Shanghai, China

• Shanghai sits at 31°N where you'll find futuristic Pudong skyscrapers across the river from colonial Bund architecture. The metro has security checks at every station, but they're faster than airports. Central areas stay lit and busy past midnight. You'll see plenty of people working alone in cafes for hours - it's normal here.
• English works in international hotels and expat areas, but not much elsewhere. Get WeChat and Alipay set up before you arrive - cash barely exists here, even street vendors use mobile payment. There are surveillance cameras and police everywhere. It makes things feel safe, but you're definitely being monitored.
• Emergency services (110) have English operators, and tourist police at major stations speak multiple languages. Violent crime is rare. The main concerns are pickpockets in tourist zones like Nanjing Road and the train stations, plus the tea ceremony and art gallery scams that target tourists constantly.
• The metro runs efficiently and feels safe during the day, but rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) means packed trains. Better to use Didi or proper taxis at night. Areas like the French Concession, Xintiandi, and Jing'an have people around and good lighting into the late evening.

Mandarin Chinese is the main language. English is limited outside international hotels, expat areas, and tourist sites. Shanghai Call Center (962288) offers free 24-hour translation in 10 languages. Emergency services (110, 120) have English operators. Download translation apps and set up WeChat/Alipay before you arrive.

• Dress modestly - locals keep covered up even though Shanghai is relatively fashionable. Flowing tops and pants work better than shorts and tank tops. Upscale places expect smart casual.
• There's very little English once you leave hotels, international restaurants, and expat areas. Learn some basic Mandarin phrases and download translation apps. WeChat and Alipay are essential - most places won't take cash. Set them up with your international credit card before you arrive.
• Keep public affection minimal - applies to both straight and LGBTQ+ couples. People are generally tolerant but conservative about public behavior. Eating alone is normal, especially in cafes where you'll see locals on laptops for hours. Don't tip - it's not done here.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police Emergency: 110. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The metro has 20+ lines that cover most of the city. Every station has security checks, but they're quick - just put your bag through the scanner. Rides cost 3-10 RMB ($0.40-1.40). Get a transport card or use Alipay/WeChat Pay. Rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) mean seriously packed trains.
• Didi (basically Chinese Uber) works well and feels safer than random taxis, especially at night. It accepts international credit cards now. Regular taxis are fine too - just check the meter is running. A 10km ride runs 35-60 RMB depending on traffic. Skip the unlicensed cabs that hang around train stations.
• You can walk around neighborhoods like the French Concession and the Bund - sidewalks are decent and streets are lit well even late at night. But Shanghai is huge, so you'll need transport to get between districts.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, book a private car with a driver rather than driving yourself.

Explore Shanghai with local guides and curated experiences.