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    Shanghai Pudong International Airport
    IATA Code: PVG

    Shanghai Pudong International Airport

    Shanghai Pudong International Airport Lies about 30 km East of Central Shanghai and Is the City's Main Long-Haul Gateway, with Two Terminals and Two Satellite Halls on a Coastal Site

    View All eSIM Plans for China
    Airport Data Sheet
    PVG
    IATA / ICAOPVG / ZSPD
    ServesShanghai, China
    Coordinates31.1434° N, 121.8050° E
    Elevation13 ft
    Number of Terminals2 Terminals, 2 Satellites
    Airport Opening HoursOpen 24/7
    Recommended Arrival Time2h Domestic, 3h International
    Official Websiteshairport.com
    // Airport Data

    Shanghai Pudong International Airport at a Glance

    Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 Face Each Other across a Landside Transport Hub, and the S1 and S2 Satellite Halls Sit beyond Them, Reached Airside by an Underground People Mover: The West Line Runs T1 to S1, the East Line T2 to S2. The Metro, the Maglev and the Airport Link Line All Share One Station under the Hub

    IATA PVG · ICAO ZSPD · Elev 13 ft
    // Connectivity

    Is There Free WiFi at Shanghai Pudong International Airport?

    Yes. #AirportPVG-Free-WiFi Covers the Public Areas of the Terminals. Sign in with an SMS Code Sent to Your Phone, by Photographing Your Passport on the Login Page, or with a Number Issued by One of the Self-Service Kiosks at the Departure and Arrival Gates

    Where Can I Buy a SIM Card at Shanghai Pudong International Airport?

    Security Lane 02 · Place One Option on the BeltLive Compare
    X-Ray MonitorScanning · travelData.shop eSIM

    Airport WiFi

    Connection SpeedSlow / Unstable
    CostFree, Often Time-Limited
    Activation TimeLogin / Ads / Forms
    Documents NeededYes (eMail / ID / Login)
    CoverageOnly inside Airport
    SecurityPublic Network (Risk)
    Can Be Set Up before You FlyNo
    Local Phone NumberNo
    Can Pay in CashNot Applicable
    Where You Get ItAt the Terminal, Once You Land

    Local SIM Card

    Connection SpeedFast 4G/5G Speeds
    CostCounter Price, Varies by Desk
    Activation TimeQueue and Paperwork at the Desk
    Documents NeededPassport Often Required
    CoverageWorks across Entire Country
    SecurityPrivate Secure Connection
    Can Be Set Up before You FlyNo
    Local Phone NumberYes
    Can Pay in CashYes
    Where You Get ItA Desk or Kiosk in the Terminal

    Roaming Options

    Connection SpeedFast, Depends on Your Plan
    CostYour Operator Rate, Can Be High
    Activation TimeInstant Connection
    Documents NeededNone
    CoverageWorks across Entire Country
    SecurityPrivate Secure Connection
    Can Be Set Up before You FlyYes
    Local Phone NumberKeeps Your Own Number
    Can Pay in CashNo
    Where You Get ItAlready Active on Your Phone

    travelData.shop eSIM

    Connection SpeedFast 4G/5G Speeds
    CostFree Trial, Then from 2.99 $
    Activation TimeInstant Connection
    Documents NeededNone
    CoverageWorks across Entire Country
    SecurityPrivate Secure Connection
    Can Be Set Up before You FlyYes
    Local Phone NumberOn Selected Plans
    Can Pay in CashNo
    Where You Get ItOnline, before You Leave Home
    PlanPilot™ AI · Verdict
    Set It Up before You Fly and You Land Already Online
    // Why eSIM

    Why Use eSIM Instead of Shanghai Pudong International Airport WiFi?

