Transport

The majority of expatriates utilize either a company car or taxi. Shanghai has a wide network of reliable public transportation options also available:

Taxis

Taxis are plentiful, affordable and safe; do not expect, however, that your driver will be able to speak even the most basic English. Please be aware that during rush hour or bad weather trying to find an available taxi can be difficult. There is also a special premium taxi service for which you pay an approximate RMB1,200 fee (for 6 months and 10 bookings per month) called Smart Taxi which guarantees a taxi in 15 minutes by calling their number (6258 0000). It is also highly advisable to carry bilingual taxi cards, such as Savills “Bilingual Taxi Book” provided by us in your Welcome Package. Name cards with the addresses in Chinese characters are extremely helpful so we recommend you ask for a “mingpian” or name card when visiting places you may wish to return to. Since you are likely to accumulate a great deal of cards when living in Shanghai, it is helpful to jot down on the card something to jog your memory as to why this place was memorable.

Subway (Metro) and Light Rail Networks

The subway system in Shanghai is excellent and relatively user friendly. At present, there are 10 subway lines with more under construction to accommodate Expo 2010. Subway routes are easily accessible on line at live.shanghaidaily.com/guide_metro.asp. Although, there are four bridges and three tunnels that connect the Puxi side to Pudong, getting across the river by car at peak times can be extremely slow and tedious, making the subway a more attractive option. Unfortunately, it is at these same times of day that the subway is also extremely crowded. Outside of peak rush hours the Shanghai subway system is a very clean, quick, safe, and cheap mode of transportation.

Buses

Buses are not as popular of an option for most expatriates as the routes can be confusing
without local knowledge or Chinese language ability. Although there are many airconditioned
buses which can be quite comfortable, they tend to be extremely crowded and
confining during rush-hour. Some routes, once known, can be very useful. For route and fare
information in English please visit www.msittig.wubi.org/bus.