Shanghai Airport Arrival Guide (2026 Updated)
Shanghai Airport Arrival Guide (2026 Updated)
I. Shanghai’s International Hubs
Shanghai is served by two major airports: Pudong International Airport (PVG), the main gateway for international flights, and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), which handles domestic and some regional flights.
II. Entry & Arrival Process
(1) Immigration & Customs
Follow signs for “Foreign Nationals” after landing.
- Fingerprint Collection: Use the self-service kiosks before reaching immigration counters.
- Arrival Card: Fill out the blue arrival card (provided on plane or in hall).
- Immigration Check: Present your passport, visa (or transit visa exemption proof), and arrival card.
- Customs: Go through the Green Channel (Nothing to Declare) if you have no restricted items.
(2) Baggage Claim & Storage
Check flight number displays for your carousel. If you need to store bags, luggage storage counters are available in both terminals.
III. Transportation to City Center (2026 Comparison)
| Option | From Pudong (PVG) | From Hongqiao (SHA) | Est. Cost (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maglev Train | 8 mins to Longyang Rd (Line 2/7/16) | N/A | 50 (40 with flight) |
| Metro (Line 2) | 60 mins to People’s Square | 30 mins to People’s Square | 3 - 9 |
| Taxi / Didi | 60-90 mins | 30-50 mins | 150 - 300 |
| Shuttle Bus | Multiple routes to major hubs | Multiple routes to major hubs | 25 - 35 |
Note: For PVG to city center, the Maglev is the fastest option. Always have your hotel address in Chinese for taxi drivers.
IV. Essential On-Arrival Services
(1) SIM & Connectivity
Official kiosks for China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are located in the arrivals hall.
- Requirements: Passport registration is mandatory.
- Tip: A local SIM is essential for receiving SMS verification codes for apps like Alipay or WeChat.
(2) Payment & Currency
- ATM: International ATMs (ICBC, Bank of China) are widely available.
- Help Desk: Look for the “International Payment Assistance” desk if you need help with digital payments.
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