What's the best way to get from Pudong Airport to the city center?

The Maglev train is fastest (8 minutes to Longyang Road, then metro connection) but the Metro Line 2 goes directly to business districts in 45 minutes for much less money. Taxis take 45-90 minutes depending on traffic.

Do I need cash in Shanghai for business?

Set up Alipay if possible - it's used everywhere. Otherwise, carry some cash for small vendors and tips. Most restaurants and hotels accept international credit cards.

What's considered appropriate business attire?

Conservative formal wear. Dark suits for men, business suits or conservative dresses for women. Avoid bright colors, short skirts, or low necklines. Remove shoes when entering some traditional meeting spaces.

How much time should I allow between meetings?

90 minutes minimum. Shanghai traffic is unpredictable and finding exact building entrances can take time. Download offline maps as GPS can be unreliable.

How to Plan a Business Trip to Shanghai

Plan your Shanghai business trip by securing your visa 2-3 weeks ahead, booking flights and hotels in Puxi district near metro lines, and preparing for a formal business culture with gift exchange customs. Budget $150-200 per day including accommodation, meals, and local transport.

Apply for your business visa. Submit your L or M visa application 2-3 weeks before travel. You'll need an invitation letter from your Shanghai business contact, proof of employment, and hotel bookings. Processing takes 4-10 business days depending on your nationality.
Book flights to Shanghai Pudong (PVG). Pudong handles most international flights and connects directly to the city center via Maglev train (8 minutes to Longyang Road) or Metro Line 2 (45 minutes to People's Square). Book 3-4 weeks ahead for better corporate rates.
Choose accommodation in Puxi district. Stay in Lujiazui, Jing'an, or Huangpu districts for easy access to business areas and metro lines. Book hotels within 500 meters of metro stations. Expect to pay $120-180 per night for business-standard hotels.
Download essential apps before arrival. Install VPN software, Shanghai Metro app, Dianping (for restaurants), and Alipay if possible. Google services don't work in China, so download offline maps and translation tools.
Prepare business cards and gifts. Print bilingual business cards with Chinese on the back. Bring small gifts from your home country - nothing expensive, but thoughtful items like local chocolates or branded items from your company.
Plan your meeting schedule. Allow 90 minutes between meetings to account for traffic. Schedule important meetings between 10am-11:30am or 2:30pm-4pm. Avoid scheduling during lunch hours (12pm-1:30pm) or after 5:30pm.

What's the best way to get from Pudong Airport to the city center?: The Maglev train is fastest (8 minutes to Longyang Road, then metro connection) but the Metro Line 2 goes directly to business districts in 45 minutes for much less money. Taxis take 45-90 minutes depending on traffic.
Do I need cash in Shanghai for business?: Set up Alipay if possible - it's used everywhere. Otherwise, carry some cash for small vendors and tips. Most restaurants and hotels accept international credit cards.
What's considered appropriate business attire?: Conservative formal wear. Dark suits for men, business suits or conservative dresses for women. Avoid bright colors, short skirts, or low necklines. Remove shoes when entering some traditional meeting spaces.
How much time should I allow between meetings?: 90 minutes minimum. Shanghai traffic is unpredictable and finding exact building entrances can take time. Download offline maps as GPS can be unreliable.