Originally Posted by
richardinmotion
Nice rant, there mate. I've probably had 50 taxi rides in the past few months on 3 continents. I pretty much know what I'm doing. I told you my experience. The Chinese are pros at ripping people off, so yes, I guess they got another one. Don't get me started.
And for others in the future unaware of what happens in China: Don't take taxis. They are thieves. Take the metros. They are fast, efficient and cheap.
That's bull..
I've never been ripped off by taxis in China. Some discussions (usually when the driver couldn't find the place) but ripped off? Never!
Took a few "illegal" taxis when at time no other taxi was available, but usually didn't much overpaid for them (maximum twice of what a regular taxi ride would have been) - and I knew what I was doing.
Your description above about PEK is VERY MUCH against anything that anyone here has experienced, and therefore has very little credibility.
The one thing I agree with you, still, is that taking public transport, especially with the amount of subways that Chinese cities today are offering, is often the fastest (and cheapest) way to get around.