Visa-Free Entry for Mongolians
Mongolian citizens get 30 days visa-free entry into China. Just bring your valid passport โ no visa needed for tourism.
- Passport must be valid 6+ months
- Return ticket recommended
- Extensions possible at local PSB office
- Stay strictly within 30 days to avoid fines
Money & Payment
China is nearly cashless. Set up mobile payments before you arrive.
- Alipay: Now accepts international Visa/Mastercard โ easiest option
- WeChat Pay: Requires Chinese bank account for full features
- Cash: Carry 200โ500ยฅ as backup
- Exchange rate: 1ยฅ โ 535โฎ (check current rate)
- ATMs at airports accept foreign cards
Language
Very few people speak English outside hotels and tourist areas. Prepare ahead:
- Download Google Translate (offline mode + camera translate)
- Save key phrases in Chinese characters on your phone
- Use translation apps at restaurants and markets
- Show your destination in writing โ don't rely on spoken Chinese
- Our guide handles all communication for you ๐ฒ๐ณ
VPN & Internet
Google, Instagram, Facebook, and most Western apps are blocked in China. Install a VPN before you arrive.
- NordVPN โ most reliable, works in China
- ExpressVPN โ fast and easy to use
- Install and activate VPN while still in Mongolia
- You cannot download VPNs from Chinese app stores
- Hotel WiFi + VPN = most stable combo
Getting Around
Shanghai's metro is world-class โ clean, fast, and cheap.
- Buy a transit card (ไบค้ๅก) or use Alipay QR
- Most rides cost 3โ6ยฅ within the city
- DiDi (ๆปดๆปด) = China's Uber โ download before arriving
- Metro runs 6:00 AM โ 11:00 PM roughly
- See our full Metro Guide for details
Safety
Shanghai is extremely safe. Crime rates are very low.
- Keep your passport and a copy separate
- Use official taxis or DiDi โ avoid unofficial drivers at airports
- Pickpockets rare but possible in crowded areas (Yuyuan, Nanjing Rd)
- Emergency number: 110 (police), 120 (ambulance)
- Register at your hotel (required by law)
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Shanghai has four distinct seasons.
- Spring (MarโMay): Best weather, 15โ22ยฐC, cherry blossoms
- Summer (JunโAug): Hot and humid, 30โ38ยฐC, occasional typhoons
- Autumn (SepโNov): Excellent โ 15โ25ยฐC, clear skies โญ
- Winter (DecโFeb): Cold and damp, 3โ10ยฐC
- Avoid Chinese national holidays โ massive crowds
Accommodation Tips
Shanghai has hotels across all budgets.
- Budget: 150โ250ยฅ/night (hostel or economy hotel)
- Mid-range: 400โ800ยฅ/night
- Luxury: 1,000ยฅ+/night (InterContinental, Waldorf Astoria)
- Stay in Puxi (west side) for easier access to most attractions
- We can book hotels for you โ 50ยฅ service fee
Must-Have Apps
Download these before leaving Mongolia:
- Alipay โ payments everywhere
- DiDi โ taxi/rideshare
- Google Translate (with offline CN pack)
- NordVPN or ExpressVPN
- Maps.me โ offline Shanghai maps
- Trip.com โ hotels, train tickets, flights
Studying in Shanghai?
Shanghai is home to China's top universities. Whether you're applying, already enrolled, or thinking about it โ we have everything you need as a Mongolian student.
Student Visa (X Visa)
- X1 visa: Long-term study (6+ months)
- X2 visa: Short-term study (under 6 months)
- Requires: admission letter + JW201/202 form from your university
- Convert X2 to residence permit within 30 days of arrival
- Health check required at designated Shanghai hospitals
WeChat & Alipay Setup
- WeChat: needs Chinese bank card for full Pay features
- Alipay: easier โ links to international card
- Open a bank account at Bank of China or ICBC with your student ID + passport + residence permit
- Bank account unlocks WeChat Pay and other services
Finding Housing
- On-campus dorms: most affordable option (800โ1,500ยฅ/month)
- Off-campus: 2,000โ5,000ยฅ/month for a room
- Use Ziroom (่ชๅฆ) or 58.com for apartments
- We can help you navigate the rental process in Chinese
Student Advisory โ 20K Guide
A one-time personalized consultation covering everything a Mongolian student needs to know before and after arriving in Shanghai. Covers visa process, university application tips, housing, WeChat setup, bank account, student life in Shanghai, and more.
Hotels, flights, and attraction tickets โ all in one place.
Still Have Questions?
Our Mongolian-speaking guide is here to help. Ask anything โ no question is too small.