Phone apps are an important part about making life in Shanghai easy. There are city apps which help you to find a cab during rush hour to helping translate that tricky food menu.
English Apps
Pleco
The go-to app for translation. Includes a feature where it will translate characters on a menu/sign if you use your phones camera.
Uber
Rush hour and stuck on the side of the road? Download Uber and request a driver to pick you up. Slightly more expensive than a regular taxi, but often with much nicer cars.
Wechat
This is the app for texting in China. Everyone uses it and all companies here use it. A combination of Facebook and Whatsapp, it allows you to follow friends and see status updates.
Explore Shanghai Metro Map
Does what it says on the tin, a useful metro map for navigating your way about the city.
Smart Shanghai or City Fu
A useful app with a lists of all the shops/restaurants and bars you will ever need. Has flash cards so you can show a taxi driver the destination in Chinese.
Air Quality China
Download this app to see the air quality every hour.
Chinese Apps
Didi DaChe
Need to book a regular taxi in Shanghai? This app will tie into the thousands of cab drivers in the city who will pick you up usually within a few minutes.
Dianping
See local Chinese restuarants in your area, with reviews and special offers.