Taxi Service in Shanghai

Taking a taxi is a fast and convenient choice of transport for travelling around Shanghai. There are more than 50,000 taxis in Shanghai. The taxi’s registration plate number and the company’s customer service phone numbers are clearly displayed in the cars.

Formal taxis can be easily identified by the logo that lights up on the top of the car. One of the unique features of taxis in Shanghai is the transparent shield that is beside the driver’s seat, which serves as a protection from some attacks. 

Taxis are in short supply during peak periods, rainy days and public holidays. Passengers are advised to accordingly plan their journey during these circumstances to allow for longer waiting times.

Fares

Taking taxis in Shanghai is more expensive than in other cities. In the daytime, the minimum fare is 13 yuan for the first 3 kilometers (1.9 miles), an additional charge of 2.4 yuan for every succeeding kilometer within 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and 3.6 yuan for every succeeding kilometer after 10 kilometers. An additional fuel surcharge of 1 yuan should be paid per journey. Being stuck in a traffic jam bumps up the bill as five minutes of waiting time costs the same as that of a kilometer.

Current   fares for daytime operation (5 am to 11 pm)
	1-3 km	Above 3   km
Fares	14 yuan (including   fuel surcharge)	2.4 yuan per km
Waiting   time	Waiting 5 minutes   equals to traveling a kilometer

A 30 percent night surcharge is set from 11pm to 5am.

At night from 11pm to 5am the next morning, the fare is 18 yuan (including 1 yuan of fuel surcharge) for the first three kilometers, an additional charge of 3.1 yuan for every succeeding kilometer within 10 kilometers and 4.1yuan for every succeeding kilometer after 10 kilometers.

Current fares for night operation (11pm to 5am)
	1-3 km	Above 3   km
Fares	18 yuan (including   fuel surcharge)	3.1 yuan per km
Waiting   time	Waiting 5 minutes   equals to traveling a kilometer

How to read a taxi receipt?

In Shanghai, pooling a cab with strangers is banned.

Besides flagging down a cab on the street, you can also book a car by phone. There is no service fee for phone bookings except for Dazhong Company, which charges 4 yuan for each telephone or online reservation. The taxi hotline is 96822 and they have services in English.

In addition to the 96965 hotline, the four biggest taxi operators in Shanghai have their own call centers, but they don’t offer SMS service.

Tips

∎ As mentioned people may have a tough time finding cabs in rush hours and on rainy days. Taxi call centers also tend to be busier during such times. Your best choice is probably to head to places where there are more taxis, such as restaurants. 

∎ Don't try to hail a cab at crossroads, as taxi drivers cannot stop to pick up passengers within 30 meters away from an intersection.

∎  Most taxi drivers are amicable, but their English is limited. So it's best to get someone to write down your destination in Chinese.

∎ Remember to take the receipt. The slip will contain information on the taxi, including its plate number and the taxi company. In case you leave something in the car, the receipt will give you clues to find it.

∎ In case you come across a "juzai" or some other unpleasant experience with a taxi, you can complain to the local taxi authority by dialing 962000.

∎ All the taxis in the city are compatible with the Public Transportation Card. If a driver refuses to accept the card, you have the right to decline payment.

Bigger or Luxurious cars

If you have more than three companions, you can phone Dazhong's call center (96822) to book a bigger taxi, which can accommodate as many as seven passengers. The fares are the same as that of the ordinary cabs.

Mini-bus

If you have more than 10 companions, you need to book a mini-bus, and you can dial Jinjiang's hotline 96961. But the supply of mini-buses is limited, so you should make a reservation as early as possible.

Buses and Coaches

If you want to rent a coach, the number 6317-9190 of Dazhong will be useful for you. The companies can provide a variety of buses with 10 to 50 seats. But buses are charged on a daily basis rather than metered. Fares range from 500 to more than 1,000 yuan a day.

Van

If you are moving houses, you can dial Dazhong's 96811 or Qiangsheng's 62580000 to book a van. The minimum cost of a van of 0.6-ton capacity is 20 yuan covering 3 kilometers, and 3 yuan for every additional kilometer. The minimum cost of a van of 0.9-ton capacity is 25 yuan covering 3 kilometers, and 3.5 yuan for every additional kilometer.

Current fares for vans
Capacity	Minimum fares	After 3 kilometers
0.6 ton	20 yuan (3 km)	3 yuan per km
0.9 ton	25 yuan (3 km)	3.5 yuan per km