1. Obtain your Visa to China
Expect emails from the university regarding visa preparation. At NYU Shanghai, the Student Mobility team would be your important contact to consult visa related matter (shanghai.student-mobility@nyu.edu).
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end of your study period.
2. Install VPN on computer and phone prior arrival: you need VPN to access Google in China
Refer to this page and download the Cisco AnyConnect APP on your computer and phone.
When setting up, type the “server address” as: vpn.shanghai.nyu.edu. Input your NetID as your "username", your password, and "push" as the "Second Password".
Need help? Submit a request on support.nyu.edu, or email to shanghai.it.help@nyu.edu, or call NYU Shanghai IT +86 021 20595555 (24-hour in service).
3. Prepare for Cashless Payment in China: China’s currency is called “yuan”, “CNY” or “RMB”. You can find the latest exchange rate here.
To get prepared for the cashless society, the first step is to bring an unlocked phone that is compatible with physical SIM cards. ESIM is not popular in China as of today. The access will be very limited.
Read this Guide-to-Payment-Services-in-China to learn about payment options and download apps as per choice (ApplePay does not work well here).
Cash (Chinese RMB): Although not all vendors accept cash here, bringing some RMB cash to cover the expense of the first several weeks is recommended (preferably 200-300 RMB per day).
Alipay (try setting it up before arrival; Alipay can be linked with a US credit card)
Unionpay Card
Credit card: Please be mindful of fees charged by home banks and credit card processors.
4. Download Apps if needed
Download and Sign Up for WeChat, the major way of communication in China (recommended to install it before arrival).
Maps - Amap, Apple Maps
Translation App - Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, iTranslate etc.
5. Bring Voltage Converters / Outlet Adapters if needed: Power outlets in China provide 220V electricity.
6. Packing Tips
Maps - Amap, Apple Maps
Transportation from Airport:
Taxi is the most convenient as you just arrive China. Make sure you've got your destination written out in Chinese before getting in the taxi. Very few taxi drivers speak English. You can use cash to pay. Estimated cost: 100-200 RMB.
Metro
From Pudong International Airport (PVG) 浦东国际机场:
To the campus, take Line 2 (metro) from the Pudong International Airport station and transfer to Line 6 at Century Avenue station. Get off at Oriental Sports Center and walk for around 10 minutes. Estimated cost: 6-10 RMB.
From Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) 上海虹桥机场:
To the campus, take Line 10 (metro) from the Hongqiao T1/T2 station and transfer to Line 11 at Jiaotong University station. Get off at Oriental Sports Center and walk for around 10 minutes. Estimated cost: 6-10 RMB.
***Do not take offers from individuals trying to offer a ride.
P.S. You can buy a sim card and get a local number at the airport (can ask airport staff for help).
Transportation in Shanghai:
Metro: like NYC, most of the major sites in Shanghai are connected by metro lines. Use Alipay, WeChat mini-program of Chengchema, or other options to ride the metro or bus. You can also use the top-up Metro Card.
Traditional taxi (accept cash, WeChat Pay, Alipay)
Didi (Chinese version of Uber; better to have a Chinese local number before registering for it)
Bus (pay by cash or use Alipay, the WeChat mini-program of Chengchema, the Shanghai Public Transport (上海交通卡) app, or "UnionPay" (云闪付) app)
Cross-city travels in China - you can use the Trip.com website or app to book flights and/or trains:
***Please bring your passport for train or flight.
Take high-speed railway at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station or Shanghai Station: if it’s your first time traveling by train, allow an extra hour before departure to go through security and find your check-in gate.
Take flight at PVG or SHA
Feel free to save the picture to your phone in case you want to show it to taxi drivers to get to campus or residence hall.
Communication
Download and Sign Up for WeChat, the major way of communication in China (recommended to install it before arrival).
Phone call and message: use a local phone number
You can also use an overseas number to call, but it will be at high cost
Buy a SIM card and get a local number:
Get one at the airport (can ask airport staff for help)
Get one at a local SIM card shop video. Bring your passport, Cash or Alipay/WeChat Pay, and NYU Shanghai Student ID Card. The most popular SIM card providers in China are: China Mobile (中国移动) and China Unicom (中国联通). You can type the name in your map and find the closest one to where you live. Or, you can visit one near the campus:
China Unicom (Haiyang Rd Branch): No. 470 Haiyang Rd, Pudong - English Services Provided
China Unicom (Sanlin Branch): No. 1193 Lingyan South Rd, Pudong - English Services Provided
China Mobile (Shangnan Rd Branch): No. 3356 Shangnan Rd, Pudong - Limited English Services Provided
Get one online video
Translation APP - Google Translate/ Microsoft Translator/ iTranslate (etc.)
Residence registration - you need to register at a local police station within 24 hours after arrival:
If you are staying at a hotel or serviced apartment, please ensure that you complete the registration at the reception desk.
If you are living on campus, renting an apartment, or staying at other places like your friend's home, please refer to this school webpage and this article.
For any questions, please contact shanghai.student-mobility@nyu.edu.
Get a local bank account (optional but recommended for safety and convenience):
You MUST have a Chinese local phone number to open a local bank account
Bring your passport, NYU Shanghai Student ID Card, and some cash for deposit to any local bank branch to open your account. The bank near campus is:
Bank of China (Qiantan Sub-Branch): 1F, No.6, Lane 227, Dongyu Rd, Pudong