Money is one of the easiest things to get right in Shanghai — and one of the easiest to quietly overpay on. Here's how to pay smart in Shanghai, China: the currency, cards versus cash, what to budget, transport payments and tipping, with the local specifics just an in-app question away.
The currency & how to pay
Chinese yuan (CNY/RMB) — many places accept mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay) so carry some cash or set up a payment method that works for foreigners. In short, lead with a card that charges no foreign transaction fees for most spending — it gives you the best exchange rate and the most protection — and keep a little local cash for markets, tips and the small places cards don't reach. Whether you're at a shop terminal or an ATM in Shanghai, always choose to be charged in the local currency, never your home currency: the 'home currency' option builds in a markup that's almost always worse than your card's own rate.
- Lead with a no-foreign-transaction-fee card for most spending
- Carry some local cash for markets, tips and small vendors
- Always pay in the local currency in Shanghai, never your home currency
What things cost in Shanghai
As a rough guide, plan around $60–200 daily (budget to mid-range, excluding luxury hotels) in Shanghai — adjust up for boutique hotels and fine dining, down for hostels, street food and free sights. Set a daily number before you go and track it loosely so a few splurges don't quietly blow the budget. Many of the best experiences here — wandering neighborhoods, markets and viewpoints — cost little or nothing.
- Budget guide: $60–200 daily (budget to mid-range, excluding luxury hotels)
- Set a daily spend for Shanghai and track it loosely
- Mix paid highlights with free walks, markets and viewpoints
Getting around & paying for transport
Shanghai has an extensive, affordable metro system (lines in English and signs in pinyin) plus taxis and ride-hailing apps like DiDi; expect some traffic at peak times. For short distances, walking along the Bund or renting a shared bike are convenient. Wherever you can, use the official transport payment method — a transit card, pass or contactless tap — rather than paying a premium in cash, and agree fares or use a meter or a rideshare app for taxis to avoid being overcharged.
- Use the official transit card, pass or contactless tap
- Agree the fare or use a meter / rideshare app for taxis
- Keep small change for short rides and tickets
Tipping in Shanghai
Tipping customs vary a lot between countries, so it's worth knowing the local norm in China before you arrive rather than assuming your home habit. As a sensible default, round up or leave a small token for good service where tipping is customary, and never feel pressured where it isn't. For the exact, up-to-date tipping etiquette in Shanghai — restaurants, taxis, hotels and guides — just ask Mike in the app.
- Learn the local tipping norm for China before you go
- Round up for good service where tipping is customary
- Ask Mike for the exact tipping etiquette in Shanghai
Money-smart in Shanghai
A few habits keep more money in your pocket in Shanghai: withdraw cash from bank ATMs (not airport or tourist-strip exchange kiosks, which have the worst rates), take out larger amounts less often, decline any machine's offer to 'convert' to your home currency, and keep a backup card stored separately in case one is lost or blocked.
- Use bank ATMs, not airport exchange kiosks
- Decline 'home currency' conversion at every ATM and till
- Carry a backup card stored separately from your main wallet