    Skip the Login Portals — Land, Tap Once, and You Are on a Fast Private Connection That Keeps Working Far beyond the Terminal

    Instant Connection

    Get Online the Moment You Land — No Searching for WiFi, No Waiting, No Login Screens

    Works beyond the Airport

    Stay Connected across the Entire China — From the Airport to Your Hotel, City Center, or Road Trip

    No Public WiFi Risks

    Avoid Slow, Unsecured Public Airport Networks & Stay on Your Own Private Mobile Connection Instead

    Perfect for Travel Essentials

    Use Maps, Book a Ride, Check-In to Your Hotel, or Message Instantly after Arrival

    // Setup

    How to Get Internet at Shanghai Pudong International Airport

    Get Connected Instantly after Landing — No Airport WiFi Needed

    1. 01
      Pre-Flight

      Choose Your DATA Plan

      Pick the Best Option for Your Arrival at Shanghai Pudong International Airport

    2. 02
      Boarding

      Install eSIM in One Tap

      Activate Your eSIM Instantly with One Tap — QR Code Available as a Backup

    3. 03
      Arrival

      Get Online Instantly

      Start Using Internet Immediately at Shanghai Pudong International Airport

    // Boarding Data

    Best Way to Get Internet at Shanghai Pudong International Airport

    Compare Free WiFi vs Mobile Data & Choose What Works Best for You

    // FAQ

    FAQs about Internet at Shanghai Pudong International Airport

    Everything You Need to Know about Getting Online at Shanghai Pudong International Airport

    In Most Cases, Yes. eSIM Mobile Data Is Usually Faster, More Stable, and More Secure than Crowded Public WiFi at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Especially during Peak Travel Hours
    Yes. You Can Buy and Install Your eSIM before Departure so Your Mobile Data Works Instantly When You Land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport
    No. If Your Phone Supports eSIM, You Don’t Need to Buy a Physical SIM Card at Shanghai Pudong International Airport — You Can Get Mobile Data Instantly Online
    Yes. Once Your eSIM Is Installed, Your Mobile Data Starts Working as Soon as You Land and Connect to a Local Network
    Most Travelers Are Comfortable with 1GB to 5GB for Navigation, Ride Apps, Messaging, and Light Browsing during the First Days after Arrival
    Yes. Most Dual-SIM Phones Allow You to Keep Your Regular SIM for Calls and SMS While Using eSIM for Mobile Data
    Yes. You Can Increase Your Data Amount and Also Extend Your Plan Validity, Depending on the Provider and Package Options Available for Your eSIM
    Support // LIVE CHAT 24/7

    Still Need Help?

    Chat With Our Support Team 24/7 for Help With Compatibility, Installation, Activation, or Connection Issues

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    // Terminal Guide

    First Time at Shanghai Pudong International Airport? Here’s What You Should Know

    Number of TerminalsF1
    2 Terminals, 2 Satellites
    Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 Handle Check-In and Arrivals; the S1 and S2 Satellite Halls Hold 83 Boarding Gates and Are Used for Boarding Only
    PVG · Terminal Guide · F1
    Terminal LayoutF2
    T1, T2, S1 and S2
    T1 and T2 Stand Either Side of a Central Transport Hub. S1 Lies beyond T1 and S2 beyond T2, Both of Them Airside Only
    PVG · Terminal Guide · F2
    Transfers between TerminalsF3
    People Mover, Airside
    The Underground People Mover Links T1 with S1 and T2 with S2. Landside, T1 and T2 Are Separate Buildings Joined by the Central Transport Hub
    PVG · Terminal Guide · F3
    Airport Opening HoursF4
    Open 24/7
    The Airport Runs around the Clock. Left Luggage and Lost Property Counters Open 06:00-24:00, and Shops, Desks and Lounges Keep Shorter Hours
    PVG · Terminal Guide · F4
    Check-In and Security HoursF5
    Closes 40-60 min Before
    International Check-In Closes 60 Minutes before Departure; Most Chinese Carriers Close Domestic Check-In 40 Minutes Ahead, and Others 45
    PVG · Terminal Guide · F5
    Recommended Arrival TimeF6
    2h Domestic, 3h International
    Two Hours for a Domestic Flight and Three for an International One Covers the Check-In Deadline, Security and the Ride Out to a Satellite Gate
    PVG · Terminal Guide · F6
    // Airport Parking

    Where Can I Park at Shanghai Pudong International Airport?

