Okay, I'm ready. Please provide the Chinese title.
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Let me tell you all about the taxis
in Guangzhou - it's simply outrageous!- As soon as I came out of the wildlife park, there were countless people waiting to hail a taxi at the entrance. But here is the strange part: there were plenty of taxis nearby which had no passengers, yet they just didn't pick up any.
- Naturally, I decided to inquire with one of them about the fare. Oh my, the driver asked for an outrageous $32 for just a 4 kilometer ride! Could this be considered a taxi or a "robbery vehicle"?
- To clarify, normally, the fares in China are calculated by the meter installed in each taxi according to distance and time. However, some drivers prefer not to use the meter at popular tourist spots, seeking to charge unfairly high prices themselves.
- What's more, apart from their unwillingness to charge based on the meter, these drivers also come up with exorbitant prices. If you reject the fare, they may turn their backs on you straight away (known as refusing a passenger).
- I wonder if the price control department should overlook such behavior?
- Anyway, during my stay in Guangzhou over the past few days, the worst impression undoubtedly came from these taxis. Frankly speaking, it was quite an eye-opening learning experience.
Caution to potential visitors, especially foreign friends, headed to Guangzhou!
- Please stay alert when hailing a taxi at popular tourist spots such as near the wildlife park entrance.
- Always ask before getting in if they charge by the meter (ask if they "use the meter").
- If the driver refuses to use it and offers a price that seems too high, don't hesitate; ask him to stop, find another taxi to ask about, or simply choose not to board.
- Highly recommended: Use ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing (similar to Uber or Lyft in foreign countries).
- Fare rates on these apps are clearly labeled and transparent, making them much cheaper and less troublesome while avoiding getting scammed.
- In case you encounter drivers charging unfairly high prices or refusing to load unfairly, kindly note down the license plate number. Then, try reporting such instances to relevant departments (even though I'm not sure its effectiveness).
I wish you have a great experience while exploring Guangzhou and hope these tips prevent unpleasant encounters like I encountered!
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If you're in Guangzhou, try the yellow 'Ru Yue Chu Xing' taxis. They're run by a state-owned company and are quite reliable. If you ever encounter a driver who refuses a ride or doesn't use the meter, you can file a complaint through their official WeChat account or by contacting 'Ru Yue' directly.
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180 yuan for 17 kilometers? That's highway robbery!
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As an outsider, I'm wondering if they always charge a return toll fee for the highway? It's happened to me with several taxis now.
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Aren't highways free during the Spring Festival?
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I was in the same situation. They wanted 50 yuan for a ride just over a kilometer. I ended up using a ride-hailing app. And this was in broad daylight!
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50 yuan would actually be cheap! I went during Chinese New Year, and they were just hiking prices on the spot. Couldn't even get a ride-hailing car.
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I landed at Baiyun Airport around 3 PM on the second day of Chinese New Year. Took a taxi to the Atour Hotel on Qianjin Road, and it cost me 269 yuan! I asked the driver why it was so expensive. He said, 'It's Spring Festival, everyone's on triple pay, so of course, taxi fares go up!' I didn't get the license plate number, so I couldn't complain. Just had to chalk it up to bad luck.
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The taxis I encountered in downtown Guangzhou yesterday were actually pretty good. One driver told me that Guangzhou taxis get a bad rap, but he advised sticking to 'Guangjun,' 'Guangjiao,' 'Baiyun,' or any yellow taxi – they generally don't overcharge. He warned that taxis of other colors are often from smaller companies and might try to negotiate a price or not use the meter; he said to avoid those.
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My strategy: get in the car, pay the fare, and then file a complaint after you get out.
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Good to know!
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They wanted nearly 150 from me, but a ride-hailing service was only 38 for the same trip.
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Right at the zoo entrance, I got the feeling they weren't even scared to try this in broad daylight.
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You could just rent a car locally.
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Car rentals are also ridiculously expensive during Chinese New Year.
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You can definitely report them if they don't use the meter.
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Locals here rarely take taxis unless it's absolutely necessary or a special situation.
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Those are usually unlicensed 'black cabs' waiting by the roadside.