General Information » Getting Around » Taxi

There are approximately 43,000 taxis in China belonging to seven privately run taxi companies. The largest and most reliable are the turquoise Da Zhong taxis (96822), the gold Qiangsheng taxis (6258 0000) and the light green Bashi taxis (96840). Smaller companies tend to opt for red cars, and some of the darker red taxis tend to be less monitored and less trustworthy than the larger companies. All of them should, however, have meters, which the drivers must start at the beginning of the journey. Pick-up price is RMB 11 for the first 3km and then RMB 2.1 for any additional kilometres. After 23:00 the pick-up price increases to RMB 14 with RMB 2.7 charged for additional kilometres. Sometimes, especially at airports, you will find yourself in a taxi without a meter, either this is a black cab or maybe the meter has broken.

There are approximately 1,000 taxi ranks dotted around Shanghai, but most taxis are simply hailed on the side of the road. An empty taxi is recognised by a green, lit-up sign saying ‘kong che’ (empty car) on the dashboard. It is generally easy to pick up a taxi, unless it is raining or mid rush-hour when it is practically impossible.

The city’s taxi drivers are primarily born-and-bred Shanghainese and know their city well. They are not, however, used to getting vague instructions, so try and have a definite address to give them, and make sure to have the address written in Chinese characters before you set off. It is a loss of ‘face’ for a taxi driver to admit he is lost, meaning he will often prefer to drive around in circles than to stop and ask for directions; try and keep a map (in Chinese and English) with you, plus a general idea of your route.

Try to avoid cabs not from reputable firms. If a driver gives unsatisfactory service then call the complaints hotline on 962000 and quote the driver’s number printed on the back of his seat. For all taxis you can either pay in cash or use your Shanghai Transportation Card.