Frequently Asked Questions
How can I meet a Shanghai Greeter?
Once your plans to visit Shanghai are confirmed (arrival and departure dates are set, accommodations are confirmed), fill out and submit the Book a Greeter at least 1 week in advance of your arrival.
How much does it cost? How long does it last?
Shanghai Greeters services are completely free for the visitor, and there is a no-tipping policy. Every Greeter is a volunteer. Each greeting lasts about 2~4 hours.
How will I be matched with a Greeter?
Matches are made according to the language and time availability requested by the visitor. When possible, visitors’ interests are also taken into consideration.
When and how will I receive information about my Greeter?
If a match is made before you leave home, we will telephone or email you with information about your Greeter.
Am I guaranteed to be matched with a Greeter?
Unfortunately, no. Shanghai Greeters receives many more visitor requests than we are able to fill, so sometimes no Greeter is available for a visitor.
Why doesn’t Shanghai Greeter list Shanghai City neighborhoods for me to choose from?
There are too many neighborhoods in Shanghai to list! Also the goal for our program is to help visitors visit the off-beaten paths and explore the greeter's neighbourhood.
Why do I need to write a telephone number?
When greeter and visitors miss each other and do not meet, everyone is disappointed. Our greeters are especially disappointed since they have set aside a day to meet visitors they cannot find. The visitors think the greeter forgot them. By requiring telephone contact and China mobile numbers, we are helping to ensure a successful visit.
Can I meet a Greeter more than once during my stay?
Since many visitors would like to meet a Greeter, please submit only 1 request for a Greeter.
How is a greeter different from a professional tour guide?
A greeter becomes a new friend and shows you around the way a friend would. You will talk about what it is like to live in Shanghai, learn how to use public transportation, find out about the greeter’s favorite restaurants, shops and locations. In turn, the greeter gets to know you.A greeter is not a professional, licensed tour guide, and may not have historic or tourist information about a landmark or location. A greeter’s knowledge of Shanghai is personal knowledge gained from living and working in the city.
How is a greeter visit different from a public walking tour?A greeter visit is informal, unscripted, and does not follow a pre-set itinerary as a public walking tour would. During the greeter visit, if the greeter thinks of something the visitors might like to see or do, then they can quickly change plans and go in a different direction!
If no Greeter is available for me, can I join another group?
Greeters are not shared among groups. When a Greeter is matched with you or your group, the Greeter will meet only you or your group.
My group has more than 6 people. Will you make an exception for us?
Greeters are not professional tour guides, and we are unable to accept groups of 7 people or more.
I am staying in a hostel. Where do I check for important messages from Shanghai Greeters?
Hostel and YMCA guest rooms do not have telephones. The front desk will take a message from a greeter and the Shanghai Greeters’ office. These messages are posted to a public message board. It is very important to check the message board frequently for messages from Shanghai Greeters!
Does Shanghai Greeters have scheduled tours that I could sign up for?
Shanghai Greeters does not offer scheduled tours that are open to the general public.
Is Shanghai Greeters a Shanghai agency?
No. Shanghai Greeters is an independent, non-government organization.
How is Shanghai Greeters funded?
We receive financial support from corporations, foundations and individuals. Please consider making a donation to help us maintain our service.
Is everyone a volunteer?
Yes, currently we have over 150 volunteers and the numbers are still growing.
Are there other Greeter programs in other cities?
Yes! Shanghai Greeters is one of greeter programs. There are now greeter programs around the world all based on the Shanghai Greeters model. The greeter programs have joined together in an informal association called the Global Greeter Network. Go to www.GlobalGreeterNetwork.info to learn about and link to the programs.
Once your plans to visit Shanghai are confirmed (arrival and departure dates are set, accommodations are confirmed), fill out and submit the Book a Greeter at least 1 week in advance of your arrival.
- During the busy season (May through September) and holiday times (Christmas and Easter), we fill up quickly, so submit your request as early as possible.
How much does it cost? How long does it last?