    See Practical Airport Parking Options, Walking Time to Terminals, Typical Price Guidance, and Booking Tips before You Drive to the Airport

    Parking Options
    3 Available
    Booking Advice
    Pre-Book Online
    Parking Ticket

    P1 Parking Lot

    Typical Price
    CNY 10/hour for 2 h, Then CNY 5/hour
    Location
    Beside Terminal 1
    Best For
    Short Stays and Pick-Ups at Terminal 1

    2,665 Spaces, Capped at CNY 130 a Day, and the First 20 Minutes Are Free. Height Limit 1.8 m. These Rates Have Applied since 31 December 2019

    PVG · P1 · P1 Parking Lot
    Parking Ticket

    P2 Parking Lot

    Typical Price
    CNY 10/hour for 2 h, Then CNY 5/hour
    Location
    Beside Terminal 2
    Best For
    Short Stays and Pick-Ups at Terminal 2

    2,612 Spaces, Capped at CNY 130 a Day, and the First 20 Minutes Are Free. This Is Also Where Ride-Hailing Cars Collect Passengers

    PVG · P2 · P2 Parking Lot
    Parking Ticket

    P4 Long-Term Parking Garage

    Typical Price
    CNY 5/hour, Capped at CNY 60 a Day
    Location
    On the Airport Site, Away from the Terminal Frontages
    Best For
    Trips of Several Days

    4,850 Spaces. Charging Stops after 12 Hours, so a Full Day Costs CNY 60. Height Limit 2 m, and No Spaces for Large Vehicles

    PVG · P4 · P4 Long-Term Parking Garage

    Published Rates Are for Small Vehicles; Large Vehicles Pay Double. Parking Is Billed by the Hour and Any Part Hour Counts as a Full One

    // Airport Lounges

    What Facilities Does Shanghai Pudong International Airport Have?

    Lounges at Shanghai Pudong International Airport

    Access Key — Who Gets in, Stated Once
    Priority Pass× 8

    Eligible Airline Passengers, Priority Pass Members and Paid Walk-In through the Plaza Premium Network

    No. 36 China Eastern Lounge

    Terminal 1 · International Departures
    SeatingBuffetBar ServiceWi-FiWork Desks
    PVG · Pass 01 · 05:00 Till the Last Flight Daily

    The Main International Lounge on the Terminal 1 Side

    No. 39 VIP Lounge

    Terminal 1 · International Departures
    SeatingSnacksDrinksWi-Fi
    PVG · Pass 02 · 06:00-23:00 Daily

    Closes at 23:00, Earlier than the Airline Lounges Nearby

    No. 9 VIP Lounge

    Terminal 1 · Domestic Departures
    SeatingSnacksDrinksWi-Fi
    PVG · Pass 03 · 06:00-23:00 Daily

    The Domestic-Side Option in Terminal 1

    No. 77 China Eastern Lounge

    Terminal 2 · International Departures
    BuffetBar ServiceShowersWi-FiWork DesksNursing Room
    PVG · Pass 04 · 24 Hours Daily

    Open around the Clock, with Walk-In from CNY 260 and Noodles Cooked to Order

    No. 69 VIP Lounge

    Terminal 2 · International Departures
    SeatingSnacksDrinksWi-Fi
    PVG · Pass 05 · 06:00 Till the Last Flight Daily

    Stays Open for Late Departures Rather than Closing at a Fixed Hour

    Juneyao Air No. 72 VIP Lounge

    Terminal 2 · International Departures
    SeatingHot FoodDrinksWi-Fi
    PVG · Pass 06 · 24 Hours Daily

    The Second 24-hour Lounge on the Terminal 2 International Side

    No. 135 VIP Lounge

    Satellite Hall S1 · International Departures
    SeatingSnacksDrinksWi-Fi
    PVG · Pass 07 · 06:00-23:00 Daily

    Once through the People Mover to S1 There Is No Way Back to a Terminal 1 Lounge

    No. 170 VIP Lounge

    Satellite Hall S2 · International Departures
    SeatingSnacksDrinksWi-FiShowers
    PVG · Pass 08 · 06:00-23:00 Daily

    The Lounge Most Long-Haul Departures from S2 Use, and One of the Few with Showers

    // Passenger Facilities

    Lounges, Food, ATMs and Storage

    Check Practical Terminal Services While Waiting, Arriving or Departing: Food, ATMs, Storage, Charging, Accessibility Support and More

