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Posts: 11

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Q: Can black cabs be dangerous?

I understand their main purpose is to rip you off, but are they otherwise safe? Has anyone ever had really really bad experiences with them?

11 years 39 weeks ago in  Health & Safety - China

 
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Posts: 2604

Shifu

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There was a story about a black cab. The black cab took the passenger to some place far away and not sure if they beat them or killed them but something terrible happened. I would tell you if you do take a black cab and especially if you do not know how to defend yourself you better go with a friend otherwise take public transport or walk if it's not that far.

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11 years 39 weeks ago
 
Posts: 3025

Emperor

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When I need a cab, I take the first one that stops, makes no difference the color of paint.  But maybe because I am 6 ft tall, 183 pounds, and look very strong I have had no problems other than three minor things:

1.- Taking the longer route rather than the short one.  And when that happens, I do stop them.

2.- Trying to short change me when giving me the change back.  I ask for the proper amount returned, and get it because I also ask for a receipt and that has the cab number on it.

3.- A few has tried to slip fake bills to me, I ask for another one and get it.

I do carry with me one of those expandable (or collapsible) steel batons, and I am pretty good with it.  Like I said, in 17 years no need to use it, not even a close call. 

Xpat.John:

Black cab means illegal cab.  :)

11 years 39 weeks ago
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HappyExPat:

Thanks, ExPat John. It did not dawn on me, even if I knew that. I took the question as the real color of paint job. Maybe I am still sleeping this morning....... And no, I do not patronize "those " black " taxis, always the fare quoted to me is a lot higher than the normal fare. And my GF hates them for some unknow reason.......

11 years 39 weeks ago
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11 years 39 weeks ago
 
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I have taken black cabs a few times, but I really try not to.  The biggest thing is that the moment you agree to a price, you are not covered by their insurance.  So if they get into an accident, you are not covered.

 

Also, if the cops pull them over, they will arrest you too.  For me, the risk is not worth the convenience. 

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11 years 39 weeks ago
 
Posts: 55

Governor

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I was caught by the police taking a black cab in Guangzhou.

I was on a very busy street and waited almost an hour for a cab and was having no luck finding one...

 

all the illegal taxis kept passing me by and I finally accepted or else I would be late for my plane.

 

2 streets down 3 cars blocked us in and cars came from both sides and behind...

 

About 10 police came running to the car dressed in plain clothing knocking on the doors and glass and one had a Video Camera.

 

They were filming the whole thing..

 

final outcome as long as i confessed that i paid the driver money to take me somewhere they were going to confiscate his car and I could go on my way.

 

I never admitted that I paid the driver and about 30 minuets they let me go..but they took the driver to jail.

 

I was late for my plane .. it was horrible... lesson learned don't take the illegal taxis

 

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11 years 39 weeks ago
 
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Any cab can be dangerous, but the blacks cabs are more dangerous because if they fail to turn on their lights at night you won't see them and they might hit you.

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11 years 39 weeks ago
 
Posts: 517

Shifu

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Black Cabs are dangerous...

 

1. They are illegal

 

2. No official fapio to claim company.. claiming fake fapio to company can get you fired legally..

 

3. They keep changing Number plates... for enterng expressway..

 

4. In case they find danger they may fly at 200kmph on expressway which puts your life in danger

 

5. They always fool around and find reasons to ask more money... mostly end up in fights unless its arranged by 'reputed' black taxi group company Wink

 

6. Black taxi drivers mostly have tatoo and looks dangerous..

 

7. They run through expresway gate many times.... follow truck etc...

 

8. You never know if the black taxi is transporting drugs etc or not... if caught in a 'private' car with drugs.... good luck...

 

etc etc

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11 years 39 weeks ago
 
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Black cabs not only dangerous but can be instantly expensive!

I paid as much as my airfare from Shenzhen to Shanghai, as for the black cab from Hongqiao Airport to downtown on an rainy day after the Chinese national holiday few years ago.

400RMB....pain in the assss.....................

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11 years 39 weeks ago
 
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Only if it's dark and they don't have their lights on.

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11 years 38 weeks ago
 
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