Is this transfer and guide website legit?
Feb 5th, 2014, 09:13 AM
#1
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Is this transfer and guide website legit?
Has anyone used this company for transfers and guides within China? Can't seem to find anything at all on the web.
http://www.orientaltraveller.com/
http://www.orientaltraveller.com/
Feb 5th, 2014, 09:39 AM
#2
I have no personal knowledge of the site but it appears to me to be for commercial visitors more than tourists. You might contact your accommodations to see if they can make arrangements for you locally. It's what I've done quite successfully on my trips to China.
Feb 5th, 2014, 10:00 AM
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As Mme Perdu says, this looks like s site for business travelers, and I expect the prices would be quite high. In fact, almost all such things booked ahead cost considerably more than booking on the spot. Mostly, there is no reason to use a guide in China. Taxis are plentiful are pretty cheap. If you feel better having a pre-arranged transfer, you will pay 3x-10x the normal price. Your hotel may be the best place to book if you must have a transfer.
Feb 5th, 2014, 04:39 PM
#5
Good point, kja. I should have said "It's what I've done quite successfully..." when I've needed a guide at all. Usually what I've needed on occasion is a car & driver or taxi to take me somewhere I've wanted to go out in the countryside. On rare occasion the driver has also been a guide.
But I understand that, on a first visit to a country, some like the comfort of an English-speaking guide. The problem in China (and other places too) is the habit some guides have of taking their guests on impromptu shopping expeditions when it isn't necessary or even wanted. This in an effort to reap the kickbacks from retail outlets. So if you opt for a guide be very clear about what you want and, more to the point, what you don't want.
The best approach, I think, would be to wait until you're at your destinations to make these arrangements which has the further benefit of allowing you to not make them if you find you're fine on your own.
But I understand that, on a first visit to a country, some like the comfort of an English-speaking guide. The problem in China (and other places too) is the habit some guides have of taking their guests on impromptu shopping expeditions when it isn't necessary or even wanted. This in an effort to reap the kickbacks from retail outlets. So if you opt for a guide be very clear about what you want and, more to the point, what you don't want.
The best approach, I think, would be to wait until you're at your destinations to make these arrangements which has the further benefit of allowing you to not make them if you find you're fine on your own.
