My tour operator is quoting me $100.00 per transfer from the airport to Pudong to the Bund Area, Xian to the Westin and Beijing to the St Regis. It appears that a taxi would be $25.00 (approximately). However, I am being told I won't be able to find a taxi for 4 people, plus 4 bags and carry on's. Does anyone have advice on this? Would prefer to have everyone in one car and not pay $100.00 per transfer.

Take two taxis. Easy and cheap.

The price quoted for Beijing is the same as more then six cabs (unless you want to go to some far-flung corner of the city), for example.

So just have your destination written ready in characters (printed from the hotel website, for instance), and go to the taxi rank.

I'd be checking the details of some of the operator's other charges, while you're at it. You can expect to come across a lot more of this sort of thing.

Yes that is good advice temppeeternh. I thought about that...

$100 should get you a car and driver for the whole day (to go to the Great Wall for example).

In Shanghai, go to the official taxi stand (you'll see most travelers heading there) and get two cabs, sometimes they have the larger VW mini SUV which will fit all of you plus luggage.

Check with the Westin to see if the Xian airport shuttles stop at the hotel, if not, get two taxis.

FYI...Even the hotels we are staying at are quoting $100.00 transfers (not just the guides prices). Granted they are deluxe hotels but geez...no need to spend like a queen...

Hotel transfers in China are often quoted at ridiculous rates. Taxis are the cheapest way to go.