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-   -   Driver in Beijing? (https://www.fodors.com/community/asia/driver-in-beijing-587818/)

Danae Feb 3rd, 2006 05:19 AM

Driver in Beijing?
 
Does any one have any recomendations for a good driver/guide in Beijing? Thank you!

Marija Feb 3rd, 2006 08:33 AM

We were very pleased with our guide Jerry. He speaks good English and drives a late model Audi A6. His e-mail address is [email protected].

Danae Feb 6th, 2006 06:00 AM

Hello Marija, do you remember per chance how much your guide charges for the day? Thank you!

Marija Feb 6th, 2006 02:11 PM

We paid $125 for a very long day: Great Wall at Mutyanu and the Sacred Tombs. I think he charges $100 for a day in Beijing.

Danae Feb 7th, 2006 07:40 AM

Thank you!

bhuty Feb 7th, 2006 03:18 PM

Golden week: one of the two busiest weeks in the year and you shouln't be paying more than 600 yuan for anyone. In the more quiet times you may get as low as 300 but expect to pay about 400 - 450.

I did the Mutyanu trip as well but went to the place where the tibetten monks (I've forgotten the name and details at the minute...getting too old) are suppose to worship. hmm, all i can remember is that these mnks where blue but to be truthful the chances of actually seeing any are remote but its a good visit and very clsoe to the wall. I'd recommend the Mutyanu spot instead of badaling.


Anyway, back to the question. You'd only want to be paying 900 yuan if you have a driver with a van.

Most hotels can organise drivers for you but you'll pay top dollar (being 900 for a van or about 600 or a bit more for a car). with soem help from my friends in beijing I can get you in contact with a good english speaking driver.

You don;t need to book drivers well in advanced unless you are in the two busiest weeks of the year. Oh and if you happen to get a taxi driver who is clean and speaks a bit of english (if thats important to you) then you can always hire the driver. Often they are willing to give you their business (name)card anyway.


bhuty Feb 7th, 2006 03:19 PM

oh I just realised that you asked for a guide.

Sorry my answer was just about drivers.

Personally I don't recommend a guide. See frommers guide for reasons why and this is better than paying for a guide (IMO)

Danae Feb 8th, 2006 05:49 AM

Bhuty, can you please tell me how to go about getting a driver for the price that you quotes? I have read that you are right, booking through hotels will be the most expensive, but I am not sure what else to do. Thank you!


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