Shanghai Travel Money Guide

Shanghai is China's most polished showcase city: neon skyline, trendy cafés and a metro that goes almost everywhere. It is also pricier than inland cities, especially around the Bund and former French Concession. The payment story is similar to Beijing's, but Shanghai has put particular effort into making public transport work for foreign visitors.

How much cash to bring to Shanghai

A rough daily budget for a comfortable mid-range trip:

• Food — ¥150–400/day (xiaolongbao and noodles are cheap; a skyline restaurant is not)
• Local transport — ¥30–80/day on the metro, with the odd taxi or ride-hailing trip
• Attractions & nightlife — ¥150–400/day (observation decks, river cruise, rooftop bars)

Paying your way around Shanghai

• Set up a mobile wallet first — link a foreign Visa or Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat Pay and complete the passport check before you travel.
• Use the official transit QR code — Shanghai has opened its metro, buses and ferries to foreign bank cards through the Shanghai Public Transport QR code, which you can reach inside Alipay or WeChat. Scan at the gate in and out.
• Taxis and ride-hailing — most drivers prefer app payment, but a few still want cash. Have small notes in case.
• Cards at hotels and malls — international hotels and big shopping centres usually take cards, but the safest plan is to treat the phone as your main wallet.

Neighbourhood cash notes

• The Bund & Nanjing Road — malls and restaurants are smooth for cards and apps; street food and souvenir vendors prefer QR codes.
• Xintiandi and the former French Concession — cafés and boutiques are card- and app-friendly, with prices to match.
• Yu Garden & the old town — souvenir stalls, snack shops and tea stalls are packed with QR codes and a few cash-only sellers.
• Pudong (Lujiazui) — observation decks and malls accept cards; budget for ticket prices, which can be steep.

A couple of Shanghai habits

• Order from the QR code at the table — many restaurants have you scan to order and pay in one go. If the QR doesn't accept your wallet, ask staff politely for help.
• Beware of "free" tea ceremonies and art students — a classic tourist scam near the Bund and People's Square starts with a friendly chat. Politely say no and keep walking.