General Travel Tips
Cultural Tolerance
In general Shanghai is very opening to new foreign cultures. Some people will be nervous of foreign things and not want to engaged with you or even be suspicious of you, others will be very interested in you as a novelty, and others still as an individual or the lands you come from.
Cultural Shock
You may be shocked how modern and sophisticated people are in Shanghai.
Money
Called the People’s Money (RMB) or Yuen. Also electronic money is popular.
Electrical Systems
220V/50HZ; Older devices need a transformer and prong switch. Modern devices often have transformers built in and modern sockets are similar to western standard.
Measurement
Called Units of measurement (市制, ‘market system’).
1 meter = 1 米 (mǐ; meaning meter)
微米 (hū)= 1 µm
毫米 (li) = 1 mm
米 (chǐ) = 1 m
公里 (li) =1000m
Time Zones
1 Time Zone, Beijing Standard Time. No Daylight Savings Time.
Tipping
Unusual, Can be offensive. Some people tolerant and can accept, some employers will take away tips from employees.
Distance
Shanghai to – Irkeshtam Port (伊尔克什坦口岸) Western China: 5316km (~61 hour drive)
Shanghai to Tokyo, Japan: 2 hour flight.
Shanghai to Pyongyang, North Korea: 2 h 20 min flight
Shanghai to Seoul, South Korea: 1 h 35 min flight
Shanghai to Manila, Philippines: 3 h 35 min flight
Shanghai to Bangkok, Thailand: 3 h 50 min flight
Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: 4 h 15 min flight
Shanghai to New Delhi, India: 6 h 50 min flight
Shanghai to Vancouver, Canada: 9 h 55 min flight
Shanghai to Oban, New Zealand: 17 h 20 min+ (Multi-stop)
Shanghai to Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada: 18 h+ (Multi-stop)
Shanghai to Port Elizabeth, South Africa: 20 h 5 min+ (Multi-stop)
Shanghai to Cabo de Hornos, Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region, Chile: 1 d 11 h+ (Multi-stop)
Type of Travel
Business
There is lots of business opportunities in Shanghai.
Honeymoon
Shanghai can make for a romantic honeymoon destination.
Family
Shanghai has lots of family friendly destinations.
Retirement
Shanghai has opportunities for retirement and starting a semi-retired career, especially in teaching.
Historical Tours
Shanghai is filled with History, around every corner.
Spring Break style vacations
Free flow, 2 for 1, all you can drink, is available in Shanghai.
Sexual Vacations
Homosexuals or Hetrosexuals are safe in Shanghai. However Prostitution is illegal.
Shanghai has its own ‘Gaybourhood’ and yearly Pride events. Homosexuality is still a taboo topic, however there is no issue walking the street hand in hand (a common practice for locals anyways). Locals are often educated and well travelled and are more likely to exploit then to be exploited.
Naturalism/Naturism/Nudism
You are free to be a Naturalist inside your home, however if done outside, you will likely be thought to have a mental problem. There are some locations in China which offer more tolerance for this, such as the Russian area beaches of Sanya.
Housing
Hotels (five star to no star), Serviced Residences, Service Apartments, Bed & Breakfasts, Apartment Camping, Couch Surfing, love hotels, lots of housing options.
Transportationn
By Airplane
Lots of Airplane Options
By train
Lots of Train Options
By boat
Cruiseships come to Shanghai.
By road
Lots of Bus and Taxi Options.
Packing
Things to Take
– Passport with Visa
– Electronics (ie. phone)
– Travel Insurance
Medical Kit Options:
– Diarrhea Medicine
– Sunburn and sun protection
Traveling with medication
Have a letter from your doctor with you, make sure you follow the rules of the country you are going to.
Doing Recreational Drugs
Recreational Drugs are illegal in China. Don’t do drugs.
Smoking
Smoking is a part of culture which is slowly changing to become out of ‘fashion’. There are plenty of rules on where one can smoke. If unsure, ask and you will be provided information on it.
Sexual Assault
It is uncommon in Shanghai. Safe for any gender to walk the streets without fear of this happening.
Begging
Don’t give money to Beggars, no matter how aggressive they are. Shanghai offers excellent services for those citizens in need of assistance, such as homeless shelters and food bank services.
Pickpockets
Petty crime does happen, often in gangs/groups. They tend not to be aggressive if caught, just will run away.
Travel Activities
– Urban Hiking
– Indoor Skiing
– Argo-tourism
– Cycling
– Golf
– Recreational shooting
– Indoor Rock climbing
– Running
– Scuba diving
– Swimming
– Travel photography
– Wine tourism
– Urban exploration
See
– Archaeological sites
– Architecture
– Christian sites and events
– Judiast sites and events
– Muslim sites and events
– Old Towns