Is Shanghai safe for tourists?
Yes for typical tourist areas. Keep phones and bags secure on metro and in crowded night spots; use licensed taxis or Didi.
Do I need a visa to visit Shanghai?
Depends on your passport. Check ChinaPie Plan & Prep → Visa for 30-day visa-free and 240-hour transit options before booking.
Can I use Alipay in Shanghai?
Yes—foreigners can set up Alipay with passport + international card. See /prep/alipay-setup for the step-by-step guide.
How many days do I need in Shanghai?
2 full days is enough for the highlights (Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession, one museum). 3 days lets you add a day trip (Suzhou or Hangzhou) and a beauty/nightlife experience.
Is Shanghai expensive for travelers?
Mid-range: $50–80/day excluding hotel. Budget: $30/day with street food and metro. Luxury: $150+/day. Hotels range $40 (budget) to $200+ (international chains).
Which countries are visa-free for China in 2026?
China offers unilateral visa-free entry to 40+ countries including France, Germany, UK, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Austria, Ireland, Portugal, Greece, and more. Stay: up to 30 days. IMPORTANT: US passport holders are NOT on the unilateral visa-free list and need a visa. Check latest list at China Immigration official site before travel.
Do US citizens need a visa for China?
Yes. US passport holders need a visa to enter mainland China. The 10-year multiple-entry tourist visa (L visa) is common: $185 fee, processing 3-5 business days. You can also use the 240-hour transit visa-free if transiting to a third country. Apply at Chinese embassy/consulate or via authorized visa agencies. Many travel blogs incorrectly say US is visa-free — this is false.
Can I use my foreign credit card in China?
Major hotels, international restaurants, and large malls accept Visa/Mastercard. But most small shops, street food, taxis, and local experiences only accept Alipay or WeChat Pay. Link your foreign card to Alipay (Tour Card) for daily use. Carry some cash (¥500-1000) as backup.
