Shanghai is China's largest city and a global financial hub, where gleaming skyscrapers tower over historic colonial-era buildings along the iconic Bund waterfront. A dynamic metropolis blending East and West, Shanghai offers world-class dining, vibrant arts and culture, and remarkable contrasts between ancient gardens and futuristic architecture.
Shanghai is consistently ranked among the world's safest major cities with extremely low rates of violent crime against tourists. The primary concerns for visitors are petty theft in crowded tourist areas, tourist-targeted scams, and navigating digital restrictions.
Current safety advisory
Low
The US State Department rates China overall at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, primarily due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws (including exit bans) and the risk of wrongful detention of US citizens. Shanghai itself has very low crime levels and is safe for typical tourist activities.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Be aware that Chinese authorities have detained foreigners for activities considered normal in other countries.
High Degree of Caution
Exercise a high degree of caution due to the risk of arbitrary detention and enforcement of local laws.
FCDO Travel Advice
Broadly normal precautions advised; be aware of laws around social media use and political commentary.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Only use official licensed taxis (Dazhong blue taxis or Qiangsheng yellow taxis) or the DiDi app — unlicensed drivers at airports and train stations frequently overcharge tourists
Keep your passport with you at all times — hotels require it for check-in, and police may request ID
Install and activate a VPN before arriving in China — accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Gmail requires a VPN; purchasing one inside China is difficult
Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay before relying on cash — many Shanghai street stalls and small restaurants no longer accept cash
Be cautious with your belongings in crowded areas: Nanjing Road, Yu Garden Bazaar, metro platforms, and the Bund attract pickpockets targeting tourists
Register at your country's embassy or consulate upon arrival if staying for an extended period
Avoid discussing politically sensitive topics (Tibet, Taiwan, Tiananmen Square, Xinjiang) in public — these conversations can attract unwanted attention
Be aware that many apps and websites are blocked in China (Google Maps, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) — download Chinese alternatives like Baidu Maps and WeChat before or on arrival
Be wary of 'tea ceremony' invitations from friendly strangers — this is a well-known tourist scam ending in highly inflated bills at private tea houses
Art gallery scams: avoid being persuaded by strangers to visit 'student art exhibitions' that pressure you to buy overpriced art
Counterfeit currency still circulates — check ¥100 notes for security strip and watermark when receiving change
Emergency services (police 110, ambulance 120, fire 119) speak Chinese only — hotels and tourist police stations can assist with translation
Air quality in Shanghai varies — check daily AQI (Air Quality Index) on apps; on high-pollution days, wear an N95 mask, available at all pharmacies
Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Shanghai — use bottled water or boil first
Crossing roads requires caution — traffic signals are observed inconsistently by cyclists and e-bikes; electric scooters often run red lights silently
Keep copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance documents in a separate location or cloud storage
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Tea Ceremony Scam
Friendly locals (often attractive young women) approach tourists near attractions and invite them for 'traditional tea' at a nearby tea house. The bill arrives at ¥500-2000 for tea that should cost ¥20.
How to avoid: Politely decline invitations to follow strangers to any establishment; if interested in tea, go independently to established tea houses
Art Exhibition Scam
Apparent students invite tourists to their 'art exhibition' where high-pressure sales tactics push overpriced, low-quality artworks.
How to avoid: Decline all unsolicited invitations to private venues; legitimate exhibitions don't require street recruitment
Unlicensed Taxi / Black Car
Unofficial taxi drivers approach tourists at Pudong Airport, train stations, and tourist sites, charging 3-10x the normal rate with no meter.
How to avoid: Only use metered official taxis (queue at the designated taxi stand), or book via DiDi app which shows price upfront
Friendship Scam
Seemingly random locals practice English, invite travelers for a meal, then disappear after the bill arrives leaving the tourist to pay an inflated total.
How to avoid: Be wary of overly friendly strangers near tourist sites; establish price agreements before any purchase or meal
Counterfeit Goods Overpricing
Street vendors and market sellers aggressively overcharge tourists for counterfeit or low-quality goods, starting at 10x the fair price.
How to avoid: Never pay more than 10-20% of the initial asking price; feel free to walk away
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No specific vaccinations required for Shanghai. Recommended: routine vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid especially if eating street food), Hepatitis B for longer stays. Consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
- Water
- Tap water is NOT safe to drink — boil or use bottled water. Hotels provide bottled water. Ice in upscale hotels and restaurants is generally from filtered water.
- Food
- Street food is generally safe at busy, established vendors — the turnover ensures fresh cooking. Avoid raw shellfish from unestablished sources. Cooked hot food is safer than raw.
- Facilities
- Shanghai has world-class private hospitals with English-speaking doctors: Shanghai United Family Hospital (+86 21 2216 3900), Parkway Health (+86 21 6445 5999), and Huashan Hospital International Medical Center (+86 21 5288 9999). Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Shanghai is one of the best cities in Asia for solo travel — extremely safe, well-connected, easy to navigate in English, and welcoming to solo travelers of all ages. Hostels in the French Concession and Bund area have active social scenes for meeting other travelers. Solo female travelers report feeling very safe throughout the city. Use standard precautions late at night in any district.
Female travellers
Shanghai is considered very safe for solo female travelers by Asian standards. Public transport is safe at all hours, and violent crime against women is rare. Harassment is uncommon compared to many major cities globally. Standard precautions: walk in well-lit areas at night, use official taxis or DiDi, and let someone know your plans.
Families
Shanghai is an excellent family destination — child-friendly, hygienic in tourist areas, and highly amenity-rich. Medical facilities are world-class. Air quality can occasionally be poor (check AQI daily); carry N95 masks for children on bad air days. Shanghai Disneyland, Century Park, and the Science Museum are all family-safe venues.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in China but not officially recognized. Shanghai has the most visible LGBTQ+ scene in mainland China, centered around the French Concession, with Pride events and gay-friendly bars. Public displays of affection are best kept minimal. Discrimination and violence are rare in the city but same-sex couples should be mindful in rural or more conservative areas.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 110
- Medical
- 120
- Fire
- 119
- Embassy
- Check your country's embassy website for Shanghai contact numbers; US Consulate: +86 21 8011 2200
- Tourist Police
- Shanghai Tourist Police: 962020 (handles tourist complaints and emergencies in English)