Shenzhen, China

• Shenzhen went from fishing village to tech hub in 40 years, which explains why everything looks so new. The metro is extensive and runs until 11pm, mobile payments work everywhere (cash is barely used), and the city has heavy CCTV coverage that makes it feel safe walking around late. The efficiency can feel a bit sterile compared to older Chinese cities.
• English depends heavily on where you are. Shekou and parts of Nanshan have large expat populations, so restaurants and cafes there will have English menus and some staff who speak it. Everywhere else, you'll need a translation app - even taxi drivers rarely speak English. The city installed 105 bilingual SOS devices in Luohu and Liantang districts.
• Street harassment is low. People generally don't stare at foreigners or approach you, which is different from smaller Chinese cities. Pickpocketing happens in crowded shopping areas like Dongmen, but violent crime is rare. The combination of cameras everywhere and low crime rates means most women feel comfortable here.
• After the metro closes at 11pm, use Didi (Chinese Uber) or official taxis - both work well and are safe. Areas like Shekou, Coco Park, and OCT stay active until midnight on weekends with good street lighting and people around, though things quiet down significantly on weeknights.

Mandarin is the main language. English works in expat areas like Shekou and at international hotels. Everywhere else, English is rare. Bring translation apps. Emergency services (110, 120, 119) might have some English speakers, and there are 105 bilingual SOS devices in Luohu and Liantang districts.

• Download Pleco or Google Translate before you arrive. Outside expat zones like Shekou, almost nobody speaks English. Have destinations saved in Chinese characters for taxi drivers and when asking directions.
• Cash is barely used - WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate, including street vendors. Foreign credit cards often don't work. You'll need to set up one of these payment apps, which requires a Chinese bank account or some workarounds. Bring cash as backup.
• Dress casually. Tank tops and shorts are fine in summer, though you'll see locals covered up more in the heat. Business districts like Futian CBD have people in formal wear, but nobody cares what tourists wear.
• Offer your seat to elderly people on the metro. Use both hands when giving or receiving things from older people. Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral symbolism). Be on time if you've scheduled something.
• 'Saving face' matters - don't criticize or embarrass people publicly. If something's wrong, pull them aside and address it quietly. This keeps things polite but can make direct communication difficult.

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: 110. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The metro has 16 lines and runs 6:15am to 11pm. Rides cost 2-7 yuan depending on distance. You can buy a Shenzhen Tong card for a small discount, or just tap in with Alipay or WeChat Pay. Day passes exist (20 yuan) but aren't worth it unless you're making many trips.
• Use Didi (China's version of Uber) rather than street taxis. The app has an English option and it's more reliable. Regular taxis are metered and mostly honest, but drivers don't speak English, so have your destination in Chinese characters ready or use a translation app to show them.
• Walking works within individual neighborhoods - Shekou, Coco Park, and OCT are all walkable areas. Between neighborhoods you'll want transport. Sidewalks are good, but summer heat makes walking more than 15-20 minutes pretty miserable. Street lighting is strong in developed areas.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, book a private car with a driver rather than driving yourself.

Explore Shenzhen with local guides and curated experiences.