Originally Posted by mesadler
There is a service in Shanghai where you can send an SMS with the english name of where you're going and it sends back directions for the driver. i'll see if I can flag down the name.
I believe the service to which you are referring is called Xianzai Shanghai, but I'm not sure. I used them frequently back in the day until I figured out that calling the concierge at the Portman was cheaper (y0.6 v y1) and more informative. I realize that abusing concierges in such a manner has ethical implications, but I've always felt in the right because: 1) we've spent a boatload of money at the Portman over the past 12 years; and 2) we tip them pretty well. Their number is 6279 8888.
If you don't feel comfortable bothering them, try the concierges at the hotels where you are actually staying.