Shanghai Travel Checklist 2026: Alipay & eSIM Guide

While preparing for my trip to Shanghai,

"I heard Google doesn't work and credit cards aren't accepted?"

"What if I get lost over there,

or can't pay for anything?"

I'm sure you've worried about things like this at least once.

To be honest, this was my biggest concern

right up until the moment I boarded the plane.

"Is it really okay not to carry cash (Chinese Yuan)?"

I was incredibly anxious about it!

Especially since China, unlike many other countries,

revolves heavily around mobile payments

and their own unique digital ecosystem.

If you go there unprepared, you might find yourself

in some pretty frustrating and confusing situations.

But let me give you the bottom line first:

Alipay, Gaode Map (Amap), eSIM, and essential medicine.

As long as you prepare just these four things properly,

you'll have an incredibly smooth and comfortable trip to China.

Based on my own hands-on experience

exploring Shanghai,

I've put together a foolproof Shanghai packing and prep checklist

so that even first-timers can travel like a pro.

Alipay: Prep this even before your credit cards

The absolute first thing you need to set up for China

is your mobile payment method.

Alipay is practically mandatory

China has a nearly cashless economy,

where even tiny street food stalls prefer mobile scans over physical money.

Luckily, foreign travelers can easily link

their international credit cards to Alipay,

so I highly recommend getting this set up before you leave.

I downloaded Alipay and linked my card at home

before jetting off to Shanghai.

From local street-side dumpling shops to trendy cafes and massive shopping malls,

every single place I visited

accepted Alipay with zero issues.

I never had to pull out my physical wallet once—

as long as I had my phone, I could do absolutely everything.

The success of your Shanghai trip depends entirely on your internet connection.

That's why the absolute lifeline of a Shanghai trip

is having a fast, reliable internet connection.

Because even if you have Alipay installed

and your navigation maps downloaded,

they're completely useless without data.

The MVP of my Shanghai trip preparation

was, hands down, an eSIM.

China operates under a strict internet censorship system

known as the Great Firewall.

If you connect to local public Wi-Fi

or buy a standard Chinese SIM card,

the everyday apps we constantly rely on—like WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, and YouTube—

either won't work properly

or will be completely blocked.

Using a VPN is an option, but it can be a major hassle.

At first, I thought, "Hey, why not just download a VPN?"

But after reading some travel reviews, I changed my mind.

So many people mentioned

that connections kept dropping,

they had to constantly reconnect as they moved around,

and their internet speed crawled to a snail's pace.

Especially when you're trying to look up directions

or hail a ride on the spot,

stressing over whether your VPN is connected or not

sounded like an absolute nightmare.

My choice? The Holafly China eSIM

That's why I went with the roaming-based China eSIM from Holafly,

which comes with built-in VPN-bypass capabilities.

I registered it on my phone using a QR code before departing.

The moment I touched down at Shanghai Pudong Airport,

I simply switched my cellular line over,

and boom—I was connected to high-speed internet instantly without any extra setup.

Looking back, this eSIM was truly

one of the absolute best things

I prepared for my Shanghai trip.

Not only did it keep my must-have travel apps—like Alipay, Gaode Map, and DiDi—running smoothly,

but it also allowed me to stay connected in every other way.

Sending photos via messaging apps,

searching on Google,

sharing updates on Instagram, and streaming YouTube videos—

everything worked flawlessly without a single hitch.

The data speed was super fast,

so I could stream YouTube seamlessly at the hotel,

and easily look up directions on the go in real time.

Best of all, not having to constantly toggle a VPN on and off

was the absolute best part of using Holafly's eSIM.

Why eSIM is Just Way More Convenient

If your phone supports eSIM,

I highly recommend going with an eSIM over a physical SIM card.

First off, you don't have to swap out physical SIM cards,

which means zero risk of losing your original SIM.

Plus, since your home number stays active,

you can still receive credit card verification texts and important calls.

Honestly, I think this is the very first thing

you should secure when prepping for a trip to Shanghai!

🔻Get 5% off and prep your China eSIM now!🔻

My choice? The Holafly China eSIM

Forget Google Maps—Get Gaode Map (Amap) Ready!

In China,

Google Maps is often highly inaccurate.

That's why it's best to download Gaode Map (Amap),

which is the go-to navigation app for locals.

I was super worried at first because the interface is entirely in Chinese,

but because the icons for subway, walking, and bus are so intuitive,

I didn't have much trouble getting around at all.

Also, a quick pro-tip before you fly out:

bookmark your hotel and main attractions like the Bund and Yu Garden

as favorites in advance.

It makes navigating on the go infinitely easier!

Over-the-Counter Meds: More Essential Than You Think

When traveling in China,

the food and water can sometimes throw your stomach for a loop.

Especially if you have a sensitive stomach,

I highly recommend packing a basic first-aid kit.

Check Your Cold Medicine Ingredients

Some common over-the-counter cold medicines

contain Pseudoephedrine.

This ingredient is strictly banned from entering China,

so you must absolutely not bring it with you.

That’s why before your trip,

it’s wise to consult with a pharmacist

to prep safe alternative medicines.

My personal stash of travel meds included

digestive aids, pain relievers/fever reducers, and bug bite cream.

And to prepare for all the rich, oily food,

I also made sure to pack anti-diarrheal pills

and powdered electrolyte drinks.

☑️ Alipay: You must link your cards before departure

☑️ Gaode Map: Pre-save your hotel and top attractions

☑️ The core of China travel: A stable, reliable internet connection

☑️ Want a smoother experience than VPNs? Prep an eSIM in advance

☑️ For sensitive stomachs: Don't forget digestive aids and anti-diarrheals

Now that I'm back from Shanghai,

the #1 thing I'm incredibly glad

I set up beforehand is my eSIM.

As long as you have a stable internet connection,

payments, navigation, translations, and hailing rides are all a breeze.

It literally solves everything.

So, if you’re heading to Shanghai for the first time,

I cannot recommend securing your eSIM enough

as your absolute top priority!

​My choice? The Holafly China eSIM