Hangzhou Travel PSA ⚠️: Seriously, AVOID These Shady Rides!
-
If I use a ride-hailing app in Hangzhou, will a driver pick up a group of 3 adults and 2 kids?
-
A standard car won't fit that many. It's best to specify your group size and communicate with the driver beforehand.
-
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?
-
What's wrong with the subway? Isn't it a good option?
-
Isn't ride-sharing (like a carpool service) an option?
-
There aren't many ride-sharing options for short distances within the city, and you'll likely have to wait a while for one.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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...
-
Same experience here.