Couldn't Hold It In Anymore: My China Travel Rant!

[Elsa Wyman]

Wow! During my few days in Guangzhou, I've mainly relied on ride-hailing apps like DiDi, widely used in China. Initially, I thought my first unpleasant experience was just bad luck, but I've found that every time it’s just a bit disappointing.

• The driving style of drivers in Guangzhou? One word: Wild!

  • The feeling is that the local drivers are particularly "passionate" when they drive. They honk the horn at the slightest hint of inconvenience.
  • Every driver seems like they’re in a race, speeding along, as if changing lanes or overtaking other vehicles is the only thing that makes them comfortable.
  • The most nerve-wracking part is that many drivers don't bother using their turn signals during lane changes and overtakes! From my seat at the back, I experienced constant anxiety throughout the journey.
  • To be fair, their driving skills are indeed really good; otherwise, something would have gone wrong by now. But as a passenger, this "excitement" is really too much. I just can't understand why they all seem so hurried.

• The drivers also have various quirky habits:

  • Some drivers talk on the phone or answer messages while driving – which is on the highway!
  • There's one bizarre habit where they hold the steering wheel with one hand and fidget with prayer beads or similar ornaments with the other!
  • The moment you get into some cars, there’s an unavoidable smell of cigarette smoke.
  • In the worst cases, some drivers may ask for extra cash if they think your destination is too far off the beaten track, making picking up new passengers difficult for them after dropping you off.

• The methods of communication by drivers are also quite extreme:

  • Either they say nothing from the beginning to the end, remaining completely quiet.
  • Or they chatter non-stop once they start talking – the one who left the strongest impression talked constantly about a passenger who had complained earlier. This passenger booked a car with a flat rate (the cost agreed upon before the trip).
    • The passenger requested air conditioning inside the vehicle, but the driver believed it wasn’t hot enough to need air. Consequently, he made up an excuse claiming the air conditioner was broken, prompting his fare to leave mid-ride.
    • This driver further argued that asking for air conditioning in a pre-paid taxi was too demanding and that he would have turned the AC on himself if it had really been necessary… (I could only be dumbfounded)

Initially, I considered renting a car myself to explore Guangzhou, but I’m glad I didn't act on that impulse! With my easily startled nerves, I'd truly dare not to “run free” on the streets of Guangzhou.

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A heads-up for friends visiting Guangzhou (WARNINGS & TIPS):

• On their driving style (Driving Style):

  • Note (Be aware): Many taxi drivers in Guangzhou may drive in a somewhat audacious manner – speeding hard, performing swift lane changes, frequently honking, and possibly rarely using turn signals.
  • What to do:
    • Fasten your seatbelt, even in the backseat!
    • If you feel uncomfortable or scared, kindly ask the driver to drive more slowly.

• On driver behavior (Driver Conduct):

  • Note (Be aware): Some drivers may talk on the phone or text while driving or may have lingering cigarette odors in the vehicle. In extremely rare instances, some dishonest drivers may try to charge additional fees beyond the App set prices.
  • What to do:
    • Safety First: If the driver is distracted while driving, especially on highways, give him a gentle reminder to pay attention to his safety if you feel content doing so.
    • Price Confirmation: When using a taxi app, ensure that the fare is based merely on what the app shows. If any driver requests extra fees, you can refuse and file a complaint through the app.
    • Environment inside the Car: If you're sensitive to cigarette smoke, you might want to take a brief peek if it smells strong before stepping in or kindly ask the driver to roll down the window for ventilation.

• Regarding air conditioning (Air Conditioning):

  • Note (Be aware): Even for fixed-rate trips, air conditioning should be reasonably demanded. However, you might encounter situations like mine where drivers come up with excuses to avoid providing AC.
  • What to do: Kindly request that the driver supply air conditioning. If he refuses and responds rudely, consider giving feedback through the app at the end of your ride.

In summary, utilizing ride-hailing services in Guangzhou remains convenient, although you may come across various predicaments more often. Just keep these things in mind, and you'll do just fine!

[Dr. Guadalupe Homenick]

I've been here for three days and already had two arguments with drivers. I never want to come back.

[Lena Oberbrunner]

Seriously, I feel like the people there are so hostile.

[Lena Oberbrunner]

In Guangzhou, I can never get a Didi. They always assign me cars that are over 10 minutes away.

[Karen Zulauf]

We also encountered unreliable drivers who were constantly grumbling; it was a really bad experience.

[Dr. Israel McLaughlin]

Same here! I've found that all the drivers here drive terrifyingly. I almost puke every time I'm in their car.

[Courtney Hickle Jr.]

Last night, I ran into a real character. I asked him to open the trunk, and he got out to help me put my stroller in. I thought, 'Hey, this driver is pretty nice!' But then, when a wheel of the stroller barely grazed the trunk, he frantically patted it clean. When I got out, he warned me not to let the stroller touch his car.

[Dr. Cheryl Willms]

I'm so worried about traffic jams that I take the subway every day; my legs are completely numb from all the walking.

[Dr. Israel McLaughlin]

They also curse at people all over the place and have absolutely no manners.

[Leslie Kunde]

Exactly!!!!! It was a real eye-opener for me.