Probably the most contact you will have with local Shanghaianese for the first few months will be with taxi drivers. Despite speaking no English, they are usually always polite and helpful. So, in order to avoid potentially stressful situations involving multiple misunderstandings, always carry a card or piece of paper with your home address or destination written in Chinese characters.

Unlike just about any other world city, Shanghai taxi drivers do not like to be tipped and will always return the exact change. They use meters to ensure there is no quibbling over fares. They willprint passengers a receipt. This piece of paper is worth keeping, because, if ever you leave anything in a taxi, you can call the company, quote the receipt number and they will return your goods. How about that for honesty!

Shanghai's taxis come in different colour, each company has its own color.The most reputable is the blue turquoise color by Da Zhong company.