Suishouban (随申办) — Shanghai's government super-app, explained for foreigners

What Suishouban is

Suishouban (literally "easy-to-handle") is Shanghai's official government services platform, run by the Shanghai government. One app replaces dozens of office visits: it's where locals book hospital slots, check social insurance, pay for government services, apply for certificates, and — during COVID — where the health code lived.

Since COVID ended, the app's real value is the day-to-day: it's the front door to Shanghai's public services. Most of what it offers is also available at physical counters, but online is faster, and some things (like certain police registrations and medical bookings) are much smoother through the app.

Setting it up with a foreign passport

1. Download the app or open the mini-program

   Search 随申办 in the App Store, or open it inside WeChat (mini-program 随申办). The WeChat mini-program is the easiest entry point for foreigners.

2. Register with your phone number

   Use your Chinese SIM number — you'll receive SMS verification codes constantly.

3. Real-name verify with your passport

   Go to profile → 实名认证. Choose the passport option (护照) and scan/photograph it. This links your identity. If passport verification fails in-app, complete it in person once at a community service center (社区事务受理服务中心) — they'll register your passport for the system.

4. Add your address and enjoy

   Once verified, most features unlock. Some services (medical booking) also need your police registration to be current.

The features that matter to foreigners

• Hospital booking (就医服务 → 挂号): book appointments at public 3A hospitals, see your records, and manage the medical insurance card. This alone is worth installing the app.
• Police registration (临时住宿登记) in some districts: apply online instead of visiting the station — see the police registration guide.
• Social insurance records (社保查询): see your 五险 enrollment and contribution history — great for checking what your employer actually enrolled you in.
• Electronic certificates (电子证照): electronic versions of common documents (ID, driver's license points, tax records) recognized by many offices.
• One-Stop services (一网通办): apply for many government services online, from address changes to certificates — with status tracking.
• Utilities & payments: pay water/electricity/gas, check fines, and more — although for payments, WeChat/Alipay within the app is the norm.

Is there an English mode?

Mostly Chinese, with limited English. The app has some English labels in the international-services areas, but the core interface is Chinese. Practical workaround: use the app's key functions by following this guide, ask a Chinese-speaking colleague to help set it up once, and use your phone's screenshot + translate feature for unfamiliar screens. The WeChat mini-program version integrates with WeChat's built-in translation, which helps.

Other cities' equivalent apps

Each Chinese city has its own government app: Beijing's is 京通, Shenzhen's is i深圳, Guangzhou's is 穗好办. The principle is identical: one government super-app for public services. If you travel or move, set up the local one — hospital booking and certificates work the same way.