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rbakker
Newbie
Joined: Oct 31, 2009
Posts: 9
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Oct 31, 2009 - 05:25 PM |
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| Post subject: First time traveller to Shanghai |
Hello all,
I'm going to be in Shanghai for about a week Nov 8th onwards for a two-day conference. I've only been in China once before but that was when everyone rode bicycles!
I have a few questions but I can only think of one or two at this late hour:
What's the deal with electricity there, is it 220V? What sort of plug would you usually find, or do you get different sorts (like in some other countries)? This is for my laptop. Speaking of which, do 4 and 5 star hotels generally charge for wifi access?
Here's another: when travelling on the metro/subway/underground is it one ride one price or does it depend on distance? Is it easy to buy a ticket from a machine, ie do they help out the poor foreigners and have some signs in English? Do the signs on the trains indicate the last stop, or the direction, or something else?
I've been reading quite a few of the posts so I think I know enough about the scams (most of them occur all over the world) but if anyone has any advice I'd love to hear it.
Another: when taking a taxi, can you negotiate a price beforehand or is it all on the meter?
I'll be arriving from HK by train and probably flying back to HK.
Can you get a good look at the pandas at Shanghai Zoo?
cheers
rbakker |
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jeffinflorida
Board Royalty


Joined: Nov 19, 2007
Posts: 7044
Location: Somewhere between Itchy and Scratchy
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Oct 31, 2009 - 05:43 PM |
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| Post subject: Re: First time traveller to Shanghai |
| rbakker wrote: |
Hello all,
I'm going to be in Shanghai for about a week Nov 8th onwards for a two-day conference. I've only been in China once before but that was when everyone rode bicycles!
I have a few questions but I can only think of one or two at this late hour:
What's the deal with electricity there, is it 220V? What sort of plug would you usually find, or do you get different sorts (like in some other countries)? This is for my laptop. Speaking of which, do 4 and 5 star hotels generally charge for wifi access?
Here's another: when travelling on the metro/subway/underground is it one ride one price or does it depend on distance? Is it easy to buy a ticket from a machine, ie do they help out the poor foreigners and have some signs in English? Do the signs on the trains indicate the last stop, or the direction, or something else?
I've been reading quite a few of the posts so I think I know enough about the scams (most of them occur all over the world) but if anyone has any advice I'd love to hear it.
Another: when taking a taxi, can you negotiate a price beforehand or is it all on the meter?
I'll be arriving from HK by train and probably flying back to HK.
Can you get a good look at the pandas at Shanghai Zoo?
cheers
rbakker |
Welcome to Shanghai!
Beware cons, cheats, pickpockets, tea ceremony scams, people who want to be your friend, and especially the Chinese female sex.
All are known to be fatal to visitors and longtime guests.
For your laptop, LOOK CLOSE at the adapter. It MAY say 100-240v. If it does you are ok. Just plug it in. If not, stop by Radio Shack and get a step down converter making sure it handles the needs (wattage) of your appliance.
Many hotels offer internet. USUALLY there is a cat5 plug or receptacle in the wall, perhaps by the desk. FREE or PAY depends where you stay. If you have not booked a room check www.elong.net (chinese expedia) and book through there. I uses it all the time for mainland travel.
Free Wi Fi is available at Starbucks but you need to plunk down $5 for a shity cup of coffee.
The subway is fairly easy to navigate, easier if you ever played defense in the NFL. Cost is 4rmb a pop but I have a transport card and never noticed if it is cheaper for a short ride or more expensive for longer rides really. Note that different lines have different closing times so pay attention to where you are going and the time. Beware pickpockets. Ticket machines and route signs are in English, yes. Also try to have coins for the machines as paper notes don't always work well.
No need to negotiate taxi fares UNLESS you are going a real long distance. If that's the case, take a train or a bus - much safer for you. make sure they use the meter and avoid unlicensed taxis no matter how nice they speak or how low their offer is.
Pandas? At least you didn't ask where the all male strip clubs are... ( I don't know the answer to that by the way.)
Scammers are everywhere! They all want your money, your valuables, your kidneys, or your sperm.
More questions? Ask away.
By the way, why take a 17 hour train ride to Shanghai when a plan costs about the same and takes 2.5 hours or so? Many planes from HK and Shenzhen to Shanghai. |
_________________ Wanker- One who masturbates or is full of themself, egotistical. |
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monalisalee
Veejay


