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Shanghai Stopover Secrets: Your Ultimate Transit Guide!
Hey everyone! 👋 It's me again, back with more travel tips! 😀
Today, I'm sharing my Shanghai transit adventure en route to Europe. This could be a lifesaver if you're flying China Eastern or Shanghai Airlines (basically the same!) and transiting at Pudong Airport (PVG). Seriously, part 3 (Immigration) is GOLD, so don't miss it!
1. Flying China Eastern: Deals & Details
- Unbelievably Affordable: Seriously, round-trip Hanoi - Paris tickets can be around $600 if you book early! Check their official website – prices are usually the same as third-party sites. And yes, it's in English!
- Manage Your Expectations (But You Might Be Surprised): With that price, you might not expect the Ritz. But honestly, it was great! No complaints, except the food was a little… meh.
- Pro Tip: Hanoi airport staff are thorough! Have digital copies of your itinerary, visa, return ticket, and hotel booking ready on your phone for a smooth check-in.
2. Free Layover Tour: Explore Shanghai On The House!
- Secret's Out! Many people don't know about this or don't bother looking into it. But sitting still is my personal torture. After those long flights, I needed to stretch my legs and see something!
- Pudong Airport Perks: You can actually join one of four FREE tours (sponsored by Do Trip):
- Tour 1 (9 AM - 2 PM): Yu Garden, The Bund
- Tour 2 (10 AM - 4 PM): Wukang Road, Wuzhong Market, People's Square, Nanjing Road, The Bund
- Tour 3 (2 PM - 8 PM): (Only runs Sept 23 - Oct 6) World Expo Museum, China Art Museum, "Old Shanghai" Alley 1192
- Tour 4 (6 PM - 11 PM): Huangpu River Cruise, Yu Garden
- Pick Your Perfect Tour: Choose a tour that fits your transit time. Tour times include travel to and from the airport – the latest tour gets you back by 11 PM. You can even do two tours in one day (e.g., 1 & 4 or 2 & 4), but keep an eye on your connecting flight!
- Important: No Online Booking! Head to the Shanghai Tourist Information & Service Store on F1, International Arrivals, Terminal 1, at least one hour before your tour starts.
- Perks Included: English-speaking guide, free data (if you don't have a Chinese SIM). You'll travel by bus (boat for the late tour). No entrance fees, but you pay for your own meals at the restaurant your guide takes you to.
3. Immigration: The Key to Leaving the Airport
- Want to Explore? If you want to join the free transit tour or venture out on your own Shanghai adventure, you need a 24-hour temporary entry permit!
- DO NOT PASS GO! When you get off the plane, DO NOT head straight through security to the departure gates. Look for China Eastern staff and ask about the "24-hour temporary entry permit." They're used to this question. They'll guide you to fill out a form and then to customs for a photo and permit sticker.
- Uh Oh, I Already Went Through Security! Okay, this is tricky. It happened to me because there were no helpful guides back then 😞. The security guards likely won't speak English. But look for a "Passenger Assistance" counter! A staff member there who understands English can help you. She'll likely direct you to gate "1" of the security area – the only way to go back out after security. Show them the "24-hour temporary entry permit" image saved on your phone. They'll understand! (Probably only people who messed up like me need to go back out that gate anyway!). You'll go through several checkpoints, showing the image and saying "24-hour temporary entry permit, please" at each one. Finally, you'll reach customs to get your stamp and enter the country. Avoid all this hassle by skipping security in the first place!
4. Pudong Airport (PVG): Survival Guide
- Massive Airport Alert: PVG is huge with two terminals (T1 & T2) far apart. If you arrive at T2 and need to get to T1 for the free transit tour, go upstairs, outside, and take the free shuttle bus to T1 (runs every 5 minutes).
- Free Wi-Fi: Two Easy Methods
- Via SMS: Connect to "AIRPORTPVG-FREE-WIFI," open your browser, and it will direct you to the login page. Select "SMS login," enter your mobile number, and click "Get code." You'll receive a verification code in seconds.
- Via ID and Password: Use the Wi-Fi code machines in the airport to scan your passport. Follow the same steps as above, but select "ticket" login instead of SMS.
- Wi-Fi Code Machine Locations:
- T1 Departure Hall (after security): International Information Desk (near Gate 17/18), International Gate 19/20, Domestic Gate 8/9
- T2 Departure Hall (after security): International Information Desk (near Gate D73), International Gate D75, Domestic Gate C58
Wishing you smooth travels and an awesome trip! 😊✈️
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Tags:
china travel
