NihaoPass
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to what most travelers ask us before flying to China. Still unsure what you personally need to sort out? Run the free readiness check.
Can I use Alipay or WeChat Pay as a foreigner in China?
Yes. Foreign visitors can link an international Visa, Mastercard, or JCB card to Alipay or WeChat Pay and use it like a local mobile wallet at most shops, restaurants, and transit systems — no Chinese bank account needed. A card linked this way has lower transaction and spending limits than a resident's own account, and verification can take a little time, so it's worth setting up before you fly rather than at the airport.
How do I get from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to the city center?
You have three realistic options. A private transfer or taxi takes roughly 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic and your exact destination, door to door. The Maglev train to Longyang Road station is the fastest way to cover the distance itself, but you'll still need a metro ride or taxi from there to reach most hotels. The regular metro (Line 2) is the cheapest option but slowest with luggage, and involves at least one transfer. Pudong is roughly 45km from central Shanghai, so plan accordingly if you're landing late or jet-lagged.
Can I use Uber in China?
No — Uber sold its China business to Didi Chuxing in 2016 and doesn't operate in mainland China. Didi is the dominant ride-hailing app, but full registration has historically been friction-heavy for short-term visitors without a Chinese phone number. For your airport arrival specifically, a pre-booked private transfer sidesteps this entirely — you're not trying to set up a new ride-hailing account for the first time while jet-lagged and possibly offline.
How much does a private airport transfer cost in Shanghai?
A private transfer from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) is a flat $690.00, booked in advance — no meter, no haggling on arrival. That price covers destinations within Greater Shanghai; see the next question if you're headed further out.
Do I need to install apps before traveling to China?
Yes, and it's much easier to do with normal internet access before you fly than after you land. At minimum: Alipay and/or WeChat Pay with your card linked and verified in advance, and WeChat itself (used everywhere for messaging, QR codes, and even restaurant menus) — set up and tested beforehand, not after arrival.
What if my destination is far from the airport, or outside Shanghai or Beijing?
The flat transfer price covers destinations within Greater Shanghai or Greater Beijing — roughly up to 70km from PVG or 80km from PEK, which is enough for the city itself and its closer suburbs. If you're headed somewhere further out (a nearby city like Suzhou, Hangzhou, or Tianjin, for example), contact us before booking rather than booking anyway: the fixed price doesn't cover that distance, and we'd rather quote it properly upfront than sort out a shortfall after your driver has already picked you up.
How do I change or cancel my booking?
Every booking email includes a "Manage your booking" link (it's also in the site footer). Enter the email you booked with, type the one-time code we send you, and you can move your pickup time, correct your flight number or phone, download your Pass or invoice, or cancel. Cancellation is free until 48 hours before pickup, and rescheduling stays open right up to pickup day.
Ready to book your airport transfer?
Pre-book a private driver for Shanghai (PVG) or Beijing (PEK), fixed price, no meter.
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