Beijing Travel Forum

Hi,

Our family of 5 (2 adults and 3 chidlren aged 10,12,14) will be in Beijing for a week in Mid June on a free and easy package.

Heard from the friend recently that taking a taxi there with a family of 5 may be a problem as taxis accept only 4 persons.

1.Not sure if this 4 person limit per taxi info is correct. Wonder if the more experienced travellers can advise on this?

2.Are Multi Personnel Vehicle (MPV) with 3 row of seats type of Taxis available in Beijing? Considering this option for the trip to Great Wall as it will be long journey.

3.How hot does it get in Mid June? We are from Singapore so quite used to temp of 30 celsius.

Thanks.

Low

Have "talked" taxi drivers in to taking 5 (using money)so it isnt impossible. Some taxis that look like small vans can take more than 4 at a pinch as long as your children aren't too large. I dont remember seeing MPV taxis in China but they may exist. I would arrange a tour either by bas or four wheel drive when going to Great Wall. It will be warm as the average is around 30 so there will be days as high as 39 but also there will be days that are cooler. I think you will be OK coming from a real tropical location. maybe sandstorms could be a problem but they usually finish in May if I remember right.

4 is the limit and it may not be easy to talk yourself into fitting one more in as the fines these day are too much for the taxi drivers to risk.

Check with the hotel, they normally can arrange for a mini-van for you. Cost may be slightly higher but it is better to have the who gang together. Try to negotiate for a day rate (or multi-days). Very often "black cabs" will hang around outside of hotels, be very careful with them, they are usually very expensive, better go with what the hotel recommends and hold them responsible if something went wrong.

Hi and thanks for both your reply. It has been helpful and at least we are prepared for this transport issue. Unlikely to be able to squeeze them all in if the taxi is small as the teens are adult height.

Will check with the hotel and also looking at some day tours package.

Thanks.

Low

1) Correct. You won't be able to fit all of you into 1 taxi, let alone with all your luggage.
2) No. But these are available with driver for hire, independently (ie not with taxi company!) if you so prefer.
3) Similar to Singapore.

For going to the Great Wall or other day trip, hire a small van or something as others suggest. Negotiate the price in advance: pay half at the beginning, half on the trip home. None of the drivers speak English so make sure the doorman or hotel staff tell the driver exactly what you want to do.

For visiting around town, just take 2 taxis. Taxis are cheap, really, and so it is not a big expense to take two. For longer trips arrange something in advance. Have the teenagers each carry an address card from the hotel. Since the drivers don't speak or read English, it's the only way to get back to your hotel.