Suzhou: Dodge These Tourist Traps!

[Lula Schmidt]

Sure, I am more than happy to share a story I have experienced in Suzhou with those of you who are planning to pay a visit soon!

• It was during the May Day holiday break (similar to Labor Day in some places, this is a national day off, so be prepared for crowds at the tourist attractions), where I spent three days visiting Suzhou.
• To tell the truth, I really enjoy the city of Suzhou, which boasts a charming riverside and village scenery that has a typical flavor of Jiangnan Water Townscapes.
• However! On the very last day when my buddy and I planned to head back, an unpleasant incident occurred:
  • We met an aunt on a small electric motorcycle offering ride services (this kind of service is sometimes locally called a "motaxi," as these motorcycles or minibikes that often operate without proper licenses, which is considered somewhat irregular in many cities).
  • She said she would take us to the station for 15 yuan Renminbi (RMB).
  • We bargained with her, proposing that 10 yuan would be sufficient instead. She readily agreed.
  • However! Guess what? Halfway into the ride, this motorcycle aunt suddenly backtracked and demanded extra money!
  • I was so frustrated, telling her that we were going to only pay what we previously bargained for, not a cent more.
  • Then, she abruptly left us stranded, stating that she wouldn't take us anymore when we were still miles away from the station.
  • Given that situation, we just transferred only 8 yuan for the ride through our mobile payment.
  • However, she wasn't satisfied and demanded that we pay the remaining two yuan.
  • We went back and forth trying to reason with her regarding this matter, stating that we won't transfer the extra amount, which finally made her leave angrily, riding away.
• To highlight, I would like to sound an alarm here:
  • For those venturing out in unfamiliar cities, it is better safe than sorry. Take the subway or regular taxi instead as a standard practice.
  • These roadside "motaxi" aren't always reliable, and chances of being cheated or disappointed increases.
  • How to avoid such hassle?
    • Prefer public transportation like subway, with clearly marked fees that do not change, no tricks involved.
    • For those keen on taking a taxi, order one via a reputable car-hailing app, or alternatively, grab a cab at recognized taxi pick-up points.
    • For those service providers pushing fares without clear charges, please be more cautious.

Hope everyone enjoys their trip to Suzhou without encountering something unpleasant!
#Suzhou #SpottingPitfallsInSuzhouTrip

[Reginald Ziemann]

That's incredibly reckless! Daring to take unlicensed taxis and even motorcycle taxis in an unfamiliar place while traveling.

[Karen Bruen]

That was quite a lesson learned.

[Karen Zulauf]

In Suzhou, if you're out drinking at night, just grab a Didi.

[Mr. Jody Bednar]

Back in Zhejiang now.

[Ms. Wanda Kilback]

There are tons of unlicensed taxis in Suzhou.

[Johnathan Schmeler]

I've seen it for myself now.