Could someone recommend a driver in Shanghai.
We will be arriving on Oct 21st and need an airport pickup.

Bea

As long as you have your hotel's name and address written in Chinese characters (probably on their web site, but if not they can fax it to you) it's perfectly OK to take a cab. Use the official rank, though, and ignore any approaches by touts - a good all-purpose rule in China. When we were there 3 years ago the fare to the city centre was about RMB140 - it may have gone up a bit since then.

Hi,Bea_001,

My location is in Shanghai, you can drop me a email for your flight arrival Shanghai time and your hotel name / address, then we can arrange airport pickup for you if need.

Take it easy & enjoy!

Yours sincerely,
Susan Zheng

Thanks Neil and Susan. Yes, Neil, Ive read about the touts, thats why I asked. Dont want to take chances. Im writing you privately, Susan.

Bea

bea, you won't find any dodgy unofficial cabs in the airport rank, but if you feel more comfortable with a private driver, OK. Just make sure the price is reasonable - as mentioned, the normal cab fare should be about US$20. Many hotels offer a pickup service but charge like a wounded bull for the privilege.

Ironically, Susan's post is itself a case of touting. Advertising is not permitted on Fodors. Your call, but I think your fellow Fodorites would thank you for not encouraging her and the others who occasionally try their luck here.

bea, you won't find any dodgy unofficial cabs in the airport rank, but if you feel more comfortable with a private driver, OK. Just make sure the price is reasonable - as mentioned, the normal cab fare should be about US$20. Many hotels offer a pickup service but charge like a wounded bull for the privilege.

Ironically, Susan's post is itself a case of touting. Advertising is not permitted on Fodors. Your call, but I think your fellow Fodorites would thank you for not encouraging her and the others who often try their luck on this forum.

Neil is right. Shouldn't have a problem using taxi from the queue. Go out the door, turn right and you'll see it. The man there will put you in the taxi and tell the driver where you're going. Pay exactly what's on the meter. I would never negotiate taxi fares because they know the cost and you don't. Think they'll negotiate below normal fare? You never pay for parking fees and tipping is abnormal.