4 lovely days in Shanghai

How to get around on a budget

Shanghai is an amazing city. From beautiful skyscrapers to friendly people, this city is worth visiting. Taxis are plentiful - make sure that you have your seat belts fastned because each driver has his own traffic rules. You can ride almost anywhere in Shanghai for less than US$3.00. If you are adventurous, buses run all over the city and cost almost nothing to ride. Make sure that you get your hotel concierge to write down your destination in Chinese and if he knows it, the bus number of the bus (or buses) you will need to get there.
Shanghai has a Metro system that can get you around as well. There are several different lines with interchange points between them. All the destinations are signposted in English as well as Chinese and the announcements in the carridges are in Chinese and then in English as well.
Most of the locals will stop to help you with directions if you ask them. Ni How is hello in Mandarin - it is a very handy phrase to remember. If you show anyone your Chinese destination on paper, they will attempt to help or will find someone who speaks English to assist you.
The Bund (the old business section of Shanghai) should be seen and from there, you can take a ferry across the busy river and have a wander around the new buildings that are constantly being built.
For economical eating, most of the really large shopping centers have food halls where you can see what is being served and you can point at what you desire and you won't need to speak a word of Chinese to eat well. We found that the Raffles complex had a food hall on the 5th floor. All you have to do is to ask at the information desk in any department store where the food hall is. Most of the info desks have English speaking people there.
For a different experience, if you are flying out of Shanghai, you can take the MagLev train to the airport, but be aware that operation stops at about 5:30 PM. We rode the MagLev and went 431 Kms/Hour - quite an experience!
Spend a few days in Shanghai and enjoy this bustling, happening city of 18 million people. You won't regret it.