Shanghai Taxi Guide for Foreign Visitors
How to take taxis in Shanghai without speaking Chinese, including address cards, payment, and common problems.
Quick Answer
To take a taxi in Shanghai, prepare your destination in Chinese before you get in: place name, full address, phone number, and a landmark. Use official taxis, ask for the meter, and keep Alipay, WeChat Pay, and cash as payment options. A large Chinese address card is often more useful than English maps.
Who This Helps
Take a Shanghai taxi smoothly
Steps
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Prepare a Chinese address card
Show the driver large Chinese text with the destination and phone number. English hotel names are often not enough.
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Use official taxis or a trusted app
At airports and stations, use the official taxi queue. For app rides, confirm plate number and pickup point.
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Confirm the meter
Official taxis should use the meter. If a driver refuses a normal metered ride, leave and use another taxi.
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Pay without rushing
QR payment is common, but cash can help if your app fails. Keep smaller notes.
Fallback Plan
- If the driver does not understand, call the hotel and let staff explain.
- If payment fails, try another app, then cash.
- If pickup points are confusing, walk to a hotel, mall entrance, or official taxi stand.
Verification Notes
- Verification planned: document current airport taxi pickup flow and common Didi pickup zones.
- The Taxi Address Card Generator is the first tool for this guide.
Useful Chinese
FAQ
Can taxi drivers read English addresses?
Do not assume so. Use a Chinese address and phone number whenever possible.