Joined: May 10, 2005
Posts: 2019
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Oct 31, 2009 - 06:17 PM |
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To add to what Jeff said:
I always use a metro card, but for a short stay prob. not worth it. Cost is from a minimum of 3 rmb (one stop) to 6 rmb, which will take you about 25 stops, or 80 minutes. The machines are in English, but not much fun to use.
Download http://www.exploreshanghai.com/metro/ Great help.
Last time I went to the zoo the pandas could be easily seen, but could heve changed a little since then. Take a clothes peg for your nose. |
_________________ johnboy88 |
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Shangstar
Fire-eater


Joined: Feb 07, 2008
Posts: 2786
Location: Spitland
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Oct 31, 2009 - 06:22 PM |
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as a new visitor, give yourself plenty of time to arrive at places. if I were you, I'd give myself an extra 45-minutes to an hour in case I get lost or cant find a taxi (which is difficult at rush hour esp on Fridays and Saturdays and even more so when it's raining). |
_________________ Charles Darwin: Differences between humans are differences in degree, not differences in kind |
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rbakker
Newbie
Joined: Oct 31, 2009
Posts: 9
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 01, 2009 - 10:22 AM |
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Thanks for the tips! And thanks, I will keep asking!
I have read just about the whole scam thread, I think I'm ready for whatever they can throw at me. The one may have got me (if I hadn't read it) was about swapping your 100RMB note for a counterfeit one and refusing it. I know I can mark my notes but then what if they just say they don't have it?
What does it cost for a travel card and where can I get one? It might not be cost efficient but may be more time efficient. I intend to avoid taxis as much as I can, I don't want to get stuck in traffic (or ripped off). I will give myself plenty of time, thanks for the tip.
What do the wall sockets look like? European type? US type? Or does China have its own type?
Someone told me you can get USB memory sticks of multi-MB for cheap. Do you have any idea where that would be?
How bad is it at the Bund at the moment, can you see it if you take a river cruise?
What's this story of people thrusting cards at you in the street, what's that about? Something to do with planes?
I was going to fly HK -> SHA but thought a train trip might be a bit more interesting. I'll fly back. I suppose elong.net is the best place to find a fare back?
I might also just fly straight to Thailand, if that's possible.
"Free" wifi at Starbucks, good to know, in a pinch. I'll be staying at the Intercontinental in Pudong to start with, after that I want to see if I can bargain down some of the other hotels - I'm told that (unlike in the West) you can get the best price by just walking in and bargaining. I'll try the Hyatt in the Jinmao building and maybe the new Peninsula (I know about the 2009 RMB special).
No, not interested in strip clubs of any gender! Or "happy ending" massages. But I may go for a blind massage.
I've been reading about the eccentric behaviour at the Shanghai Ikea, I want to get some photos of that. But, I've read two different locations for the store, could you tell me what the correct one is? Or are there two?
Is West Lake worth visiting? Lonely Planet says it's one of THE tourist attractions of the whole of China, and it's not that far from Shanghai. Is it worth a day? I was thinking of taking an early train out and a late(ish) train back.
I was considering getting a mobile phone just while I'm in town, in case home wants to contact me. Is that easy to do, do they have pay-as-you-go phones that you just buy and bang they're on, or do they have a whole registration procedure and you get charged if someone calls you? Every country is different! If it is feasible, what store (chain) should I go to?
A long shot, but any tips of something different and quirky to do while in Shanghai. Not easy to describe what I mean, but I enjoyed going to an all-dog eatery in Korea and a restaurant in complete darkness in London.
cheers and thanks again |
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jeffinflorida
Board Royalty


