Originally Posted by
Peter_N-H
Actually there are almost no concierges in Beijing who function as you would expect a concierge to function (the concierge at The Peninsula is one notable exception). They have not been to the places of interest, they know nothing about them, and if you know something they are still unwilling to find out anything. Inspirational suggestions are certainly not their strong point. Suggestions that involve a kick-back to them are another matter. Some of the hotels do keep half-decent databases and their concierge desk staff will use Internet access to search locally-produced web pages (the Raffles, the Hilton Wangfujing, for instance) and also try to find something in English. But this is when you've said, 'Can you find out anything about puppet shows?' In short, do your reading and research before you arrive in Beijing, and have a list of what you would like to do in order of priority.
Why would you expect a concierge that you are accustomed to? The "concierge" at our hotel was helpful in finding us things to do. (The front desk clerk was also helpful in suggesting things.) Sure it wasn't a concierge that we are accustomed to but they most definitely can recommend things. If you think just because they may not have been to a place of interest or know anything about them that they can't suggest something, then that's just silly.
Also, you are ridiculous if you think that concierges here (or wherever you're from) don't get a "cut" for whatever tours/events/reservations/whatnot that they organize/set up for you.
Originally Posted by
Peter_N-H
If it's in English of course she can't read it. This is China. But if you have your destination written down in characters for you that will work. Take a card from your hotel to show to a driver when you want to return. This is indeed essential.
Comeon! You think the airport taxi driver didn't know of the hotel when we said it in English? I think it's a very small percentage who can't read hotel names. You're being ignorant by stating "If it's in Engish of course she can't read it. This is China." Please!
The real reason she was refusing us was because she wanted us to take 2 taxis instead of 1 (we were 4 people and she was indicating that we needed 2 taxis) but instead she was saying she didn't understand what the hotel name was. Not to mention, I had a map printed out with the cross streets and such of our destination. If you think they can't read it after bringing guests there (probably a large percentage of Westerners) hundreds of times, then I don't know what to say. This after all is not some taxi driver in the rural provinces. And on another note, every taxi driver we took in Beijing could speak some English (though limited)... much better than most of us do when we go to a foreign speaking country!
Originally Posted by
Peter_N-H
It's not clear how would that stop anyone from driving you a long way round if you don't know where you're going anyway. The meter is started just after the cab pulls away. The price to pay is shown clearly on the meter.
Asking for a receipt forces them to turn on the meter (as opposed to keeping it off) and will most likely keep them honest and not drive you around. I'm not saying that requesting a receipt will stop them from going the long way, but it helps. This is a tip that I received from my sister-in-law who grew up there. There definitely was validity to it. We picked up a cab outside of T-Square heading back to the hotel and he did NOT turn on the meter. When I said I wanted a receipt, he turned it on.
Originally Posted by
Peter_N-H
Ask for a receipt as you get out because if you should happen to leave anything in the cab, this is the way to get it back. Point at the receipt (which is printed automatically in most cabs these days), or say 'fa piao'.
Does anyone ever get back anything they leave in a cab? Oh yea:
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/200...miracle_2.html 
Originally Posted by
Peter_N-H
If you feel the need to suggest to the driver that you know what you are doing, have one person sit in front holding a map.
Oh yea... that'll work real well!
You should suggest to them to have a compass as well.