Shanghai Greeters services are completely free for the visitor, and there is a no-tipping policy. Every Greeter is a volunteer. Each greeting lasts about 2~4 hours.
How will I be matched with a Greeter?
Matches are made according to the language and time availability requested by the visitor. When possible, visitors’ interests are also taken into consideration.
When and how will I receive information about my Greeter?
If a match is made before you leave home, we will telephone or email you with information about your Greeter.
Am I guaranteed to be matched with a Greeter?
Unfortunately, no. Shanghai Greeters receives many more visitor requests than we are able to fill, so sometimes no Greeter is available for a visitor.
- During the busy times of year the visit date you ask for may already be filled. You will receive an email or telephone call from us with our regrets that no Greeter is available for you.
Why doesn’t Shanghai Greeter list Shanghai City neighborhoods for me to choose from?
There are too many neighborhoods in Shanghai to list! Also the goal for our program is to help visitors visit the off-beaten paths and explore the greeter's neighbourhood.
- If you do not have a preference, tell us “Greeter’s Choice” and leave the neighborhood up to your Greeter.
Why do I need to write a telephone number?
When greeter and visitors miss each other and do not meet, everyone is disappointed. Our greeters are especially disappointed since they have set aside a day to meet visitors they cannot find. The visitors think the greeter forgot them. By requiring telephone contact and China mobile numbers, we are helping to ensure a successful visit.
Can I meet a Greeter more than once during my stay?
Since many visitors would like to meet a Greeter, please submit only 1 request for a Greeter.
How is a greeter different from a professional tour guide?
A greeter becomes a new friend and shows you around the way a friend would. You will talk about what it is like to live in Shanghai, learn how to use public transportation, find out about the greeter’s favorite restaurants, shops and locations. In turn, the greeter gets to know you.A greeter is not a professional, licensed tour guide, and may not have historic or tourist information about a landmark or location. A greeter’s knowledge of Shanghai is personal knowledge gained from living and working in the city.
How is a greeter visit different from a public walking tour?A greeter visit is informal, unscripted, and does not follow a pre-set itinerary as a public walking tour would. During the greeter visit, if the greeter thinks of something the visitors might like to see or do, then they can quickly change plans and go in a different direction!
- Visitors often ask to see “the less touristy places” in Shanghai. Greeters and visitors will then go off the beaten tourist path to neighborhoods where Shanghainese live and work; places where many visitors never think of going!
If no Greeter is available for me, can I join another group?
Greeters are not shared among groups. When a Greeter is matched with you or your group, the Greeter will meet only you or your group.
My group has more than 6 people. Will you make an exception for us?
Greeters are not professional tour guides, and we are unable to accept groups of 7 people or more.
- Larger groups that split up and submit separate requests are also not accepted.
I am staying in a hostel. Where do I check for important messages from Shanghai Greeters?
Hostel and YMCA guest rooms do not have telephones. The front desk will take a message from a greeter and the Shanghai Greeters’ office. These messages are posted to a public message board. It is very important to check the message board frequently for messages from Shanghai Greeters!
Does Shanghai Greeters have scheduled tours that I could sign up for?
Shanghai Greeters does not offer scheduled tours that are open to the general public.
- Every Greeter visit is unique; there are no pre-set itineraries, theme tours or scheduled start times.
Is Shanghai Greeters a Shanghai agency?
No. Shanghai Greeters is an independent, non-government organization.
How is Shanghai Greeters funded?
We receive financial support from corporations, foundations and individuals. Please consider making a donation to help us maintain our service.
Is everyone a volunteer?
Yes, currently we have over 150 volunteers and the numbers are still growing.
Are there other Greeter programs in other cities?
Yes! Shanghai Greeters is one of greeter programs. There are now greeter programs around the world all based on the Shanghai Greeters model. The greeter programs have joined together in an informal association called the Global Greeter Network. Go to www.GlobalGreeterNetwork.info to learn about and link to the programs.