Joined: Nov 19, 2007
Posts: 7044
Location: Somewhere between Itchy and Scratchy
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 01, 2009 - 10:38 AM |
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| Quote: |
Ikea is on Line One at the indoor soccer stadium.
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Its the name of the subway stop on line one. |
_________________ Wanker- One who masturbates or is full of themself, egotistical.
Last edited by jeffinflorida on Nov 01, 2009 - 05:35 PM; edited 2 times in total |
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Bassie
Talker

Joined: Jan 16, 2009
Posts: 110
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 01, 2009 - 11:08 AM |
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| rbakker wrote: |
Thanks for the tips! And thanks, I will keep asking!
I have read just about the whole scam thread, I think I'm ready for whatever they can throw at me. The one may have got me (if I hadn't read it) was about swapping your 100RMB note for a counterfeit one and refusing it. I know I can mark my notes but then what if they just say they don't have it?
What does it cost for a travel card and where can I get one? It might not be cost efficient but may be more time efficient. I intend to avoid taxis as much as I can, I don't want to get stuck in traffic (or ripped off). I will give myself plenty of time, thanks for the tip.
What do the wall sockets look like? European type? US type? Or does China have its own type?
Someone told me you can get USB memory sticks of multi-MB for cheap. Do you have any idea where that would be?
How bad is it at the Bund at the moment, can you see it if you take a river cruise?
What's this story of people thrusting cards at you in the street, what's that about? Something to do with planes?
I was going to fly HK -> SHA but thought a train trip might be a bit more interesting. I'll fly back. I suppose elong.net is the best place to find a fare back?
I might also just fly straight to Thailand, if that's possible.
"Free" wifi at Starbucks, good to know, in a pinch. I'll be staying at the Intercontinental in Pudong to start with, after that I want to see if I can bargain down some of the other hotels - I'm told that (unlike in the West) you can get the best price by just walking in and bargaining. I'll try the Hyatt in the Jinmao building and maybe the new Peninsula (I know about the 2009 RMB special).
No, not interested in strip clubs of any gender! Or "happy ending" massages. But I may go for a blind massage.
I've been reading about the eccentric behaviour at the Shanghai Ikea, I want to get some photos of that. But, I've read two different locations for the store, could you tell me what the correct one is? Or are there two?
Is West Lake worth visiting? Lonely Planet says it's one of THE tourist attractions of the whole of China, and it's not that far from Shanghai. Is it worth a day? I was thinking of taking an early train out and a late(ish) train back.
I was considering getting a mobile phone just while I'm in town, in case home wants to contact me. Is that easy to do, do they have pay-as-you-go phones that you just buy and bang they're on, or do they have a whole registration procedure and you get charged if someone calls you? Every country is different! If it is feasible, what store (chain) should I go to?
A long shot, but any tips of something different and quirky to do while in Shanghai. Not easy to describe what I mean, but I enjoyed going to an all-dog eatery in Korea and a restaurant in complete darkness in London.
cheers and thanks again |
on the sockets, they are euro type as well, just not as easy to connect the cable well with the socket... I use my dutch appliances here without any converter, only problem is that some wall sockets are so shitty that my plug sometimes falls out of them (most are ok for me tho)...
West Lake is very nice, but a bit overrated in my opinion hangzhou is great tho! |
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condesa
Barker


Joined: Aug 02, 2009
Posts: 160
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 01, 2009 - 11:18 AM |
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| Post subject: Re: First time traveller to Shanghai |
Electricity is 220v, hotel WIFI access depends on hotel, most computers have built in 110/220v capability (look closely to cable). In terms of outlet, this is the standard one (same as in Australia) - see picture. You can buy a plug adapter in any of the airport stores that sell gadgets for travelers (this is how I use my computer).
Subway, is easy to navigate (with good maps, stops in english, etc) but be advised that rush hour gets a little bit crowded , in doubt, just push. Cost does depends on distance. Easiest way is to get a metro card, you can buy it at the booth next to the entry to subway, typically next to the vending machines. Metro card cost 30rmb and you can load in it whatever you want, easiest way gave them a 100 so you can purchase the card and get 70 loaded. Also you can use the card to pay taxis.
Taxis, cost is what the meter says, always ask for a 'fapiao' (receipt) so If there is any problem you got a way to prove that you where overcharged, etc.
I heard from a friend that the ZOO is kind of nasty and pretty depressing place to see, so I wouldn't bother. If you want to see panda's, go to the San Diego zoo
Cheers |
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aLeGna
Raver