    Terminal 1 Has Cash Machines near Gate 9 on Both the Departures and Arrivals Floors. In Terminal 2 They Sit by the Domestic Checkpoint and Opposite International Arrivals
    Travelex, Ctrip and Grace Currency Counters Work in Both Terminals and in S2, Several of Them around the Clock. Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Branches Open 09:00-17:00
    Left Luggage Is Held for Up to Two Months. The Terminal 1 Counters Sit between Gates 4 and 5 in Departures and Opposite Gate 7 in Arrivals, Both 06:00-24:00, and Want Photo ID
    The Terminal 1 Lost Property Desk Faces Gate 8 in Arrivals and the Terminal 2 Desk Is beside Exit 2A, Both 06:00-24:00. Enquiries Go to 021-68340096 or 021-68340417
    The Airport Directory Lists 133 Restaurants and Cafes across the Terminals, the Satellite Halls and the Landside Hub. Some Open at 04:30 for the First Bank of Departures
    There Are 163 Shops in the Directory, with the Duty-Free Stores beyond the International Security Checkpoints in Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Both Satellite Halls
    Sockets and USB Points Are Fitted in the Waiting Areas of Both Terminals and Both Satellite Halls, Including the Remote Boarding Lounges, and near Gates 4, 8 and 9 in Terminal 1
    Nursing and Baby-Changing Rooms Are Open 24 Hours in the Waiting Halls of Both Terminals, with Larger Flagship Rooms as Well. The Airport's Children's Play Area Is Closed
    Smoking Is Confined to Marked Outdoor Points, outside Gates 1 and 14 in Terminal 1 Departures and Gates 20 and 29 in Terminal 2, and to the Remote Boarding Lounges
    Step-Free Routes, Lifts, Accessible Toilets and Priority Channels Run through Both Terminals. One-Button Assistance Points Sit outside Departures Gate 6 in T1 and Gate 28 in T2

    Facilities Differ between the Terminals and the Satellite Halls, and S1 and S2 Are Airside Only, so Anything Landside Has to Be Done before You Board the People Mover

    // Overnight Stay

    Where Can I Sleep at Shanghai Pudong International Airport?

    Find On-Airport and Nearby Hotel Options, How to Reach Them from Arrivals, Expected Nightly Rates, and Practical Booking Tips for Late Arrivals or Early Departures

    Hotels Nearby
    4 Available
    Inside the TerminalPVG · H1

    Aerotel Shanghai

    How to Reach
    Inside the Terminal, about 3 Minutes on Foot from the Departure Checkpoints
    Location
    Levels 6 and 7 of Terminal 2, Landside
    Best For
    Layovers and Very Early Flights

    Books by the Hour as Well as Overnight, and Is Open 24 Hours. Showers, Luggage Storage and a Restaurant on Level 7

    On AirportPVG · H2

    Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport

    How to Reach
    On the Airport Site, in the Hub the Terminals Face
    Location
    Wuzhou South Road at Meizhou Street, in the Landside Hub between the Terminals
    Best For
    A Full-Service Stay without Leaving the Airport

    A Full-Service Hotel of 409 Rooms, in the Airport Estate Rather than in a Terminal Building

    Near AirportPVG · H3

    Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Pudong Airport

    How to Reach
    Complimentary Airport Shuttle, 09:30-03:30 Daily
    Location
    Near the Airport, Off the Terminal Site
    Best For
    A Cheaper Bed with a Shuttle

    The Shuttle Stops between 03:30 and 09:30, so a Dawn Departure Needs a Taxi

    Near AirportPVG · H4

    Ramada Encore by Wyndham Shanghai Pudong Airport

    How to Reach
    Free Hotel Shuttle to and from the Airport
    Location
    About 9 km from the Terminals
    Best For
    Overnight Stops When the Airport Hotels Are Full

    Confirm the First Shuttle of the Morning with the Hotel before Booking an Early Flight

    Only Aerotel Is inside a Terminal Building. Everything Else Is Either in the Landside Hub the Terminals Face or a Shuttle Ride Away

    // City Transfer

    How Do I Get from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Shanghai?

