Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Dragon Boat Festival
12 June 2013, 2 June 2014
Mid-Autumn Festival
19 September 2013, 8 September 2014
National Day
1 October; officially three days but often morphs into a week-long holiday
Safe Travel
›
Shanghai feels very safe, and crimes against foreigners are rare. Crossing the road is
probably the greatest danger: develop avian vision and a sixth sense to guard against the
traffic.
›
If any of your possessions are stolen, you need to report the crime at the district Public
Security Bureau (PSB office and obtain a police report.
Telephone
Top Tip
Buy a cheap, unlocked GSM phone to use for international travel. That way
you can simply buy a SIM card once you arrive at your destination and you'll be good to
go.
Mobile Phones
›
Inexpensive pay-as-you-go SIM cards are available for unlocked GSM phones. If your
phone is not compatible (eg Verizon customers in the US), buying or renting a local phone
may be a better option than international roaming plans.
›
The main service providers are China Mobile and China Unicom, both of which have
sales counters at Pudong International Airport (arrivals hall) and around Shanghai.
›
You can buy SIM cards at some convenience stores and magazine kiosks; cheap phones
can be found at electronics markets.
›
If you prefer to rent a mobile phone (you'll still need to buy a SIM card), you can get
one at Pudong International Airport or online (
www.pandaphone.com
)
. It will probably
cost about US$50 for a week, including all fees and the SIM card.
