do you have any suggestions for a private driver with a car?

Question

We are looking for a private driver with a car for up to 2 weeks. We do not speak Mandarin.

We will start and end our journey in Beijing and do a roundtrip to visit the Great Wall, Mount Wutai, Xi An, Ping-yao, Mount Taishan and some other places on the way. Does anyone have any suggestions for a private driver with a car whom we could hire for this trip?

Answer

Hiring a private driver with a car in China for a multi-city trip is definitely possible, but it requires some planning, especially since you don’t speak Mandarin. Using a private driver can be much more convenient for long trips across provinces and gives you flexibility with stops and sightseeing.

Here are some suggestions and tips for arranging a private driver:

Local travel agencies: Many Beijing-based travel agencies specialize in private car services and English-speaking drivers. Agencies like China Highlights, China Odyssey, or TravelChinaGuide can arrange drivers for multi-day itineraries including Beijing, Xi’an, Pingyao, Mount Wutai, and Mount Taishan.
Hotel concierge services: Some international hotels in Beijing have partnerships with reputable drivers who speak some English. You can inquire upon arrival or in advance via email.
Online platforms: Websites like Klook, Trip.com, or Viator sometimes offer private driver services for long trips. Make sure to check reviews and confirm the driver speaks English or has a translator.
Expat or local forums: Forums like The Beijinger, Tripadvisor, or Reddit’s r/ChinaTravel may have recommendations for trusted drivers who cater to foreign travelers.

Important considerations when hiring a private driver in China:

Confirm whether the price includes fuel, tolls, parking fees, and driver accommodations if you plan overnight trips outside the city.
Clarify the driver’s comfort with long-distance driving, especially for mountainous areas like Mount Wutai and Mount Taishan.
Ensure clear communication regarding your itinerary, pick-up times, and stops. Having your route and hotel names written in Chinese can help avoid misunderstandings.
Ask about the car type. For long trips, a comfortable sedan or SUV is recommended.
Consider using translation apps or hiring a local guide in addition to the driver for explanations at historical sites.

By booking through a reputable agency and confirming all details in advance, you can have a smooth multi-city trip without needing to speak Mandarin fluently. It’s often safer and more reliable than trying to hire a driver independently on arrival.

do you have any suggestions for a private driver with a car?

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