In the first half of 2026, more than 2.046 million foreign travelers entered China via Shanghai under visa-free entry policies or the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, accounting for over 60 percent of all inbound foreign travelers entering via Shanghai.

To meet the needs of inbound and transit passengers, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport has introduced a range of enhanced services covering luggage storage, wheelchair rentals, travel advice, currency exchange, and departure tax refunds.

Free luggage storage

To make it easier for travelers to explore the city during transit, short trips, or business visits, Hongqiao airport now provides complimentary luggage storage.

Passengers eligible for visa-free transit may store one piece of luggage free of charge at the luggage service center opposite Door 6 in the public departure area of Terminal 1. There are no size restrictions, and luggage can be stored for up to 72 hours.

Wheelchair rentals

To better assist elderly passengers and those with reduced mobility, the airport offers wheelchair rental services.

Inbound travelers can apply at the information desk at Terminal 1. The wheelchair may be taken outside the terminal, with no restrictions on travel distance or area. The rental fee is 20 yuan ($2.94) per day.

To return the wheelchair, passengers can call 021-2238-2450 to arrange a handover at a designated location within the airport. All wheelchairs are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use.

One-stop travel information center

In partnership with Trip.com Group, the airport has set up an inbound travel information center in the international, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan arrivals public area of Terminal 1.

The center provides one-stop consultation services covering itinerary planning, internet access, mobile payment setup, and local transport. Staff members also offer personalized travel recommendations and booking assistance based on each visitor's length of stay and travel needs.

Overseas travelers can receive Shanghai travel discount vouchers, a complimentary one-day mobile data package, and join a free half-day tour of the Yuyuan Garden and City God Temple area with an English-speaking guide.

Currency exchange and tax refunds

Hongqiao airport has expanded its currency exchange services. The six currency exchange outlets across both terminals now support renminbi exchange services for 43 currencies, up from 38.

The newly added currencies are the Cambodian riel, Kuwaiti dinar, Nepalese rupee, Omani rial, and Qatari riyal. Small-denomination exchange services are also available.

For departure tax refunds, a dedicated service counter is located in the international, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan departure waiting area of Terminal 1. Travelers can receive refunds in cash or by bank transfer, or opt for a self-service tax refund terminal for faster processing.

The exchange and tax refund service outlets remain available until operations for the day's last international, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan flight are completed.

Source: Shanghai Airport (Group) Co Ltd