Getting Started in Shenzhen
Just landed in Shenzhen? You don’t need a dozen guides, just a few things that work.
This page gives you the fastest way to get moving: how to pay, get around, stay connected, and avoid common mistakes. These are the defaults most people use. If you need detailed steps, we link to trusted guides. If not, this is all you need to get going.
- How to Pay in Shenzhen
- SIM / eSIM & Internet
- How to Get Around
- Must-have Apps
- Where to Stay: Districts & Vibes
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Recommended Shenzhen Resources
💳 How to Pay in Shenzhen
Use WeChat Pay or Alipay — both now support direct linking to your Mastercard or Visa. For anything under ¥200 per transaction, there’s no service charge. That covers most day-to-day spending.
Prepare around ¥2000 in cash, not because places don’t accept digital payments (they almost all do), but in case your app glitches, your card doesn’t go through, or you’re stuck somewhere without signal. Cash is just backup.
Payment Service Guide for Overseas Users in Shenzhen (official Shenzhen government guide)
Step by Step Setup Instructions(with screenshots and tips)
Step by Step Instructions in Japanese
📶 SIM / eSIM & Internet
Short-term (5–15 days):
- Use a travel eSIM with Hong Kong or international roaming for uncensored internet.
- Or grab a Hong Kong physical SIM with mainland roaming — easy to find at airports or convenience stores.
Local Chinese SIM/eSIMs:
- More stable but more expensive, and the internet is censored.
- Choose from China Unicom, China Mobile, or China Telecom.
- Pre-install a VPN like Astrill before arrival — many VPNs can’t be downloaded once you’re in China.
Good to know:
- Most public places — cafes, malls, hotels, co-working spaces offer free Wi-Fi.
- For fastest access, activate your eSIM before landing so you’re connected right away.
📍 Where to Stay: Districts & Vibes
- Futian – Modern CBD, central location, easy access to anywhere.
- Nanshan – Tech hubs, startups, universities, and seaside views.
- Luohu – Older charm, budget-friendly, full of traditional markets.
The city is compact and connected.
Shenzhen’s metro is fast, clean, and convenient, you can get anywhere easily. Don’t overthink location. Just pick a place that’s comfortable, within your budget, and close to a metro station.
Bonus: Even 5-star hotels are often surprisingly affordable compared to the US or Europe.
🚇 How to Get Around
Metro is king.
The Shenzhen Metro is the fastest and most reliable way to get around.
- Get a physical metro card (top-up style) at any station, no registration needed.
- You can return it for a refund before you leave, or keep it for next time.
- QR code payments on metro apps don’t support foreign Visa/Mastercard in Shenzhen yet, skip the hassle.
Taxis & Ride-hailing:
- Use DiDi (China’s Uber) for taxis and ride-hailing.
Traveling beyond Shenzhen?
- Book bullet trains or domestic flights easily on Trip.com (supports international cards and English).
🚈 Getting to Hong Kong or Macau
Shenzhen → Hong Kong
- The fastest way: Lok Ma Chau Futian Checkpoint or Luohu Border by metro.
- Cross on foot, then hop on the Hong Kong MTR, you’ll be in central HK in under an hour.
- Bring your passport and visa (if required). Entry is treated as international.
- Tip: Futian Checkpoint is more modern and usually faster than Luohu.
Shenzhen → Macau
- Take a high-speed train to Zhuhai Station, which is directly connected to the Macau border.
- Walk across to Macau, super straightforward.
- You can also take long-distance buses or flights, but high-speed rail is usually the most convenient.
📱 Must-Have Apps for Shenzhen
✅ WeChat 微信
The essential app for life in China. Use it for messaging, payments (WeChat Pay), group chats, bookings, and social life. Link your international card inside the app.
✅ Alipay 支付宝
Another top-tier payment app, works well for shopping, transport, utility bills, and more. Also supports Visa/Mastercard.
✅ DiDi 滴滴出行🚕 China’s Uber
China’s version of Uber. Book taxis, private cars, or rideshares. Easily integrates with WeChat or Alipay.
✅ Amap 高德地图
Amap is the most accurate for public transport and local navigation
✅ Pleco / Google Translate / Translate app in Apple store
- Pleco is the go-to offline Chinese dictionary, perfect for reading signs and menus.
- Google Translate offers camera translation and voice input, but requires a VPN to work inside China.
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Other translation options include Baidu Translate, WeChat’s built-in translation, and Microsoft Translator (no VPN required).
✅ Dianping 🍜大众点评 / Meituan 🍱美团
Great for discovering restaurants, attractions, local shops, and ordering food delivery. Think Yelp + TripAdvisor + Uber Eats in one.
✅ Trip.com 携程
For booking flights, hotels, and high-speed train tickets. Clean UI, supports English, and works with international cards.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ignoring local “super apps”
Apps like WeChat, Alipay, and Didi run everything, payments, transport, food, chat. Use them early. It’ll save you time and confusion.
2. Skipping mobile payment setup
China is nearly cashless. Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay with your card before doing anything else.
3. Forgetting a reliable VPN
If you’re not using an international SIM or roaming eSIM, China’s internet is heavily censored.
Install a solid VPN (like Astrill) before you arrive, or you may not be able to download one later.
4. Assuming English is everywhere
It’s not. Use Google Translate, Pleco, or other translation apps, they’ll save you again and again.
5. Talking politics or religion
Avoid sensitive topics like politics, religion, or history in casual conversations. It’s not worth the awkward moment.
6. Not ready for squat toilets
Hotels and malls have sit-down toilets. Public restrooms? Not always.
Tip: Keep tissues or wipes on hand, Shenzhen is usually fine, but other cities may not be.
7. Traveling during major holidays unprepared
China’s holiday crowds are next level. During Golden Week or Chinese New Year, plan ahead or be ready for “people mountain people sea.”
8. Skipping community connections
Expat groups, language exchanges, co-working events, tap into these. Local connections often lead to the best experiences.
9. Misjudging cost of living
Some things are cheap. Others aren’t. Costs vary by district, lifestyle, and habits. Do a quick budget check before arriving.
10. Not learning any Mandarin
Just a few basics —“hello,” “thank you,” “how much,” “where’s the bathroom” — go a long way.
📚 Recommended Shenzhen Resources
YHES Center- Public Services & Business with Local Companies
🌐 EyeShenzhen(Multilingual Shenzhen news, events, and expat guides)
🏛️ Shenzhen Government Online(Official portal for city policies, services, and updates)
📍 Nanshan District Portal(Expat services, visa info, business opportunities in Nanshan)
🇯🇵 Shenzhen Fan (深圳ファン)(Lifestyle and city guide for Japanese-speaking visitors)
📰 Now Shenzhen(Local expat community news, housing, jobs, and events)
🍽️ That’s Shenzhen(City magazine for dining, nightlife, and lifestyle)
🗞️ Shenzhen Daily(Official English-language daily news)