So, THIS is a Hangzhou taxi?
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Oh wow, my business trip to Hangzhou was quite a "unique" experience!
Firstly, I hurriedly traveled from Shanghai early in the morning to get a task done in Hangzhou.
I thought it would be convenient and quick to take a taxi since I was unfamiliar with the place.
However, reality turned out differently.
- As soon as I sat down in the car and told the driver where I wanted to go, his face dropped somewhat, because my destination was only three kilometers away.
- He then began complaining, saying he had been waiting from 5 a.m. until around 8 a.m., finally getting a reservation, only for me to give him such a short ride that barely covered the starting fare. This left him extremely depressed.
- He then directly challenged me, asking why, when going on such a short trip, I could not have used an online taxi service like “Diyidache”? By doing so, he believed I wouldn’t have wasted his working time. (Note: "Online taxi services" is very popular in China, just like Uber or Lyft elsewhere, where you can make a reservation using a mobile app, "Diyidache” being the largest one.)
Initially, I was confused, thinking, "How could I have known about his wait time? Besides, the essence of the job is to provide transportation regardless of distance. And if he found my pick up unsatisfactory due to short distance, he could simply have politely refused to serve. That's call opting-out."
In any case, this incident somewhat dulled my first impression of Hangzhou.
Caution for Travelers! Small tips for taking taxis in Hangzhou (especially for short distances):
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In Hangzhou (similar to many tourism cities), if you take a taxi just for a very close distance (for instance, within just three to five kilometers), some drivers may not be in a good mood.
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Particularly those who have waited long at airports, train stations, or tourist attractions prefer to bring passengers further which will earn them more money.
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How to avoid unpleasant experiences?
- Use online taxi services like "Diyidache," where drivers know your destination before pick-up, avoiding potential awkwardness. Usually, the prices are also clear and transparent.
- If you still choose a regular taxi, tell the driver about your destination when you get into the car. If you sense he is dissatisfied, you might want to consider another driver.
- Be aware of your rights. According to regulations, taxi drivers must not refuse short trips without reasonable cause. If met with particularly bad service or explicitly refusal from a taxi driver, be sure to take note of his license plate number to file a complaint officially. Still, the golden rule is to avoid direct confrontation and maintain harmony.
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Honestly, taxis are the same everywhere. I've given up on them, whether the trip is short or long. [Laughing-crying emoji]
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My main thought was that getting a taxi receipt is quick, so I could claim my expenses right away when I got back.
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I encountered this on a business trip to Shanghai as well. The driver tried to get me out of the car, complaining that my destination was too close and it wasn't worth his while.
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Ugh, I'm speechless. He could have just refused the fare, couldn't he? And on top of that, he asked, 'Don't you know how to use your phone? Just book a ride-hailing service!'
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So, when you can't get a ride-hailing car, you have no choice but to come 'bully' us taxi drivers, huh?
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What do you mean 'bully'? He's the one who told me to try a ride-hailing app, but there weren't any available!
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I'm a bit confused. Was this trip from the airport to the venue? Drivers might complain if it's a short trip from the airport, but that shouldn't happen in the city, should it? I just came back from Hangzhou and took taxis several times; the drivers were pretty good, whether the trip was short or long, or if there was traffic. From airports or high-speed rail stations, I usually take public transport or a ride-hailing service to avoid their complaints.
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No, it was from Hangzhou West Station to the venue. I took a taxi because I thought getting a handwritten receipt for company reimbursement would be quick, allowing me to claim it as soon as I got back. But the moment I got in, the driver started grumbling, saying I was costing him.
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It's pretty much the same in every city. I've had drivers complain to me too. At the end of the day, everyone's just trying to make a living.
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Seriously, I was speechless. He just wouldn't stop complaining.
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I was carrying things and thought a taxi would be more convenient. This was at Hangzhou East Station. The moment I got in and told him my destination, the driver started sighing, shaking his head, and complaining. I was speechless. Then he became impatient, drove off so fast that if I hadn't been holding on, I would've been thrown. He wouldn't even look when I showed him the address, just told me to navigate myself. People like him shouldn't be in the service industry. How can I file a complaint against him?
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Same thing happened to me. As soon as I got in, the driver said, 'You navigate yourself.'
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Aren't Shanghai taxis just the same?
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I haven't run into that myself.
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I've heard they're not supposed to refuse fares. And if they've waited in a long queue, especially at the airport, they're definitely going to say something if the trip is very short. To be honest, ride-hailing apps and the subway are pretty convenient nowadays.
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My main reason for taking a taxi was that handwritten receipts are faster for reimbursement. He really could have just refused the fare. There was no need to let me in the car and then complain about how I was 'costing him' or something.
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You should try taking a taxi from Hongqiao Airport and telling the driver you're going to Hanghua. Let's see their reaction then.
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Why would they complain about a trip to the airport? Usually, it's trips from the airport or train station that are too short that make drivers complain. That's because they've often waited in a long queue and are hoping for a more lucrative fare.