    Bus & Train at Shanghai Pudong International Airport

    See Exact Route Options, Departure Points, Schedule Windows and Ticket Tips for Getting to the Center after Landing

    Bus Connection

    4

    Airport Line 4

    About 70-100 min
    Departure Stop
    Pudong Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
    Arrival Stop
    Shanghai Railway Station, North Square
    Schedule
    Every 20-70 min · T1 07:00-23:00, T2 07:03-23:03
    Ticket
    CNY 2-28 by Distance, Paid on Board

    Calls at Handan Road, Yunguang New Village and Hongkou Football Stadium on the Way to the Main Railway Station, Which Makes It the Useful Route for the North of the City

    PVG · 4 · Airport Line 4
    7

    Airport Line 7

    About 70-100 min
    Departure Stop
    Pudong Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
    Arrival Stop
    Shanghai South Railway Station
    Schedule
    Every 25-45 min · T1 07:30-23:00, T2 07:35-23:05
    Ticket
    CNY 4-20 by Distance, Paid on Board

    The Direct Link to the South-Western Railway Station and Its Metro Interchange

    PVG · 7 · Airport Line 7
    8

    Airport Line 8

    About 60-90 min
    Departure Stop
    Pudong Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
    Arrival Stop
    Nanhui Bus Station
    Schedule
    Every 15-60 min at Peak, 15-90 min Off-Peak · T1 07:00-20:40, T2 07:03-20:43
    Ticket
    CNY 1-10 by Distance, Paid on Board

    A Local Route through the Pudong District South of the Airport Rather than a Run into Central Shanghai, with a Long List of Intermediate Stops

    PVG · 8 · Airport Line 8
    B4

    Airport Circle Line

    About 30-45 min
    Departure Stop
    Pudong Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
    Arrival Stop
    Hangcheng Garden, in the Airport Town
    Schedule
    Every 30-45 min · T1 08:00-19:15, T2 08:03-19:18
    Ticket
    A Flat CNY 2, Paid on Board

    A Circular through the Airport Estate, Calling at the Airport Authority Building and the Airline Offices. Daytime Only

    PVG · B4 · Airport Circle Line
    B5

    Late Night Bus

    About 90 min End to End
    Departure Stop
    Pudong Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
    Arrival Stop
    East Transportation Center, Hongqiao Hub
    Schedule
    When Full, and at Most Every 30 min · T1 23:00-05:30, T2 23:03-05:33
    Ticket
    CNY 18-34 by Distance, Paid on Board

    The One Public Option Once the Metro and the Maglev Have Stopped. It Runs by Way of Longyang Road, Century Avenue and Yan'an Road, so It Reaches the Centre as Well as Hongqiao

    PVG · B5 · Late Night Bus

    Train Connection

    T1

    Shanghai Maglev Train

    About 8 min
    Departure Stop
    Maglev Station under the Hub between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
    Arrival Stop
    Longyang Road Station, Pudong
    Schedule
    Every 20 min · From the Airport 07:02-21:42; from Longyang Road 06:45-21:40
    Ticket
    CNY 50 One-Way, CNY 80 Return; VIP Class CNY 100 and CNY 160

    The Fastest Rail Link from the Airport, Covering 30 km in 8 Minutes at Up to 300 Kilometres an Hour. Longyang Road Is Not the City Centre, so Most Passengers Change There onto Metro Line 2

    PVG · T1 · Shanghai Maglev Train
    2

    Shanghai Metro Line 2

    About 60 min to People's Square
    Departure Stop
    Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 Station, under the Transport Hub
    Arrival Stop
    People's Square, and Onward to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2
    Schedule
    Every 4-8 min by Day, 10-20 min after 23:00 · Last Regular Train from the Airport 22:30
    Ticket
    About CNY 7 to People's Square; Distance-Based Fares Start at CNY 3

    Through Trains Have Run the Full Length of Line 2 since 19 April 2019, so the Change at Guanglan Road That Used to Be Required Is Gone. Not Every Train Runs the Whole Line, so Check the Platform Indicator

    PVG · 2 · Shanghai Metro Line 2
    T3

    Airport Link Line

    About 40 min
    Departure Stop
    Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 Station, under the Transport Hub
    Arrival Stop
    Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2, via Shanghai International Resort
    Schedule
    About Every 15 min · First Train 06:00, Last Train 22:00
    Ticket
    From CNY 4; CNY 26 for the Full Run between the Two Airports

    Opened on 27 December 2024 and Runs at Up to 160 Kilometres an Hour over Seven Stations, Cutting the Trip between the Two Airports from Roughly 90 Minutes on Metro Line 2 to about 40

