We were surprised at this, since Shanghai is a cosmopolitan city and it has been 15 years since China opened up to the outside world. There is no need to take the risk of changing money on the street. Money changing can be done in the airport, major hotels, and banks. Quite a few stores take credit cards, but most do not. Especially if you are dealing with street peddlers, markets, restaurants, and small shops.
Checks are non-existent.
Unfortunately Annette's special hotel has become history. We are assured by a reader that investigations by a friend in Shanghai determined it no longer exists. Perhaps the most unusual part of the trip is the hotel that Annette stayed in. Instead, give yourself enough time to find the less expensive yet interesting ones. Here we have the best hotel to offer.