✅ 7 Essential Items to Prepare Before Traveling to Shanghai

Get Ready Before You Fly.

Travel Smoothly, No Hassles ✈️

For anyone planning their first trip to Shanghai, it can feel confusing figuring out what to prepare.

Today, Itim has put together 7 essential checklists to help you get ready before your trip.

1. Download Essential Apps

Make sure to install these apps before traveling:

- Alipay (支付宝) / WeChat (微信) – For cashless payments, ordering food, and booking Didi rides

- Amap (高德地图) – More accurate than Google Maps in China

- Metro Shanghai (上海地铁) – Shanghai subway routes and navigation

- Translation apps such as Google Translate or Baidu Translate

💡 Download, link your credit card, and learn the basic functions before departure.

2. Travel insurance

Accidents, illness, or lost luggage can happen anytime. Travel insurance helps cover medical expenses, delays, and lost belongings.

Choose a plan that includes medical coverage, flight delays, and baggage protection.

3. Important documents & travel information

Having complete documents makes immigration smoother. Prepare:

- Flight booking details

- Accommodation information

- A passport with at least 6 months validity remaining

❗ Some accommodations in China do not accept foreign guests, check carefully before booking.

4. Internet package or VPN

Using a Chinese SIM or local Wi-Fi means Google, Gmail, Facebook, LINE, and Instagram won’t work.

Recommended options:

- Roaming packages (e.g. Sim2Fly (Thailand) – easy to activate)

- International eSIMs such as Airalo or Nomad

If using Chinese internet, install a VPN before traveling

💡 VPN apps cannot be downloaded once you’re already in China.

5. Check the weather & pack accordingly

Shanghai has four seasons:

- Spring (Mar–May) ☘️ 10–20°C — Cool and pleasant, cherry blossoms bloom

- Summer (Jun–Aug) ☀️ 25–35°C — Hot, humid, occasional rain

- Autumn (Sep–Nov) 🍁 15–25°C — Cool and comfortable, autumn foliage

- Winter (Dec–Feb) ⛄ 0–10°C — Very cold with strong winds

💡 Winter is extremely cold—bring a down jacket, gloves, scarf, or heat packs.

6. Basic & personal medications

Most medicines in China have Chinese-only labels, and some are hard to find.

Bring your own essentials such as:

- Pain relievers, fever reducers

- Allergy medicine, anti-diarrhea medicine

- Motion sickness pills, inhalers, balm

💡 English labels are recommended in case of airport checks.

7. Other personal items

- Face mask – Smoking is still common in public areas

- Comfortable shoes – Expect a lot of walking; some places don’t allow cars to drop you at the entrance

- Wet wipes / hand sanitizer – Some restrooms may not have soap or bidet.

💡 Most items can be purchased at convenience stores if needed.

That’s it for the 7 must-prepare checklists before traveling to Shanghai.

If you have extra tips or recommendations, feel free to comment below 🥺⬇️