Frequently Asked Questions

We are Your Local Bestie in Shanghai — and that's not a marketing line.

We've been foreigners ourselves. We studied in the UK, Poland, and Israel, and traveled across Europe. We know exactly what it feels like to land somewhere unfamiliar and need a friend who just knows — where to eat, how to pay, what to skip, what's actually worth your time.

What you get with us:

• 🏠 Private car + driver — no group bus, no fixed schedule
• 🗣 Real-time translation — menus, signs, conversations, all handled
• 🍜 Places locals actually go — not TripAdvisor's top 10
• 🎨 Your pace, your interests — spend an extra hour in that courtyard? Done. Skip the museum for a rooftop? We know three.
• 📶 Mobile Wi-Fi included — stay connected all day

You explore Shanghai. You don't manage it.

We offer one core service: a private full-day companion experience in Shanghai.

1. Before you land — Pre-Arrival Kit: After you book, we send you a pre-arrival guide (PDF + video) covering essential app downloads and setup (Alipay, DiDi, VPN).

2. On the day: Private car and driver plus your English-speaking local companion for 8 hours. We handle navigation, real-time menu translation, recommendations, and logistics. You set the pace.

3. Your itinerary: Choose from our curated City Sets or build your own from our à la carte list. Every plan bends around what you actually care about.

City Sets (8 hours):

• 5-Seat Car (up to 3 people): ¥2,600
• 7-Seat Car (up to 5 people): ¥3,000

Day Trips (8-10 hours):

• 5-Seat Car: ¥4,100
• 7-Seat Car: ¥4,500

Included in your price: Private car + driver, English-speaking local companion for 8 hours, mobile Wi-Fi device, real-time translation, and flexible itinerary planning. Our driver and companion meals are on us — we never ask you to cover them.

At your own expense: Attraction tickets, your meals, and personal shopping. Overtime, if you choose to extend, is ¥300 per extra hour.

Two steps — takes about 3 minutes:

Step 1 — Pay your $100 USD deposit via PayPal on our Book Now page. This secures your date.

Step 2 — Fill the booking form with your details and preferences. You'll need the Transaction ID from your PayPal receipt.

We'll email you within 24 hours to confirm. Your booking is only confirmed once you receive our confirmation email. The remaining balance is due at least 24 hours before your date (or on the day, if we agree in advance).

Browse Plan Your Day first if you want to explore our routes before booking.

We understand plans change. Here's how it works:

• 7+ days before your date — full refund of deposit
• 3–6 days before — 50% refund of deposit
• Less than 72 hours — deposit is non-refundable
• No-show — full deposit forfeited

If we need to cancel for any reason, you get a full refund within 7 business days. To cancel, just email us at shanghaiunlocked@gmail.com.

Date changes are free subject to availability — just let us know as soon as possible.

You choose your start time. The latest we can begin is 1:00 PM, so we wrap up by 9:00 PM at the latest — 8 hours total. Pickup is anywhere in central Shanghai (your hotel, a restaurant, a mall — whatever is easiest).

This is the number one concern for first-time visitors. Here's the truth:

Credit cards: Visa and Mastercard work at hotels and upscale restaurants, but about 70% of local spots — street food, neighborhood restaurants — only accept mobile QR code payment. Your card will be declined without warning.

The solution — Alipay:

• Download the Alipay International app.
• Link your Visa or Mastercard directly — no Chinese bank account required.
• Scan QR codes everywhere, just like locals.

Our pre-arrival instructional video walks you through the entire Alipay setup before you land.

Pay-on-behalf service: During our companion day, we can cover payments on your behalf wherever needed. All payments must be settled in full at the end of the day, calculated on the actual RMB total paid.

Having some cash (RMB) on hand is always convenient — for street food, small shops, or that random bao you'll definitely want to try. But most transactions in Shanghai are now cashless via Alipay or WeChat. We recommend setting up Alipay before your trip and carrying a small amount of cash as backup.

Yes. All payments are processed through PayPal — we never see or store your full card details. Your booking information (name, email, date, preferences) is used only to deliver your experience. We never sell, trade, or share your data with anyone. For full details, see our Privacy Policy.

Correct — Uber does not operate in China. Here is what works:

• DiDi Greater China — China's Uber. The international version accepts foreign cards and has a full English interface. Download and set up before your flight.
• Shanghai Metro — Excellent coverage and English signage. Pay directly via Alipay's built-in transit QR code.

⚠️ At airports: ignore anyone offering a ride. Use DiDi or the official taxi queue. Never get into an unmarked vehicle.

✅ On our companion days, all transport is handled — private car, driver, navigation.

• Apple Maps — iPhone users, you're in luck. Apple Maps works perfectly in China with live navigation and English labels. Download offline maps for Shanghai before you land.
• Amap (Gaode) — More accurate for local spots. Has a working English interface. Top recommendation for Android users.

⚠️ Do not rely on a VPN to use Google Maps. Google Maps uses outdated satellite data for China and is less accurate than local apps.

Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and all Google services are blocked in China.

During your companion day with us: we provide a mobile Wi-Fi device throughout the day at no extra charge.

For your independent time:

• eSIM (recommended) — Purchase a China Unicom Hong Kong eSIM before departure. Activates instantly and lets you use local apps without needing a VPN.
• VPN — Must be purchased and installed before you land. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Astrill are reliable options. VPNs sometimes disconnect, so do not rely on VPN for navigation or payments.

Important heads-up: WhatsApp is restricted in China and does not work reliably.

• iPhone users — FaceTime and iMessage work in China without a VPN. These are our preferred channels.
• Android users — Download Microsoft Teams before departure. It works reliably in China.
• WeChat — China's primary messaging app. We will share our WeChat ID in your booking confirmation.

📧 Email: shanghaiunlocked@gmail.com

For US Citizens: You generally need to apply in advance for a Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa). However, if you are transiting through Shanghai to a third country (not returning directly to the US), you may qualify for a 144-hour visa-free transit.

For UK / EU / Australia Citizens: China has significantly expanded visa-free access. As of 2026, citizens of most EU countries, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand can enter visa-free for 30 days.

⚠️ Visa policy changes frequently. Always check the latest information with the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country before booking travel.

Shanghai is one of the safest major cities in the world. There is almost no violent crime against tourists.

What to actually watch for:

• Tourist scams — "Tea ceremony" invitations or overpriced trinket shops near The Bund. Annoying but not dangerous. Ignore and walk away.
• Digital isolation — The real risk for most visitors is being unable to navigate, pay, or communicate in an emergency. This is exactly what our pre-arrival setup solves.

✅ Solo female travelers consistently rate Shanghai among their most comfortable solo destinations. Public spaces are well-lit, and the metro is busy and safe at all hours.