Job Discussion Forums

Brian Hugh · Joined: 07 Jan 2012 Posts: 140 Location: China

China is like a fast train going down hill at the moment. They try and brake but the train has too much inertia. I am speaking in an economic sense. People are borrowing on their borrowing. They are trying to make payments to the bank but inflation is killing them. I ran into a situation in Hangzhou a few weeks back. I was taking a taxi from one train station to another. The caby wanted 600 rmb for a ride that at most would have cost 60 rmb. Be careful and always go with a local when travelling or shopping. Always get the price before getting any kind of service

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

The other night I was short on cab fare, but the guy didn't mind. Needed thirty RMB, but could only get 26 out. Legal taxi though.

Taking illegal taxis can be risky, so it is good to get a price before you get the ride.

Opiate · Joined: 10 Aug 2011 Posts: 630 Location: Qingdao

I certainly see the connection between a cabbie trying to rip you off and inflation and people 'borrowing on their borrowing'. It's crystal clear. Thanks.

roadwalker · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1750 Location: Ch

hells_kitchen · Joined: 14 Jun 2012 Posts: 18

it'snotmyfault · Joined: 14 May 2012 Posts: 527

Lobster · Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 1:23 pm Post subject:

The lady at the market gave us a free fish yesterday. This is proof that the economy is strong and people are doing well.

RED

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

Oopsy-mee! How clumsy of me! I dropped this fish on the spit-ladden floor again! Ow well...this fish won't sell anyway. Getting rather old and stinky. I'll just give it to that laowai that comes here....maybe he can report to his spy network how kind we all are...

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

There have been a few times where I knew that someone was trying to take advantage of me, typically taxi drivers.

But, more often I have experienced random acts of kindness ranging from strangers helping me to free taxi rides and free food.

Overall, I feel that I have experienced many more of the positives than the negatives.

I speak very little Chinese, so I have often depended upon the kindness of strangers. Smile

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

Cabs all over the world are much more likely to try to rip off non-locals.
I can't think of any country in the world, including my own, that I have visited where at least one cab driver did not try to cheat me.

kungfuman · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 2:37 am Post subject:

I had a Chinese friend tell me a few months ago he landed at JFK in Queens NY and had to go to Westchester County (White Plains).

Told me the taxi driver took him through Central Park. (and no he didn't ask to go there.)

He asked me if he got cheated. I hid my smile and told him that it was the direct route to his destination.

Then of course I asked him if he liked Central Park and had planned to go there anyway. He replied it was nice to see it and he didn't have the time to go there as his business trip to New York was short and he had to go to Virginia next.

So maybe the NYC taxi driver was doing this Chinese guy a favor by taking his through Central Park...

Lobster · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 4:45 am Post subject:

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

kungfuman · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 2:22 pm Post subject:

^ I didn't get specifics if he went through the park or in it but he got to see it.