2026 Shanghai Pudong Airport Arrival, VPN, SIM, Immigration, Visa-free Transit

Airalo eSIM for China: Use my code or click on the link directly to get a discount: https://airalo.pxf.io/0GQx1E LEANNTRAVEL (10% off for ANY users) LEANNTRAVELNEW (15% off for NEW users only) Airalo eSIM is a convenient way to stay connected and access sites and apps that are blocked on local Chinese networks, without needing a physical SIM card. After purchasing the eSIM on Airalo.com, you can install it with or without the Airalo app but it's much simpler with the app. Before your trip you can now only complete the digital arrival card online, which is more efficient than the old paper arrival forms. You can complete your personal and travel details. If you’re using the visa-free transit option, select temporary entry for transit as your entry policy. Please note that departure itinerary from China is mandatory for visa-free transit. After submission, each traveller will receive a confirmation containing a QR code. Download and save a copy on your device to present to the immigration officer. 1:27 - Arrival at Shanghai Pudong PVG Covid Requirements and Health declaration are no longer required. You’ll pass through smart thermal scanners in the walkway. We were not requested to complete biometric verification at the self service kiosks. 1:48 - Visa Citizens of 55 eligible countries can transit through Shanghai and other parts of China under the visa-free transit policy, provided they hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region. Many travellers find this confusing; Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are under different jurisdictions and are considered third destinations. If you are not eligible for visa-free transit, you must apply for a visa. Follow the signs to the 24 or 240 hour Visa-Free Transit counter at the immigration inspection area. Present your passport, completed Arrival Card, and confirmed onward ticket. A temporary entry permit sticker will then be placed in your passport. Visa-free transit counter then followed by Immigration Counter   / 240hour_10day_visafree_transit_policy_in_c...   If you have not completed the digital Arrival Card, paper forms are available at the airport. At immigration, queue in the designated line such as foreigners or Chinese nationals and have your Arrival Card QR code ready for inspection. Officers will only allow you to join the queue after confirming you have either the QR code or a completed Arrival Card. 2:33 - Immigration your four fingers on both hands then your thumbs will be scanned. You may be asked about the purpose of your visit, who you are travelling with, and the length of your stay. It took us about 25 minutes to clear immigration including queuing. Goods of commercial value, Passengers carrying foreign currencies in cash worth more than US$5,000, animals and plants, and their products must declare at Customs. 3:29 - Internet Access in China Keep in mind that in China, whether you’re using Wi-Fi or a local Chinese SIM card, many popular websites and apps such as Google and Instagram are blocked. To get around this, you can use an international eSIM or enable roaming from your home network. Using Wi-Fi such as at your hotel can help save on costs. 4:21 - VPN having a VPN allows you to bypass the firewall when using Wi-Fi as well as a local Chinese SIM to access the blocked sites. If you plan to use a VPN, make sure to install it before leaving home. We used Surfshark, which worked for us, although we had to try connecting through a few different countries before getting a successful connection. Prepaid international eSIMs such as Airalo allow you to access navigation via Amap, payment apps like Alipay and WeChat, including their Didi mini-app for ride-hailing seamlessly. 5:02 - Local SIM (+86) However a local Chinese phone number is required to unlock the full functionality of China’s digital ecosystem. 20GB data Tourist SIM cards sold at the terminal typically cost between RMB 150–200 and include call minutes, valid for 30 days. Many travelers recommend China Unicom. passport registration is required to complete the purchase. 5:25 - Residence Registration Foreign visitors in China must register their temporary residence with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels do this automatically, but those staying in private residence must register themselves either at a local police station (派出所) or via official WeChat mini-program or online platform here. A passport, valid visa, and proof from the host are usually required. 6:59 - Hyatt Regency Shanghai Global Harbour This Hotel is about 10km from the city centre.