Pre-departure Information
Climate
Shanghai’s climate in March is moderately cool, with early spring temperatures averaging from 4°C to 13°C. For more in-depth information, please check the BBC Weather Guide for Shanghai.
Food & Entertainment
Shanghainese food is among the sweetest in China, and signature local dishes often have seafood at their core. For the sugar-conscious or seafood-averse, there are myriad restaurants from across China to choose from. As a bustling international city, Shanghai also plays host to a vast selection of restaurants serving cuisines from across the world.
This same level of diversity holds true for Shanghai’s famous nightlife. More information is available at SmartShanghai and CNNGo.
More useful links
Money
The Chinese currency (Chinese Yuan/CNY, or Renmimbi/RMB) is not a freely convertible world currency. The likelihood of receiving a favourable exchange rate – or even the possibility of obtaining RMB at all – is low in your home country.
For those flying into Shanghai, both Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport provide money exchange facilities.
For those flying into Hong Kong, and then proceeding into Shanghai by train or other means, we recommend exchanging money in Hong Kong, where the RMB is available for exchange and process barriers are lower.
We also recommend that you bring several forms of money to China:
- Debit Card (Plus- or Cirrus-enabled cards can be used to withdraw cash at ATMs, with a fee)
- Cash for exchange
- Credit card: Visa or MasterCard
Cash tends to be King in China.
More information on money issues from travel guide publisher Frommers:
Currency exchange in China is legal only if conducted at hotels, banks, and stores, at the official rate is set by the central government through the Bank of China. This rate is the same at all nationwide outlets, saving travelers the hassle and stress of having to find the best rate. Besides the airport, you can change money at hotel bank desks and at larger branches of the Bank of China. Hotel desks have the convenience of being open long hours 7 days a week, but their services are usually restricted to guests. You’ll have to provide your passport for any kind of currency exchange. Keep all receipts when you change money; you will need them should you wish to reconvert any excess ¥RMB into your home currency. Reject any attempts by private individuals or shops to change money at rates different from the official rate: Not only is this illegal, you may well end up with fake bills. Avoid especially the black-market money-changers who congregate outside branches of the Bank of China that are popular with tourists, such as the one on the Bund, and the one north of the JC Mandarin Hotel.
You may also wish to consult the current RMB exchange rates.
Telecommunications
We recommend obtaining a local mobile number upon your arrival in China, to facilitate easy contact with your personal assistant and new contacts made during your trip. China Mobile and China Unicom, the country’s largest mobile telecommunication carriers, offer prepaid SIM cards that are sold at various locations. We, or your personal assistant, will be able to help you obtain a local SIM card upon your arrival. These cards are inexpensive, convenient to obtain and require no contract.
Transport
Shanghai is served by world class public transport, featuring an extensive metro rail and bus network, and inexpensive taxis. You will most likely use the metro rail or taxi services. If you wish to hire a car and driver during business hours, let us know.
Taxi
Taxis are abundant in Shanghai. A typical trip attracts a flagfall of RMB 12 (RMB 16 after 11pm), which includes the first 3km of travel. Each additional kilometre costs RMB 2.40. A typical fare for intra-city travel ranges between RMB 12 and RMB 30. The light-blue, green, yellow and white taxis have the best reputation, and are run by large organisations.
Metro rail
Shanghai has one of the most rapidly expanding metro rail networks in the world. It is clean, efficient and has a high frequency of services. The average price for a single trip by metro rail is RMB 3 to RMB 5. More information is available at the Wikipedia page for the Shanghai Metro.
Shanghai Transportation Card (30 RMB deposit, refundable upon return)
This stored value RFID card can be used on trains, buses, taxis and at certain partner stores around the city. They can be topped up at metro stations, and are the most convenient way to pay for transport around Shanghai. Your personal assistant can help you to obtain one upon your arrival.
Insurance
As part of the terms and conditions for the program, please ensure that you have purchased travel insurance (including comprehensive medical coverage) prior to your departure from home. You may also wish to review the prices of WorldNomads, an online insurance provider. Be aware of the excess payable on any claims, and make sure that the coverage includes travel to China.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 110
- Fire: 119
- Ambulance: 120
Hospital and other emergency information will be provided upon your arrival in Shanghai.
