Transportation and Payment in China: what actually matters to know
From real experience
serviceIn Shanghai, payment options include Chinese Yuan (cash), RosSelkhoz UnionPay cards, and the Nihao app linked to RSK Bank cards.
The Maglev train from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road costs 50 Yuan (discounted to 40 Yuan with a flight boarding pass). Metro rides are around 4 Yuan. Street food prices are reasonable, with items like skewered octopus costing 35 Yuan and mangoes 25 Yuan. Souvenirs range from 39 Yuan for small items like a waving cat or hair clip.
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riskTravelers in China often fail to use ride-hailing apps like DiDi because their digital wallets (Alipay/WeChat) are not pre-funded or linked.
Users should verify card compatibility (UnionPay from specific Russian banks like RSX or ATB) or use authorized P2P top-up services before arrival to avoid inflated cash prices for transport.
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ruleForeign passports without NFC chips are fully acceptable for Chinese train travel.
While automated gates may have difficulty scanning non-chip passports, station staff are always available at specific turnstiles to verify travel documents manually and grant access.
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tipTrip.com may assign seats in different carriages during peak seasons if availability is low.
To fix this, visit a station ticket office with your passport; staff can often swap seats for adjacent ones. Passengers are generally willing to exchange seats on board if asked politely.
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how-toTo reach Tianshan Tea City from Shanghai airport, take the Maglev train to Longyang Road station, then transfer to Metro Line 3 or 4 to Yishan Road or Zhongshan West Road.