Shanghai, China Master Thread

[Cbs]

Taxi is usually faster, but it’s an experience to take a train going 430km/h

thats only certain times. - when i went it was at 300 kmh

[PlatinumGuy]

If you think Israeli drivers are crazy, do not set foot in a Chinese cab.

[Cbs]

If you think Israeli drivers are crazy, do not set foot in a Chinese cab.

+100 to that! And don't step foot in street when they're driving

[mendoul]

the train only start late at 8am i think
when i was there i landed early morning i took a cab (crazy drivers!!!)

[jj1000]

the train only start late at 8am i think
when i was there i landed early morning i took a cab (crazy drivers!!!)

I land 4pm and leave 12am. Is it dangerous at night? Any idea how much I should expect to pay for a cabs to get around? Also do cabs take CC or I have to exchange money? Anywhere better than the airport to do that?

[mendoul]

which airport are you landing to?
i landed in pudong airport
we landed at 5am we waited at border control for half hour (because you officially don't need a visa if you stay less than 48h in shanghai but they didnt know that)
then we went to look for a taxi but they were very very expensive! then a random guy shows up and ask us where we wanted to go, he also ask for alot of money we refuse it has to lower its prices till wefinnaly  took him that was not a official taxi! the guy didnt speak english he seemed very nervous  (we were a little afraid We did not know if he really understood where we wanted to go, but at the end he drop us in the right place and he gave us is phone number

Is it dangerous at night?

i dont think is dangerous at night
shanghai it is known to be a beautiful city at night

Any idea how much I should expect to pay for a cabs to get around?

I can't remember how much we paid but the best thing for you at this time would be just to go to the bond its very nice
then if you have time go to the yu-yuan garden

Also do cabs take CC or I have to exchange money? Anywhere better than the airport to do that?

just take out cash from your cc once you get there its easier

[moish]

thats only certain times. - when i went it was at 300 kmh

on weekends i only goes up to 300

beware of taxis, they try to rip you off. i had the hotel porters fight my battle for me when i arrived

[mendoul]

on weekends i only goes up to 300

http://www.smtdc.com/en/jszl1_2.asp

[PlatinumGuy]

I land 4pm and leave 12am. Is it dangerous at night? Any idea how much I should expect to pay for a cabs to get around? Also do cabs take CC or I have to exchange money? Anywhere better than the airport to do that?

Not dangerous, cabs don't speak a single word of English, and I mean not even Hello. No credit cards

Go to the bund at night lights off at 2200

[moish]

http://www.smtdc.com/en/jszl1_2.asp

then i stand corrected

[jj1000]

Just realized I'm going to be there for Chinese New Years

[mendoul]

then i stand corrected

 

[mendoul]

Just realized I'm going to be there for Chinese New Years

so thats for sure it would be alot of people at night

[jj1000]

so thats for sure it would be alot of people at night

In many places new years is the most dangerous time to be out... But It's the day of new years, at least in the US everyone is out the night it turns new years and sleeps the next day.

[Achas Veachas]

+100 to that! And don't step foot in street when they're driving

When I was there for Shabbos the Rabbi made an announcement after Krias Hatorah for those needing to make Hagomel: "Anyone who flew over seas or was sick or who crossed the street to get here..."

[mendoul]

When I was there for Shabbos the Rabbi made an announcement after Krias Hatorah for those needing to make Hagomel: "Anyone who flew over seas or was sick or who crossed the street to get here..."

lol this is so true!!!

[Brian]

Any idea how much I should expect to pay for a cabs to get around?

From PVG to the city it's about 200 rmb, 10-15 min ride should be about 30-40 rmb

I have to exchange money? Anywhere better than the airport to do that?

I take out from atm, they charge 40 rmb to exchange at the airport

[jj1000]

I ended up bringing in 3 bags for the shliach. So he sent a driver to pick me up from the airport and brought me straight to his Chabad house.

I was given free choice of anything on the menu. I went with the Chinese chicken (sweet and sour IIRC) and it was great. The chicken soup was salt and water IMHO and not worth ordering. The dips and bread were pretty good. I also received egg rolls and dumplings which were delicious. For dessert I had the apple strudel cake which was surprisingly good.

Then I went to the bund and from there walked 10 minutes to a busy street with stores lining the streets and vendors selling cheap crap as you walk by. The bund was neat to see and walking around in general I enjoyed seeing the old city.

One part I despised and really ruined Shanghai for me was how many times I was approached to receive a "massage" often with much more explicate terms. This really made me feel like I was in a low class town and upset with that.

Most people do not speak a word of English, but the teenagers seem to be much better especially ones working in Starbucks for example who told me where to go and were a great help in general.

Warning for all taxi takers. Cabs will tell you it is very expensive on the meter and they will negotiate a better set price with you. Its is pure BS and never agree to it no matter how much they push. My cab back to the airport Actually pulled over and told me to get out because I only wanted meter price. I simply cursed him out threatened to call the cops and closed my eyes until he continued the trip. I also made him restart the meter from that point which he turned off without my telling him to.

It was a nice stopover and seeing how large a city it is is very impressive, also loved the old areas, but I have no desire to return.

Thanks everyone for your advice!

[PlatinumGuy]

I ended up bringing in 3 bags for the shliach. So he sent a driver to pick me up from the airport and brought me straight to his Chabad house.

I was given free choice of anything on the menu. I went with the Chinese chicken (sweet and sour IIRC) and it was great. The chicken soup was salt and water IMHO and not worth ordering. The dips and bread were pretty good. I also received egg rolls and dumplings which were delicious. For dessert I had the apple strudel cake which was surprisingly good.

Then I went to the bund and from there walked 10 minutes to a busy street with stores lining the streets and vendors selling cheap crap as you walk by. The bund was neat to see and walking around in general I enjoyed seeing the old city.

One part I despised and really ruined Shanghai for me was how many times I was approached to receive a "massage" often with much more explicate terms. This really made me feel like I was in a low class town and upset with that.

Most people do not speak a word of English, but the teenagers seem to be much better especially ones working in Starbucks for example who told me where to go and were a great help in general.

Warning for all taxi takers. Cabs will tell you it is very expensive on the meter and they will negotiate a better set price with you. Its is pure BS and never agree to it no matter how much they push. My cab back to the airport Actually pulled over and told me to get out because I only wanted meter price. I simply cursed him out threatened to call the cops and closed my eyes until he continued the trip. I also made him restart the meter from that point which he turned off without my telling him to.

It was a nice stopover and seeing how large a city it is is very impressive, also loved the old areas, but I have no desire to return.

Thanks everyone for your advice!

Nanjing road.

You should have gone to Xintandi

I had to physically shove off two girls who grabbed me saying they know me from somewhere etc. Only similar experience I've had is by the 'Ladybars' at the black lake in Beijing

[Let3]

Ok, so I am planing a small trip to china in a few months, and have a couple of questions, if anyone here can help out- it will be greatly appreciated!

1) anyone have any contact info for the Israeli tour guide in the area - Gal Dvir?

2)Anyone know of where one can get kosher food in shanghai?

3) anything to do there for more then one day?