Shanghai - Post Report Question and Answers
Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Extremely safe, affordable, and convenient. Shanghai has an amazing transportation system. - Nov 2020
Yes. Taxis are inexpensive, though it has become harder to flag one down due to the abundance of cab-calling services such as "Di-di". Even without Chinese, buses and metros are easily accessible. The Shanghai buses stops at every stop so one could count the number of stops to reach the destination. - Apr 2017
Yes. Super cheap. Taxi drivers can drive like madmen and don't expect seat belts. Metro/subway is cheap and easy to navigate. - Oct 2016
Yes. yes, they are. Generally speaking. Some regional or farther trains are carrying people infected with TB (which is endemic). So be careful there. Otherwise, no problem. Chinese habits are different. Beware if you can't handle that sort of thing. - Dec 2014
All very safe and affordable, though sometimes taxi drivers in rural areas will try to overcharge you or not use their meter, and shared cabs are the norm in the countryside. - Aug 2014
Yes, and yes! The Metro is also great. - Aug 2011
Yes, Yes. See "Confucian Road Rules" above in regards to busses and taxis. The trains are fine, but by all means, BUY YOUR TICKET FROM AN AUTHORIZED VENDOR in your neighborhood, and not at the train station. Hordes of people there, Hordes. - Dec 2010
Yes, all are very easy to commute with, and are affordable. - Jul 2010
Taxis are well regulated, metered, and cheap. It is a great alternative to a car, and how I get to work most days. Trains are comfortable and very cheap, buses are WAY too crowded to actually use. The subway system is very good, but also crowded during peak times. - Feb 2009
Yes, very. Although they can get extremely crowded. Also, you will have to beat people to get on and off--no one will wait. - Jun 2008
