You may know the places to shop, eat and explore, but do you know the little workarounds in Shanghai to getting a better bargain? Shanghai halfpats, more often than not, are price-sensitive folks, so here’s some tips to stretch the RMB. Please do contact ShanghaiHalfpat should you have any great tip for the Shanghai halfpat community!
Taxis
There are taxi drivers from small companies that are known as “black taxis” (not that they’re black in colour, but they operate as if in a black market). Drivers of these taxis are usually the ones that ask for exorbitant prices instead of going by the meter at places like Super Brand Mall in Pudong in the night. Avoid, when possible, maroon taxis with license plates starting with BX. They are known to have tampered meters or not driven by honest chaps.
From 11pm every night, taxi midnight surcharges start, ending about 5am in the morning. The starting fare during these hours is at 13RMB, and fares go up by 30%. What you probably don’t know is that you can bargain up to 20% off the meter price at this time for longer journeys. This is only applicable if you have an abundance of taxis coming your way, though. Before getting in the taxi, tell the driver where you plan to go, and ask, “打八折?” (da ba zhe) for a 20% discount on whatever the final fare will be. Move on until you get an agreeable taxi driver (usually not the first few taxis in the queue).
24/7 Hotpot
Haidilao Hotpot (海底捞火锅店) has probably the best hotpot base and dishes, along with the best service amongst restaurants in Shanghai. Running 24 hours, or till late for some outlets, soak in hotpot heaven in a Haidilao Hotpot near you when midnight/winter craving strikes!
Downloading music
Turn off that VPN and start streaming and “sharing” music via music.google.cn, mp3.sogou.com, mp3.baidu.com.
Online Shopping
Known as China’s version of Ebay, only hundred, thousandfold better, is Taobao.com. Hunt for cheap bargains by making sure you sort results page with lowest price to highest (“价格从低到高”), and be sure to negotiate with buyers on kuaidi (courier) charges (better if you know some Chinese, or get a Chinese friend to help). Read more about the Taobao adventure.
Food Reviews and Coupons
Also, groupons. Akin to Yelp, China’s dianping.com provides honest reviews from regular folk who enjoy being food and service critics. Discount coupons and groupons are also available on the site. See reviews, ratings, coupons and groupons on food, beauty, and lifestyle establishments.
Movies
Watching movies in Shanghai can be pretty expensive (approx. 100RMB). Movie tickets are actually only half price (approx. 50RMB) everyday after 10pm (and I think before 12pm), as well as every Tuesday.
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Other Useful Tips
Utility Bills
Missed the payment due date? Instead of making a trip all the way to the branch office, just call the hotline and tell them you didn’t receive the bill. They’ll send the bill again with a new payment date.
Department Stores Closing Tune
Always wondered what that irritating tune playing in every department store during closing time? It’s Kenny G’s “Going Home”. They play the same tune on a bus when it reaches the bus terminal.
