Q: <strong>Will the hotel staff speak English?</strong>

I’ll give you the realistic answer . Even though many people in China start learning English at a young age, finding someone truly fluent is still pretty hit-or-miss . You’ll usually find English-speaking staff at big international chains, but even then, it’s not a guarantee that someone will be available at the desk at all times. My best tip is to have a translation tool ready . If you’ve got a VPN, Google Translate works fine, but the translation feature built directly into WeChat is actually better, as it’s stable and can even scan and translate Chinese text on the fly .

Q: <strong>Cashless in Shanghai: Getting Your Payments Ready</strong>

Shanghai is essentially a cashless city . Almost everything, from a bottle of water at a convenience store to a high-end dinner, is paid for through Alipay or WeChat Pay . The great news is that it’s now incredibly easy for international travelers to link their own credit cards (Visa or Mastercard) directly to Alipay , and it works almost everywhere. That said, I’d still suggest keeping a small amount of emergency cash in your wallet, just in case of a random technical glitch or if you run into an old-school taxi driver who prefers paper money.

Question 1

Will I be turned away at check-in as a foreigner?

Accepted Answer

This is often a concern for many travelers before they arrive, but it’s not anything to worry about. In the past, hotels actually needed a specific license to host international guests, which was a bureaucratic mess and quite expensive, so some places did turn foreigners away. That’s no longer the case, so if you can book on a legitimate platform like Trip.com and receive a confirmation, you are safe to check in.

Question 2

Are hotels in Shanghai pet-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but with caveats. There are quite a few hotels now that welcome cats and dogs, but you definitely want to confirm this ahead of time. Don’t assume a place allows pets just because it looks new or modern. The easiest trick is to use the "pet-friendly" filter when searching on Trip.com, which makes the information very clear. Nonetheless, always double-check a hotel’s specific rules and see if there are any extra cleaning fees involved.

Question 3

Will the hotel staff speak English?

Accepted Answer

I’ll give you the realistic answer. Even though many people in China start learning English at a young age, finding someone truly fluent is still pretty hit-or-miss. You’ll usually find English-speaking staff at big international chains, but even then, it’s not a guarantee that someone will be available at the desk at all times. My best tip is to have a translation tool ready. If you’ve got a VPN, Google Translate works fine, but the translation feature built directly into WeChat is actually better, as it’s stable and can even scan andtranslate Chinese text on the fly.

Question 4

Is Shanghai safe? Can I go out at night?

Accepted Answer

In terms of day-to-day safety, Shanghai is incredibly safe. You don’t need to fear walking around at night, riding the metro, or catching a cab. That being said, avoid discussing sensitive topics online—things like the government, national leaders, Taiwan, or Xinjiang. These are high-priority issues in China, and if you post about them, it could be flagged, or worst case, the police checking in on you. As long as you’re just here for a normal vacation and don't have a hidden agenda, you have nothing to be nervous about.

Read More: Is Shanghai Safe for Tourists?

Question 5

When are hotel prices the highest? What dates should I avoid?

Accepted Answer

Shanghai hotel rates spike during public holidays and big trade shows. You’ll also find that train tickets sell out quickly during these times.

If your schedule is flexible, I’d really try to steer clear of China’s major national holidays, like Chinese New Year or the Golden Week around National Day in October. If you do have to visit during these peaks, make sure to book your stay as early as possible.

Question 6

Do I really need to stay at a hotel near a metro station?

Accepted Answer

I strongly recommend it. While taking a cab in Shanghai isn't expensive, the metro just makes getting around so much simpler. Staying within walking distance of a station, even if you aren't in the center of town, makes your experience more relaxed, especially if it’s your first time and you’re still figuring out the city’s layout.

Question 7

Should I set up a VPN before I arrive?

Accepted Answer

If you’re planning on using Google, Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, or other sites, you 100% need to have your VPN downloaded and configured before you touch down in China. Do not wait until you’re actually there to try and download it, because you won’t be able to access VPN websites or most international app stores once you’re behind the "great firewall."

Pro-tip: some of the big-name global brands like NordVPN or ExpressVPN can be unstable in China, and sometimes they won't work at all. From what I’ve seen, LetsVPN is much more reliable. It’s the go-to for a lot of locals and expats living here.

Read More: How to Access Google, YouTube, and Gmail in China?

Question 8

Is it easy to get online in Shanghai? What should I prepare?

Accepted Answer

Getting your internet situation sorted before you head out will save you a headache once you arrive. I personally recommend picking up an international SIM or eSIM from a brand like Airalo before you leave.

In my experience, Airalo is very stable, and with an international eSIM, you often don’t even need a separate VPN to access your favorite sites and apps, which is a plus for shorter trips.

Question 9

Cashless in Shanghai: Getting Your Payments Ready

Accepted Answer

Shanghai is essentially a cashless city. Almost everything, from a bottle of water at a convenience store to a high-end dinner, is paid for through Alipay or WeChat Pay.

The great news is that it’s now incredibly easy for international travelers to link their own credit cards (Visa or Mastercard) directly to Alipay, and it works almost everywhere.

That said, I’d still suggest keeping a small amount of emergency cash in your wallet, just in case of a random technical glitch or if you run into an old-school taxi driver who prefers paper money.

Where to Stay In

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Public Transport in China – Guide to Metro, Bus and How to Pay (2026)

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