Joined: June 12, 2008
Posts: 389
Location: under the SUN
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 01, 2009 - 11:37 AM |
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The transport card is maybe 20-30rmb [refundable] deposit, then you top it up with at least 20rmb, which you can then use for the metro, taxi, and bus (I think it can also be used to pay the ferry crossing the Huangpu River (Puxi-Pudong and vice versa). You can get the card at most metro stations. Before you leave Shanghai, you can return the card and get your deposit back. There are also non-returnable/non-refundable transport cards that sport fancy designs and come in different sizes. You might be interested to get one of those as a souvenir. There's probably one that has a Shanghai World Expo 2010 design (if you like that), or some other "chinesey" prints. I reckon, the price is about the same.
USB sticks - yes, ditto what jeff said: don't buy from the streets. Better go to Xuijiahui and check out the electronic shops there. There's also BestBuy around there.
For mobile phones, if yours is quad band (or at least supports 900/1800 bands, if I remember correctly) and unlocked, you can use it here - just need to buy a SIM card, which can be as cheap as 30rmb, and already has 30rmb-worth of phone credits. Otherwise, you can find cheap phones (200-500rmb brand new) at "legit" stores like Gome or Suning, or second hand ones at small shops around town (no idea how much it may cost). If you need more phone credits, you can buy top up cards at convenience stores such as Lawson.
I suggest going on a river cruise at night time when the building lights and neons are lit up. Cruise fares vary depending on the size of the boat - the big dragon boat was 100rmb (last year). Personally, my folks and I regretted taking that dragon boat when we could've gone on a smaller and cheaper boat - we were after the cruise and sight, not the boat, which made no difference to the ride.
Maybe try the Lupu Bridge climb, and also check out the World Financial Tower (bottle opener). For something weird and quirky - I normally don't recommend this as I think it's really stupid, but... - go on the Bund sightseeing tunnel (if it's still operational), and see for yourself.
I hope you enjoy Shanghai. |
_________________ "Here's my philosophy on dating: it's important to have somebody that can make you laugh, somebody you can trust, somebody that, y'know, turns you on... and it's really really important that these three people don't know each other." - Brooke Davis, OTH |
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condesa
Barker


Joined: Aug 02, 2009
Posts: 160
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 01, 2009 - 11:42 AM |
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Socket type is Australia/ China (see my picture).
For ex centric IKEA behavior, please go on the weekend noon-ish time when is as packed as it gets. If you go during the week, you will miss the experience.
Mobile phones you can buy a phone anywhere probably easy to go to Yolo (is an electronics store, several around town), always can go to Carrefour or Tesco (supermarkets that have some phones as well) or if you got an unlocked one also works, and then go to any booth of China Mobile (they say is better that the other companies) and buy a 'number' (price varies from 60 something rmb, I think to 100 something) depending if the number has better 'feng-shui' or whatever you want to call it. Ones you buy the number it comes with 50rmb (i think already preloaded) if you need to add more money, just go to any China Mobile desk give them the money and the phone number and they you load it to the memory through the computer, so it is pretty easy.
ALL CHINA IS QUIRKY
Walk as much as you can specially into side streets outside the 'fancy' tourist areas and fancy shopping streets if you want to see quirky. Get some food from street vendors or little restaurants. Choose your own frog for dinner. Go to TESCO or some wet market to see some some strange food or alive food .
Fancy Quirky, in that case I don't know  |
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SnappySammy
Board Legend


