Shanghai Diaries – All You Need Before You Arrive: The Bare Essentials
Before exploring Shanghai’s skyline, there are a few practical essentials every traveller should know. Here’s a firsthand guide to getting there, getting around and settling into the Blue Lotus Land.
First Impressions
The travelers’ sketchy impression of Shanghai skyline.
Shanghai – The Land of Blue Lotus
Shanghai.
The land of Blue Lotus.
The attraction of Shanghai seemed too irresistible.
The Blue Lotus Land.
The Shanghai Nanjing Railway.
The call of the true Orient.
The opium trade.
All sucked Burst Abdomen within the city.
Getting a Chinese Visa
To visit China from India—
One needs a visa.
How to Apply and Obtain a Chinese Visa
Thanks to the super efficient Chinese bureaucracy, getting a visa is not too strenuous (provided paperwork is in order).
The application process is online.
(Insert official visa application link here.)
Keep an Eye on Chinese Holidays
The only catch—
One has to keep a watch on Chinese holidays.
1st October is Chinese National Day and the Embassy and Visa Office shut shop from 1st to 8th October.
There’s a rush on the day the centre reopens and the Embassy officials are inundated with applications.
The other period to look out for is during Chinese New Year.
All resources are up to date till the date of publication of this blog.
Documents Required
Tourists need to give proof of:
- Return air tickets
- Hotel bookings
- Adequate funds
There is a facility for Express Application.
The queue for Express applications starts early.
Application Centre
Once the application form is submitted online, a printout is required.
It needs to be submitted at the application centre with the requisite documents.
No prior appointment is necessary.
Queuing up early is recommended.
Application fee is accepted in cash or bank draft.
So go prepared.
For some strange reason—
A copy of the Aadhaar card is required for applying for the visa.
VFS Delhi
VFS manages the visa process.
Contrary to popular assumption, the office at Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Delhi stretches itself to the maximum.
They are often open beyond official closing hours and try to deliver visas on time.
Flying to Shanghai
Direct flights have started as of now—
Though Hong Kong provides a convenient stopover.
Labubu welcomes everyone at the Hong Kong airport.
International flights land at Pudong International Airport, Shanghai.
Currency
Currency conversion is available at the airport.
Though Shanghai city-based conversion counters offer a better rate.
Airport to City
Travelling from the airport to the city is a breeze.
Signs are in English and Chinese.
People are always there to help.
Maglev covers 30 km in 8 minutes at a higher price point.
Pocket-conscious travellers can choose Metro Line 2.
Carry Your Passport
One thing to remember—
Carry your passport wherever you go.
You need a passport for things money can buy.
This includes:
- Train tickets
- Entry tickets
- Random tickets
Mobile Apps
Much has been stated in travel guides and vlogs about the necessity of Alipay or WeChat.
Indian-built mobiles do not support these apps.
Didi works.
And is a lifesaver for hailing cabs.
Cash or Card?
The taxis with signs on them accept cash or card (at a premium).
Cash is accepted in most places which do not accept cards.
Also remember to activate international transactions in your debit or credit card before leaving.
Language
Google Translate is a lifesaver in Shanghai.
VPN
Much is discussed about VPNs in China.
It’s required for the WhatsApp and Gmail dependent public.
If one can remain blissfully ignorant of WhatsApp, Gmail and Google—
Life is a breeze.
Chinese map apps are often better.
More precise.
Accommodation
Airbnb is non-existent as of now.
The options for hotels are aplenty.
They suit every budget.
Ready to Explore
Thus, armed with a visa and a functioning mobile—
One starts exploring the Blue Lotus Land.
The Lure of Happy Times…
Stay Tuned
Stay tuned for a curated experience of the global city.