    PVG · T3 · Airport Link Line
    // Ground Transport

    Taxi, Ride Apps and Car Rental

    Compare the Main Door-To-Door Options after Landing, Including Official Taxi Pickup Points, Ride-Hailing Availability and On-Airport Rental Counters

    Taxi Fare
    180 ¥
    Ride Apps
    DiDi

    Regular Taxi

    Official Operators
    Licensed Shanghai Metered Taxis
    Pickup Point
    Terminal 1: Outside Arrivals Gate 12, Reached from Gate 4 or Gate 8. Terminal 2: Outside Arrivals Gate 25
    Travel Time to Center
    About 50 min to People's Square

    Ride Apps

    DiDi
    Allowed at Pudong Airport Again since February 2024
    Pickup PointSignposted from the Arrivals Halls into the Car Park Rather than to the Kerb
    NotesSet the Pick-Up to the Car Park Level the App Offers; the Ground-Floor Kerb Is Kept for Shuttle Buses and Cannot Be Chosen as a Starting Point
    PVG · Ride Hail · DiDi

    Car Rental

    No Confirmed Car Rental Data Available Yet

    A Foreign Driving Licence Is Not Valid in China. A Short-Stay Visitor Needs a Temporary Driving Permit, Applied for in Person, before Renting a Car in Shanghai

    // Airport FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions about Shanghai Pudong International Airport

    Pudong Airport Has Two Passenger Terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, Plus the S1 and S2 Satellite Halls, Which Hold 83 Boarding Gates and Are Reached Airside by People Mover
    A One-Way Regular Maglev Ticket Is CNY 50 and a Return CNY 80; VIP Class Is CNY 100 and CNY 160. The 30 km Run to Longyang Road Takes about 8 Minutes
    No. Through Trains Have Run the Full Length of Line 2 since 19 April 2019, so the Old Change at Guanglan Road Is Gone. Not Every Train Runs the Whole Line, so Read the Indicator
    About CNY 180 to People's Square, Roughly 50 Minutes. The Meter Starts at CNY 14 for the First 3 km, Then CNY 2.7 a Kilometre, Rising 30 Percent between 23:00 and 05:00
    At Terminal 1 the Rank Is outside Arrivals Gate 12, Reached from Gate 4 or Gate 8; at Terminal 2 It Is outside Arrivals Gate 25. Both Ranks Are Staffed 24 Hours
    P1 and P2 Charge CNY 10 an Hour for Two Hours and CNY 5 after That, Up to CNY 130 a Day. The P4 Long-Term Garage Is Capped at CNY 60 a Day, and the First 20 Minutes Are Free
    The Airport Link Line Covers the Two Airports in about 40 Minutes for CNY 26. Metro Line 2 Also Runs between Them for Less, but Takes Roughly 90 Minutes
    Check-In Closes 60 Minutes before an International Departure and 40 to 45 Minutes before a Domestic One, so Allow Two Hours Domestic and Three Hours International
    Yes. #AirportPVG-Free-WiFi Covers the Public Terminal Areas. Sign in with an SMS Code, by Photographing Your Passport, or with a Number from One of the Self-Service Kiosks
    Aerotel Shanghai Takes Up Levels 6 and 7 of Terminal 2, Landside, and Books by the Hour as Well as Overnight. The Other Airport Hotels Sit in the Landside Hub or a Shuttle Away
    // Know before You Go

    Travel Tips & Essential Information for China

    China is a very large country with major differences between cities, regions, climate, language, and transport systems. Visitors usually find modern transport and good mobile coverage in big cities, but payment systems, internet restrictions, and language barriers can require extra preparation.

    China AT A GLANCE
    China
    LanguageStandard Chinese
    Capital CityBeijing
    CurrencyRenminbi yuan (CNY)
    Time ZoneChina Standard Time (UTC+8)
    Emergency110 police · 120 ambulance · 119 fire
    Driving Sideright
    Plug TypeType A, Type C, and Type I
    Voltage220 V, 50 Hz
    Compare Local SIM & eSIM Plans →

    Official Languages: Standard Chinese

    English is not widely spoken outside major hotels, some tourist sites, and international business areas. In large cities you may find limited English support on metro systems and at airports, but many everyday interactions commonly require translation apps or prepared addresses in Chinese.