Joined: Nov 01, 2007
Posts: 12957
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 01, 2009 - 11:48 AM |
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Train ride is not interesting----take a Plane
Taxis are Great and cheap......for a few days don't take Metro...
Have a cell number of someone who speaks Mandarin or Shanghainese who you can call if you need help(and You will need help.)
Most likely you can plug in whatever you have...
The Zoo is very nice.....
You can buy a Phone, they are all unlocked and you can use it back home with your Sym Card....
\
Don't worry about the meter in the Raxi's... they are very cheap...
Also...If you are going to get a Massage, stop when you need glasses---don't wait till you go blind.... |
_________________ Yank My Doodle It's A Dandy |
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jeffinflorida
Board Royalty


Joined: Nov 19, 2007
Posts: 7044
Location: Somewhere between Itchy and Scratchy
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 01, 2009 - 11:50 AM |
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| condesa wrote: |
| . Choose your own frog for dinner |
haha I did this with a chicken once. Felt pretty powerful as I pointed to one and yell 'YOU DIE" and soon he did and we ate him.
frogs, turtles, snakes... never ate one of them on purpose but I think it has happened yes. |
_________________ Wanker- One who masturbates or is full of themself, egotistical. |
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jeffinflorida
Board Royalty


Joined: Nov 19, 2007
Posts: 7044
Location: Somewhere between Itchy and Scratchy
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 01, 2009 - 11:54 AM |
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| SnappySammy wrote: |
Also...If you are going to get a Massage, stop when you need glasses---don't wait till you go blind.... |
Must be why my eye sights pretty good most days. |
_________________ Wanker- One who masturbates or is full of themself, egotistical. |
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monalisalee
Veejay


Joined: May 10, 2005
Posts: 2019
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 01, 2009 - 11:55 AM |
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Yeah, buy a Metro card for 30 and put in a smallish amount, which you can do at many convenience shops. I believe you can get your deposit back when you leave, but easy to give it away to your friendly doorman. Good thing is you can use on metro, taxis and buses. Theres a good experience, take a bus, but watch ya belongings. Just go to the end and back to where you got on. For 2 rmb good way to see a chunk of the City.
Hangzhou is beautiful IMO, and you can take a boat ride on the lake and visit some islands. Visit Lingyin Temple. There is lots you can do there. A good booklet is "Aspects of Hangzhou". cost 20rmb, and a great guide.
Take the fast train, but remember it will leave from Shanghai South railway, not Shanghai North. You could easy spend 2 days in Hangzhou. |
_________________ johnboy88 |
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SnappySammy
Board Legend


Joined: Nov 01, 2007
Posts: 12957
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 01, 2009 - 12:15 PM |
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| jeffinflorida wrote: |
| condesa wrote: |
| . Choose your own frog for dinner |
haha I did this with a chicken once. Felt pretty powerful as I pointed to one and yell 'YOU DIE" and soon he did and we ate him.
frogs, turtles, snakes... never ate one of them on purpose but I think it has happened yes. |
I have been to many restaurants that have snakes in boxes on the floor....I usually pick the one that is closest to my ankle.....However I have never seen one in a Shanghai restaurant |
_________________ Yank My Doodle It's A Dandy |
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monalisalee
Veejay


Joined: May 10, 2005
Posts: 2019
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 01, 2009 - 12:42 PM |
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You want Quirky try eating LIVE octopus.
You can see at www.shmag.cn |
_________________ johnboy88 |
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ship
Reacher


