Packing for Shanghai

OverviewWhat to WearWhat to BringDon't Forget VPNAdd e-SIM or Portable Wi-Fi

Overview

When traveling to Shanghai, it’s essential to pack smartly and plan for comfort and convenience.

Key items include your passport, visa, cash, and local apps like Alipay and WeChat for cashless payments.

Shanghai’s climate varies by season, so pack accordingly: light layers for spring and autumn, cool clothes for summer, and warm layers for winter.

Bring a camera for memorable moments, and pack a power bank, adapters, and basic medicines. Sun protection and rain gear are helpful for hot summers and rainy months. With a few essentials and some prep, you’ll be ready to explore Shanghai hassle-free!

Services Process Section

What to Bring

Identification

  • Bring your original passport and Chinese visa, and keep digital or printed copies as backups. Pack bank cards and some cash in advance; although ATMs are widely available, it’s helpful to have local currency on hand.

Gears

  • Carry a camera, tripod, extra batteries, and memory cards. Also, bring a power bank, voltage converter, and mobile with international roaming enabled. Note: drones are often restricted.

Travel Essentials

  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, an umbrella, and raincoat in the rainy season (July-August). Pack a small medical kit for headaches, stomach issues, insect bites, and altitude sickness if trekking. Download helpful apps like Alipay, WeChat, and a translation app for ease during your visit.
Services Process Section

Don't Forget VPN

When traveling to China, a VPN is essential for accessing blocked websites and maintaining privacy, as the government heavily restricts internet access. A VPN helps bypass the Great Firewall, letting users reach platforms like YouTube and Gmail, while encrypting web traffic to keep it private from government monitoring.

However, using a VPN in China can be challenging due to aggressive detection methods that block VPN services and their websites. Only a few VPNs reliably work in China, and even they may face occasional downtime. For reliable service, it’s recommended to have a backup VPN, as well as to research effective VPNs in advance.

Surfshark VPN is a top choice for travelers to Shanghai due to its robust privacy features and tools that make it easier to bypass local restrictions. With over 3,200 servers worldwide and advanced encryption, Surfshark allows smooth access to global websites and services often blocked in China.

With a 30-day money-back guarantee, Surfshark provides excellent privacy and adaptability features for Shanghai, making it easier to browse freely, access social media, and communicate with friends and family.

‍

All features for €2.30/mo Get Surfshark