Airports
Shanghai has two major airports: most international flights go through ultramodern Pudong International Airport (PVG), 45 km (30 mi) east of the city, whereas domestic routes operate out of the older Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), 15 km (9 mi) west of the city center.
Both Pudong and Hongqiao have a departure tax of Y90 for international flights and Y50 for domestic. You pay before check-in by purchasing a coupon from booths (near the check-in counters at Pudong, or just inside the terminal at Hongqiao); this coupon is collected at the entrance to the main departure hall.
Clearing customs and immigration can take a while, especially at overcrowded Pudong, so make sure you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled flight time. Check-in desks at Pudong are not always clearly signed, so bank on hunting around a little. Likewise, prepare for some exercise between immigration and the gate: this is one big airport, and there are few people movers. Hongqiao may look worn and tattered in comparison, but fewer passengers and smaller distances make both departure and arrival processes smoother and quicker. Indeed, many business travelers prefer to fly to Hongqiao.
At Pudong, both Chinese and Western-style fast-food outlets abound¡ªStarbucks and KFC are two names you'll recognize, but quality is generally poor. Most are open from around 7 AM to 11 PM. Be warned that prices for even a soft drink vary wildly from place to place. Take ample distractions in case of delays: the shopping in both airports is poor and even airline business-class lounges have limited Internet access and little entertainment.
While wandering either airport, someone may approach you offering to carry your luggage, or even just give you directions. This "helpful" stranger will almost certainly expect payment. Many of the X-ray machines used for large luggage items aren't film-safe, so keep film in your carry-on luggage.
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