Joined: Sep 08, 2005
Posts: 318
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 01, 2009 - 01:22 PM |
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| rbakker wrote: |
"Free" wifi at Starbucks, good to know, in a pinch. I'll be staying at the Intercontinental in Pudong to start with |
Internet at Intercontinental (and many high end hotels) is not free - in fact it is rather ridiculously expensive |
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rbakker
Newbie
Joined: Oct 31, 2009
Posts: 9
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 01, 2009 - 05:10 PM |
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You guys (and gals?) are great! Thanks for all the ideas!
Any more remarks? Keep 'em comin'.
So Ikea - it's on Line 1, but which stop?
I can't see how a wall socket can be "whatever I've got" - it can only be one thing! The transformer on my laptop can handle 110-240V, it's just the plug that can give me hassles.
I never trust a phone from one country to work in another, I'd rather just buy one there instead of investing in a SIM card and getting problems.
Great, I'll go for the travel card. Is there any sort of logo I should look for or is it obvious where to buy it (at the metro station)? I know about the scam of taxi drivers swapping it!
Hmm, live octopus, where can I get that? I've eaten boa constrictor before, what sort of snakes can I eat in Shanghai? I went looking for them in Beijing a long time ago but they were very expensive.
Oh well, I've already booked the train. Saves me a night in a hotel. I like trains, I sleep very well from that clickety clack.
Thanks for the boat ride tip, I'll avoid the Dragon boat. The Sightseeing Tunnel is already on my list, as is the Sex Museum. Any other good museums? (besides the obvious ones)
Maybe one week won't be enough.... |
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jeffinflorida
Board Royalty


Joined: Nov 19, 2007
Posts: 7044
Location: Somewhere between Itchy and Scratchy
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 01, 2009 - 05:37 PM |
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| jeffinflorida wrote: |
| Quote: |
Ikea is on Line One at the indoor soccer stadium.
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Its the name of the subway stop on line one. |
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_________________ Wanker- One who masturbates or is full of themself, egotistical. |
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monalisalee
Veejay


Joined: May 10, 2005
Posts: 2019
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 01, 2009 - 07:49 PM |
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Live octopus available, or used to be, at He Lin restaurant, which I think is Tai.
Am trying to find the address.
Apparently a little bit disarming when their suckers grab your tounge or cheek while you are trying to eat them. They ARE alive.
Not for me thanks, but could have some entertainment value  |
_________________ johnboy88 |
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fWerrF
Rocker


Joined: Aug 31, 2009
Posts: 720
Location: New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangkok
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 02, 2009 - 02:34 AM |
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| rbakker wrote: |
| I can't see how a wall socket can be "whatever I've got" - it can only be one thing! The transformer on my laptop can handle 110-240V, it's just the plug that can give me hassles. |
most of items now can take 110-220. and most hotels offer 110-220. so the voltage is not a problem. and most international hotels have the USA socket built-in already.
| rbakker wrote: |
| i never trust a phone from one country to work in another, I'd rather just buy one there instead of investing in a SIM card and getting problems. |
as long as its a GSM phone and unlocked, u can easily insert a local SIM card. |
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SnappySammy
Board Legend


Joined: Nov 01, 2007
Posts: 12957
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 02, 2009 - 04:59 AM |
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You know there is a restaurant in the French Concession near the US Embassy called Snake( Something or other) I bet they have live snakes...... |
_________________ Yank My Doodle It's A Dandy |
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SnappySammy
Board Legend


Joined: Nov 01, 2007
Posts: 12957
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 02, 2009 - 05:01 AM |
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Next time instead of saving the price of a Hotel by taking a train.....Fly and go to a Spa..You can get Sauna, Body Massage, Foot Massage, and a place to sleep for the night....... |
_________________ Yank My Doodle It's A Dandy |
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jeffinflorida
Board Royalty


Joined: Nov 19, 2007
Posts: 7044
Location: Somewhere between Itchy and Scratchy
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 02, 2009 - 10:14 AM |
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Long distance trains in China are an experience... But not really a good one. Hopefully the thread starter bought a standing ticket for his journey so that he can experience the real China. |
_________________ Wanker- One who masturbates or is full of themself, egotistical. |
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evawinexpress
Squeeker


Joined: Dec 30, 2008
Posts: 19
Location: shanghai
Status: Offline
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Posted:
Nov 07, 2009 - 11:20 AM |
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there's 1 thing to remaind you: Shanghainese are very friendly. In terms of some chicks mentioned above happens sometime, to avoid them , you can refer to your hotel.
The map Shanghai, the info of the Metro, the restaurant or the pubs... |
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