China
Suzhou Getting around Taxis

Best Taxi Options in Suzhou

Suzhou, known for its beautiful water towns and traditional Chinese gardens, offers various taxi services to make your travel convenient. Below are the top taxi options available in the city.

Didi Chuxing

  • Overview: The Chinese equivalent of Uber, Didi Chuxing, is a popular ride-hailing app offering comfortable rides at competitive rates.
  • How to Use: Download the Didi app, available in English, and link a payment method.
  • Service Types: Ranges from economical Express options to more luxurious Premier and Luxe services.

Traditional Taxi Services

  • Overview: Suzhou has a multitude of traditional taxi cabs that can be hailed directly from the street.
  • How to Use: Simply flag down a taxi. It's recommended to have your destination written in Chinese or have a map handy to show the driver.
  • Payment: Cash and, in some taxis, Alipay or WeChat Pay are accepted.
  • Tip: Look for the green or yellow cars, as they are the official taxi colors in Suzhou.

International Ride-Sharing Apps

  • Overview: While not as prevalent, international apps like Uber have limited availability through partnerships with local services.
  • How to Use: If you already have Uber installed, check the app in Suzhou for availability and potential local partnerships.
  • Service Types: Services are generally similar to Didi, albeit with potentially higher rates due to international partnerships.

Bicycle and E-scooter Taxis

  • Overview: For short distances or to navigate through the narrower lanes of Suzhou's old town, bicycle and e-scooter taxis are an adventurous option.
  • How to Use: These are often found around tourist attractions. Negotiate the fare before starting your trip.
  • Tip: Ideal for solo travelers or couples without large luggage, as space is limited.

Hotel-Arranged Pickups

  • Overview: For ease and convenience, especially when arriving with lots of luggage or late at night, consider a hotel-arranged pickup.
  • How to Use: This can usually be booked directly through your hotel prior to your arrival. Rates are fixed and communicated upfront.
  • Benefits: Hassle-free, direct transport to your accommodation with English-speaking drivers available upon request.

When traveling around Suzhou, always ensure that the taxi meter is running to avoid being overcharged and keep the taxi receipt for any queries or if items are left behind.