Hangzhou Travel PSA ⚠️: Seriously, AVOID These Shady Rides!
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I visited Hangzhou in July. One evening, I took taxis to and from the First Hospital near Yintai (from Qingzhiwu) for a COVID test. Both drivers were older gentlemen who sounded like locals. The next morning, after visiting West Lake, I also got a taxi from the Wusong Tomb intersection back to Qingzhiwu – just the base fare. This driver also sounded local and patiently explained how to get to Faxi Temple when I asked. Seems I was quite lucky not to run into any dishonest drivers.
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Wishing good people a lifetime of peace and safety.
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I was alone and just hailed a cab near the Broken Bridge. For a 3km trip, he charged me 98 yuan! Being a girl by myself, I didn't dare argue. [Implied crying emoji] I'm so mad! He refused to use the meter, claiming that taxis in scenic areas have a flat rate of 98 yuan for rides under 10km.
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You absolutely have to report that!
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Don't go to any silk shops or lesser-known attractions recommended by taxi drivers! They're all scams. It's the kind of stuff '1818 Golden Eye' (a consumer watchdog program) reports on daily.
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Actually, I find taxis in Shanghai to be pretty decent.
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If I use a ride-hailing app in Hangzhou, will a driver pick up a group of 3 adults and 2 kids?
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A standard car won't fit that many. It's best to specify your group size and communicate with the driver beforehand.
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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?
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What's wrong with the subway? Isn't it a good option?
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Isn't ride-sharing (like a carpool service) an option?
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There aren't many ride-sharing options for short distances within the city, and you'll likely have to wait a while for one.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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...
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Same experience here.