Originally Posted by
Mannequin
I was back in Beijing recently and once again, I met someone else who was scammed by the pedicab scammers. Guy told him that it was one price, then when they got to the destination, tried to charge him 300 RMB. He figured he was being scammed and argued with the guy and then gave him 100 RMB, but said the guy came after him demanding more, and he finally gave him another 100 RMB. This was his first time in Beijing so he didn't know if it was the real price and he would get into trouble by walking away, etc...
Pedicab guys tried to solicit me also, this time saying it was only 3 RMB, but I just ignored them because I knew what they'd try to do once we got to the destination. Many haven't heard about this scam and are not prepared for this when going to Beijing. Please spread the word.
Cyclo drivers in Vietnam (esp Hanoi) pull this one also, and the solution is --before getting into the pedicab--to write down the price you think you are agreeing to and put the RMB by it. Hold onto that paper. When he nods agreement, hop in. Always have exact amount in notes...so if he tries to switch to an inflated fee, drop the notes on his seat and walk away. If he doesn't take you where agreed, hop out and pay nothing. Yell for the cops if he persists. I'm personally of the opinion that use of freelancing pedicabs in Beijing is best left to natives or expats that know the score, and for visitors to steer clear. (Doesn't apply to organized pedicab tours, which are relatively high fixed price but not a scam.)