City in Guangdong, China
Shenzhen
A young, modern tech city beside Hong Kong with fast subways, electronics markets and the easiest border crossing. Good for nomads and hardware people; little old-city charm and humid heat.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,490–2,380Comfortable, one person · ¥10,000–16,000Details
- Value for money50/100Better value than 49% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar, Oct–DecWarmest: Aug, 30°CDetails
- Air quality17.3 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2024) · PollutedDetails
- Internet238 MbpsFixed broadband, China medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or boiled water; hotels provide kettles.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$45–149Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundDiDiWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardPractically cashlessPractically cashless via Alipay and WeChat Pay with a foreign card; foreign Visa and Mastercard work in hotels and malls.Details
Where to stay in Shenzhen
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Futian–CBD | Business travelers: malls, Metro hub, near Hong Kong |
| Nanshan–Shekou | Expats: international schools, restaurants, waterfront, tech offices |
| Luohu | Cheaper stays near the Hong Kong border |
| OCT Loft–Overseas Chinese Town | Creative cafés, galleries, quieter evenings |
Apps that work in Shenzhen
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| DiDi | Dominant; pay via Alipay |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Meituan | Widest choice; Chinese-only, needs Alipay or local number |
| Ele.me | Reachable through Alipay |
- Maps: Amap or Apple Maps (Google Maps is blocked and inaccurate)
- Messaging: WeChat
- Alipay: Payments, DiDi rides and metro QR codes
- WeChat Pay: Backup payments and mini-program bookings
- Trip.com: Train and hotel bookings in English
- Taxis: Use DiDi or metered red taxis; avoid unlicensed drivers at the border and Bao'an arrivals.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in China.
- Practically cashless Practically cashless via Alipay and WeChat Pay with a foreign card; foreign Visa and Mastercard work in hotels and malls.
- Currency: Yuan Renminbi (CNY). US$1 ≈ ¥6.71 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank of China, ICBC and other big-bank ATMs take Visa and Mastercard; per-withdrawal limits are low and fees vary.
- Tipping: Not expected; some upscale hotels and restaurants add a service charge.
- Paying by phone: Alipay and WeChat Pay with foreign Visa or Mastercard work almost everywhere; small fee on larger payments. Apple Pay rarely.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities get 30-day visa-free entry until 31 Dec 2026; others need a visa before travel.
- 240-hour visa-free transit needs a confirmed onward ticket to a third country; stay within the 24 eligible provinces.
- Fill in the arrival card online at s.nia.gov.cn before landing, or on paper; fingerprints are taken.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 120 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 12301
Plugs
Type A, C, I · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airport counters sell local SIMs with passport registration; a roaming SIM or travel eSIM bought abroad is simpler and avoids blocked sites. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in China
Going to Shenzhen solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.