But for the time being the old airport at Hongqiao will continue to serve as the gateway to Shanghai. Despite first appearances, the HIA works well and is convenient. All of the signs are in English and Chinese as are the announcements. Listen carefully, however, as the broadcasting system has a 'tinny' sound and the announcer sounds like a robot. The airport has separate arrival and departure buildings in one terminal and is spread out over two levels with the domestic arrivals and departures on the top floor and international arrivals and departures on the ground floor.
Pay phones located about the building accept one-RMB coins.
Some of the machines accept phone cards but only local ones. A number of souvenir-type stores sell some merchandise, from garish scrolls to silk pajamas. There is a counter just inside the entrance to the departure terminal where this can be paid. The customs agents won't let you proceed without paying the departure tax. There is no government services tax but hotels have a room tariff of 10 per cent for service charges plus 5 percent tax.