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.

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.

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.