Upon landing in Shanghai, it’s essential to know how to navigate the airport, access transportation, and get settled in the city or connect to other destinations. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know for a smooth arrival, including key Chinese phrases for taxis and hotels. Plus, learn how Hafrik’s Airport Pickup Service can help you get started without any stress.
Step 1: Immigration and Visa Check
After you deplane at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, your first stop is Immigration Control:
- Prepare Your Documents: Have your passport, visa, completed arrival card, and health-related documents (e.g., vaccination certificate) ready for inspection.
- Visa Verification: Ensure your visa aligns with the purpose of your trip—tourism, business, or study. The immigration officer will verify your documentation and stamp your passport.
- Fingerprint Scanning: As with all foreign arrivals in China, you’ll be asked to scan your fingerprints at the biometric checkpoint. Follow the officer’s instructions for this process.
Step 2: Customs and Health Screenings
Once you clear immigration, proceed to Customs and Health Screenings:
- Customs Declaration: If you are carrying valuable items, large amounts of currency, or goods that require declaration, use the red line. If you have nothing to declare, proceed through the green line.
- Health Declarations: Due to health protocols, you may need to fill out a health declaration, either online or in paper form. Temperature checks are often routine, and you may need to show proof of vaccination.
Step 3: Currency Exchange and SIM Cards
After clearing customs, you’ll want to take care of a few essentials before leaving the airport:
- Currency Exchange: The Chinese Yuan (RMB) is the local currency. There are currency exchange counters at the airport, though withdrawing money from an ATM might offer better exchange rates. Ensure you have cash on hand, as some smaller businesses and taxis may not accept foreign credit cards.
- Purchase a SIM Card: Stay connected by purchasing a local SIM card from airport kiosks. Alternatively, if you have an eSIM-capable phone, activate a Chinese eSIM for data and calls. A local number is particularly useful for accessing services like Didi (China’s ride-hailing app) and making bookings.
Step 4: Connect to Wi-Fi and Use the Internet
China’s internet operates under the Great Firewall, meaning many international websites (e.g., Google, Facebook, WhatsApp) are blocked. Here’s how you can stay connected:
- Free Airport Wi-Fi: The airport offers free Wi-Fi, but you may need to verify your identity using your passport or local phone number.
- VPN Setup: If you need access to blocked websites, ensure you’ve installed a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your phone or laptop before arriving in China. Once in China, it can be difficult to download and set up a VPN.
Step 5: Transportation from the Airport
Getting from Shanghai Pudong International Airport into the city or to other cities is easy with the following options:
- Maglev Train: For a quick and futuristic experience, take the Maglev Train from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station (龙阳路站), which connects to the Shanghai Metro. The train travels at speeds of up to 430 km/h and gets you to the city in just 8 minutes.
- Taxi to City Center: If you prefer a taxi, head to the official taxi rank outside the airport. Most drivers don’t speak English, so it’s best to have your destination written down in Chinese. You can show this to your driver:
- For Downtown Shanghai: 上海市中心 (Shànghǎi shì zhōngxīn)
Connecting to Other Cities by Train: If you are traveling to another city, you’ll need to go to one of the major train stations:
- Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥火车站): For high-speed trains to major cities like Beijing, Hangzhou, and Nanjing. You can take a taxi or the metro from Pudong Airport to Hongqiao. Show this to the taxi driver:
- Take me to Hongqiao Railway Station: 请带我去上海虹桥火车站 (Qǐng dài wǒ qù Shànghǎi Hóngqiáo huǒchē zhàn)
Step 6: Hotels Near Shanghai Pudong International Airport
If you plan to stay near the airport or require a stopover before continuing your journey, here are some nearby hotels:
1: Ramada Plaza Shanghai Pudong Airport Hotel
- Located just 1.2 km from the airport, it offers free shuttle services to and from the terminals.
Address for Taxi: 上海浦东机场华美达广场酒店 (Shànghǎi Pǔdōng Jīchǎng Huáměidá Guǎngchǎng Jiǔdiàn)
2. Shanghai Marriott Hotel Pudong East
- A luxury option about 20 minutes from the airport, perfect for those wanting to stay in style.
Address for Taxi: 上海浦东东晶华美达酒店 (Shànghǎi Pǔdōng Dōngjīng Huáměidá Jiǔdiàn)
3. Novotel Shanghai Clover
- A mid-range hotel about 6 km from the airport with shuttle services available.
Address for Taxi: 上海克洛佛诺富特酒店 (Shànghǎi Kèluòfú Nuòfùtè Jiǔdiàn)
Step 7: Useful Chinese Phrases for Communication
To make your journey easier, here are some key phrases that will be helpful when communicating with taxi drivers, hotel staff, or others during your arrival:
- Where is the taxi stand?
- 出租车站在哪里？(Chūzūchē zhàn zài nǎlǐ?)
- Take me to [destination].
- 请带我去 [destination] (Qǐng dài wǒ qù [destination])
- I have a reservation at this hotel.
- 我在这家酒店有预订。(Wǒ zài zhè jiā jiǔdiàn yǒu yùdìng.)
- How much is the fare?
- 车费是多少？(Chēfèi shì duōshǎo?)
- Can I have the Wi-Fi password?
- 可以给我 Wi-Fi 密码吗？(Kěyǐ gěi wǒ Wi-Fi mìmǎ ma?)
- Can you help me with my luggage?
- 你可以帮我拿行李吗？(Nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ ná xínglǐ ma?)
Step 8: Hafrik Airport Pickup Service – Stress-Free Arrival Assistance
Traveling to a new country can be daunting, especially when language barriers and unfamiliar customs come into play. To make your arrival smooth and stress-free, Hafrik offers a personalized Airport Pickup Service in Shanghai and other major cities.
Here’s how Hafrik’s Airport Pickup Service works:
1. Pre-Book Your Pickup via Hafrik App: Before your arrival, book a pickup through the Hafrik app. A Hafrik-designated agent will meet you at the airport.
2. Meet Your Hafrik Agent: Your agent will greet you at the arrivals gate, holding a sign with your name. They’ll assist you with any immediate needs like getting a SIM card, exchanging money, or carrying your luggage.
3. Transportation Assistance: Your Hafrik agent will help you arrange transportation, whether it’s a taxi, Didi, or public transport. They can also guide you to the Maglev or train stations if you are traveling onward.
4. Local Guidance: Need help settling in? Your Hafrik agent can provide local tips on the best places to eat, shop, and explore.
Why Choose Hafrik’s Pickup Service?
- Seamless Communication: Our agents speak both English and Mandarin, ensuring smooth communication from the moment you land.
- Local Expertise: Hafrik agents are locals who know the city and its customs, making your arrival stress-free.
- Personalized Assistance: Whether you need transportation help, hotel recommendations, or local advice, your Hafrik agent is there to assist.
Get Started with Hafrik
From clearing customs to navigating transportation, this step-by-step guide and Hafrik’s personalized Airport Pickup Service ensure your arrival at Shanghai Pudong International Airport is smooth and stress-free.
Download the Hafrik app today to book your airport pickup and get your China journey off to the perfect start.
