Beijing Taxis: WTF-level Expensive!
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The flag-down fare is over 10 yuan, then it's about 2.3 yuan after that, I think.
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I saw the meter jump by 2 yuan every 30 seconds. It goes up incredibly fast!
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That's why when you leave Beijing, you feel like taking a taxi everywhere else. It's so cheap, it feels almost free! Last time I was in another city, a taxi ride cost just over 8 yuan. I was so thrilled I even posted about it on Moments – I'd never experienced anything like it!
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Exactly! Taxis in other cities are really cheap. I'm in Changsha now, and taking a taxi here is also very affordable.
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Actually, it's not that the taxis themselves are expensive, but rather that Beijing is so big and the distances are so vast.
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You've got a point there. And you see quite a few people on shared bikes too.
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I always thought taxis in Beijing were expensive. I felt that everywhere else, except maybe Shanghai, was cheaper. Then I went to Hangzhou – not only was it even more expensive, but there were no-stopping zones everywhere, making it super inconvenient. In Beijing, even in most no-stopping zones outside the Tiananmen Square area, you can still get dropped off.
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That's a fair point. Plus, in Beijing, taxis can often make U-turns even in narrow streets and alleys.
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It's definitely expensive. I checked Didi and decided against it. Turns out, Didi's prices were also much higher than I anticipated.
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Eventually, I just found other options too much hassle, so I ended up taking taxis every day. The only downside was the traffic.
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Go with Didi!!!! Opt for their fixed-price rides!!! Otherwise, stick to the subway.
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It was my first time taking a taxi; after that, I switched to public transport.
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Well, it's a first-tier city, so prices are probably second only to Shanghai and Shenzhen. Of course, it's still much cheaper than Hong Kong. For the driver, a distance like yours is considered a pretty good fare.
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I've only ever used public transport in other first-tier cities; this was my first time taking a taxi.
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Traffic jams are common, and the attractions are quite spread out.
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I didn't take taxis to the tourist spots, just for getting around the city center.
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Exactly. That's why taking taxis in other places feels like a breeze – not only are they cheaper, but you often don't hit traffic either.
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True, but the Beijing subway is incredibly convenient. I've been relying on it for getting around these past few days.