Hangzhou Travel PSA ⚠️: Seriously, AVOID These Shady Rides!

Miss Angela Cormier

Don't go to any silk shops or lesser-known attractions recommended by taxi drivers! They're all scams. It's the kind of stuff '1818 Golden Eye' (a consumer watchdog program) reports on daily.

Emma Kihn

Forget just Hangzhou, it feels like taxis across all of China are out to scam you. When you're out and about, it's best to stick with Didi or T3 and avoid the rest.

Helen Gleason

Actually, I find taxis in Shanghai to be pretty decent.

Eunice Rutherford

If I use a ride-hailing app in Hangzhou, will a driver pick up a group of 3 adults and 2 kids?

Abel Schulist MD

A standard car won't fit that many. It's best to specify your group size and communicate with the driver beforehand.

Mr. Jody Bednar

So, are all taxis out of the question? If I need to get to the high-speed train station to catch a train, what transportation can I use?

Miss Angela Cormier

What's wrong with the subway? Isn't it a good option?

Kristopher Schultz PhD

Isn't ride-sharing (like a carpool service) an option?

Israel Koss

There aren't many ride-sharing options for short distances within the city, and you'll likely have to wait a while for one.

Jo Douglas

It's pretty clear that the ones parked and actively soliciting passengers are the troublemakers – the ones not doing their job properly. When hailing a cab, it's better to walk a block or two away from these hotspots. You won't have this issue with taxis you flag down on the move, or by using a ride-hailing app.

Andrea Hand

I've certainly had my fill of Hangzhou taxi drivers – nothing but tricks and scams. Initially, I had no idea. I thought Hangzhou was a cultured city, so I assumed even the taxi drivers would be warm and hospitable. It was only after being duped into buying 'Hangzhou silk' that I realized they're all part of a network of shills and kickbacks, working together. My positive image of Hangzhou has completely shattered.

Florence Stark

I got scammed like that years ago too, though luckily I managed to resolve it. My advice: absolutely do not engage in conversation with the driver! Otherwise, they'll take you straight to a silk shop!

Steve Beatty

As tourists from Guangzhou, we were genuinely shocked. Do Hangzhou drivers not even bother responding to a simple 'hello'? They just give you a sour face the whole trip, and then either take detours or demand extra money off-meter...

Robyn Monahan

Same experience here.