    Mobile Network: Mobile coverage is generally strong in cities and along major transport routes, with widespread 4G and growing 5G coverage. Speeds are commonly good for local apps and services, but access to many international websites and apps is restricted.

    Roaming/SIM/eSIM: For most visitors, a local SIM or travel eSIM is usually the most practical choice for data. Roaming from your home provider may be simpler because it can sometimes allow access to services you normally use, but it is often expensive. A local SIM is commonly cheaper for longer stays and domestic use, though setup may require passport registration and local app compatibility. A travel eSIM can be the easiest balance for short trips if your phone supports it. Before travel, check whether your chosen option gives access to the apps and sites you need, and download maps, translation tools, and booking details in advance.

    International bank cards are accepted at some hotels, larger chain stores, and major transport hubs, but mobile payments dominate daily transactions. Many small shops, restaurants, taxis, and local services commonly prefer or rely on Alipay or WeChat Pay, so visitors should prepare a workable mobile payment option and also carry some cash.

    Tipping is not traditionally expected in most everyday situations in China. In many local restaurants, taxis, and basic services, people typically do not tip. Some higher end hotels, international tour services, or private guides may accept tips, especially in tourist facing settings, but it is usually discretionary rather than required.

    Plug Type: Type A, Type C, and Type I

    Voltage: 220 V, 50 Hz

    Adapter: Commonly yes, depending on your home country and device plug type. Many travelers need a universal adapter.

    China is commonly considered fairly safe for visitors in terms of street crime, especially in well traveled urban areas. The main practical risks for tourists are payment difficulties, transport confusion, internet access limits, scams in tourist zones, road safety, and rules around registration, visas, and restricted areas.

    • Use only licensed taxis or established ride hailing apps, and confirm the destination on the map before departure.
    • Carry your hotel name and destination addresses in Chinese to show drivers or station staff.
    • Watch for common tourist scams in busy sightseeing areas, such as tea ceremony invitations, art student approaches, or inflated taxi fares.
    • Keep your passport and visa documents secure, and check whether your accommodation handles the required registration with local authorities.
    • Follow local rules carefully at stations, government buildings, border areas, and when photographing sensitive sites.
    • Air quality can vary by city and season, so travelers with asthma or other respiratory conditions should monitor local conditions.
    • Road traffic can feel fast and unpredictable, so take extra care when crossing streets even at marked crossings.

    Do

    • Carry your passport or a clear copy if required for hotel check in or ticket collection.
    • Set up payment methods before arrival and keep some cash for backup.
    • Use translation apps and save key destinations in Chinese text.
    • Queue where marked and follow station and security instructions closely.
    • Ask before photographing people, religious sites, or sensitive locations.

    Avoid

    • Do not assume your usual apps, messaging services, or maps will work without preparation.
    • Do not discuss sensitive political topics casually with strangers if you are unsure of the context.
    • Do not rely only on international credit cards for everyday purchases.
    • Do not enter restricted, military, or clearly controlled areas for photos or exploration.
    • Do not ignore local registration, visa, or extension requirements.

    Local Cultural Tips

    • Politeness and calm behavior are appreciated, especially in queues, hotels, restaurants, and public transport.
    • Exchanging items such as passports, cards, or gifts with both hands is a respectful habit in more formal situations.
    • Respect for elders and authority is important, so a patient and courteous tone usually works better than confrontation.
    • Shoes are typically kept on in shops and public places, but in some homes you may be offered slippers.
    • Crowds can be heavy at stations and tourist attractions, so expect close personal space and move with patience.
    • Rules can be enforced strictly in transport, visa, and identification matters, so keep documents and booking records accessible.
    • Greet people politely and use a calm tone.
    • Avoid causing public embarrassment or direct confrontation where possible.
    • Wait to be seated or guided in more formal restaurants.
    • Use serving utensils if provided when sharing dishes.
    • Offer and receive business cards or documents respectfully, commonly with both hands.
    // Ready When You Land

    Get Online without Shanghai Pudong International Airport WiFi. Activate Your Free eSIM Trial When You Land

    Get a Free eSIM Trial for China When You Land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Then Continue with 1GB or Unlimited Data for Maps, Taxi Apps & Travel Essentials

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