Shanghai Taxi Drivers: What to Expect
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The Shanghai taxi is more than just a mode of transport; it's a capsule of the city itself. It’s a rolling microcosm where the old Shanghai of alleyways and tradition collides with the new Shanghai of soaring skyscrapers and hyper-modernity. Your driver is not just a person behind the wheel; they are your impromptu tour guide, a barometer of the city's mood, and often, a source of unforgettable anecdotes. For any traveler, understanding the world of Shanghai's taxi drivers is as essential as visiting The Bund or Yu Garden. It’s an integral, if unpredictable, part of the adventure.
Before you even hail a cab, you'll notice they come in different colors. This isn't just for show; it’s a quick visual guide to the company and, to some extent, the vehicle's age and condition.
The most common sight on the road is the turquoise or light blue taxi, often from major companies like Dazhong. These are the workhorses of the city. They are generally reliable, metered, and air-conditioned. The cars are typically Volkswagen Santanas or similar sedans—not luxurious, but perfectly functional for getting from A to B. This is your standard, no-surprise ride.
Often belonging to another giant, Qiangsheng, these gold or deep yellow taxis are similarly ubiquitous and trustworthy. You might find the vehicles to be slightly newer or more spacious in some cases. The drivers are licensed professionals. When you see a turquoise or gold cab with its "For Hire" light on, you can be confident you're getting a legitimate service.
For a more premium experience, look for all-black taxis or those with distinct branding like "Jinjiang." These are often luxury models like the Volkswagen Passat or even Buicks. They are more comfortable and the service can be a notch above, but the flag-fall rate and per-kilometer cost are higher. Then, of course, there's the digital revolution. Didi Chuxing is the dominant ride-hailing app in China, the equivalent of Uber. For many tourists, especially those who don't speak Mandarin, Didi's in-app English language support and fixed-price booking are a godsend. It eliminates the haggling and potential navigation issues. You'll find everything from budget rides to premium cars on the app.
Navigating the physical and transactional process of taking a taxi is a key travel skill in Shanghai.
The best place to hail a cab is at a designated taxi stand, especially near hotels, shopping malls, and tourist attractions. During peak hours or rainy weather, this is your most reliable bet. Alternatively, you can flag one down on the street. Look for a taxi with its red "For Hire" light illuminated in the front windshield. An empty seat in the passenger seat is also a good indicator. A simple raised hand is the universal signal.
Once inside, seatbelts are provided and, while not always used by locals, it's wise to buckle up. The driver will immediately start the meter. There is no expectation of tipping in Shanghai; it is simply not part of the culture. The meter price is the final price. A crucial point of etiquette: Shanghai taxi drivers almost never open the trunk for you. It's standard practice for passengers to load and unload their own luggage into the trunk. Don't wait for the driver to get out and help; they will likely be waiting for you to do it.
Payment is almost exclusively digital. The driver will present a QR code. You scan it with your WeChat Pay or Alipay app to complete the transaction. This is seamless and efficient. While cash (Renminbi) is still accepted, it can be inconvenient as drivers may not have change for large bills. Having your digital payment methods set up before you arrive in China is highly, highly recommended for a smooth taxi experience.
This is where the real adventure begins. The stereotype of the gruff, chain-smoking, spitting Shanghai driver is largely a relic of the past. Today's drivers are a diverse bunch.
You might get a driver who is a born raconteur. Even with limited English, they might gesture towards landmarks, utter a few words like "Puxi!" (west of the river) or "Pudong!" (east of the river) with pride, or offer a hearty laugh. Other times, you'll get a driver completely focused on the road, weaving through traffic with a stoic determination. Both experiences are authentic.
Very few taxi drivers speak conversational English. This is the single biggest challenge for tourists. To ensure a smooth ride, always have your destination written in Chinese characters. Your hotel concierge can write this for you on a card, or you can show the driver the address on your phone. Better yet, use the map on your phone to show the precise location. Apps like Google Translate's camera function can also be a lifesaver for reading street signs or menus you pass by.
Shanghai is a vast, constantly evolving urban sprawl. Don't be surprised or alarmed if your driver consults a map app on their phone (often mounted on the dashboard) or uses a walkie-talkie-like device to communicate with a dispatcher. They are not lost; they are simply navigating one of the world's most complex and congested road systems. Trust the process.
A taxi ride can frame your visit to Shanghai's most famous sites in a unique way.
Telling a driver "The Bund" (Waitan) is usually understood. The ride there, especially as you get close, is a lesson in urban density. Getting a taxi from The Bund in the evening, however, can be a challenge. Be prepared to queue or walk a few blocks away from the main tourist throng. The same goes for the neon-drenched Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. A taxi can drop you at one end for a perfect start to your shopping stroll.
The trip from the historic Puxi side, through the tunnels under the Huangpu River, and into the futuristic district of Pudong is a journey through time. Your driver might point out the Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the supreme Shanghai Tower with a sense of civic pride. The scale of the architecture is best appreciated from the ground up, and a taxi gives you that perspective.
Taxis are an excellent, straightforward way to get to and from the airports. The ride to Pudong International Airport (PVG) from central Shanghai is a long one, often over an hour, and can be expensive, but it's direct and comfortable. Ensure the driver uses the meter. For Hongqiao Airport (SHA), which is much closer to the city center, it's a very convenient and affordable option.
To elevate your taxi experience from functional to fantastic, keep these final tips in mind.
At airports, train stations, and major tourist spots, you may be approached by touts offering taxi services. These are unlicensed "black cabs." Avoid them. They will overcharge you significantly and the service is unregulated. Always insist on using the official taxi queue.
Shanghai's rush hours (roughly 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM) are legendary. Traffic can be at a complete standstill. During these times, a taxi ride will be slow and the meter will keep ticking. Consider using the incredibly efficient Shanghai Metro during peak congestion periods. It's often faster and always cheaper.
Finally, relax and take it all in. The blaring of the taxi radio, the view of the city whizzing by, the occasional spirited discussion your driver has with another motorist—it's all part of the rich tapestry of Shanghai. The taxi ride is not just a gap between destinations; it's a story in motion, a fleeting connection with a local, and a memory in the making. So, buckle up, have your Chinese address ready, and get ready to see Shanghai through the windshield.
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Author: Shanghai Travel
Link: https://shanghaitravel.github.io/travel-blog/shanghai-taxi-drivers-what-to-expect.htm
Source: Shanghai Travel
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