Journaling, Blogging, and Settling In

Documenting your journey can be therapeutic. Whether it's a private journal, a blog, or social media updates, taking time to reflect helps make sense of the transition.

Your first night out? A dinner on the Bund and a river cruise under Shanghai’s iconic skyline is a great way to welcome this new chapter.

Final Thoughts

Relocating to Shanghai in 2025 is a far more connected experience than ever before. Thanks to apps, mobile payments, and instant translation tools, your arrival can be seamless, empowering, and even enjoyable.

Welcome to Shanghai—your adventure starts now.