Beijing
Views: 907Date: 2008/02/28 ~ 2008/03/03
City: Beijing, China
tasha_pi:
We traveled to Beijing, and used a tour guide that we contacted thru HiEverywhere.
Upon signing up for HiEverywhere, they said it was a voluntary service. However, I was contacted by a tour guide that said she was professional and we had to pay. So, we gave her a try. She seemed nice. That wasn't the problem.
There were many hidden costs in her "FEE." Everywhere we turned, she wanted us to pay for something, and claimed she emailed me and told me so. She doesn't know that I saved ALL my emails, and checked it again, just in case I missed something. It's no surprise that she didn't say what she claimed she said.
I know that it's Chinese culture to try and take advantage of tourists.
Unfortunately, our tour guide doesn't know who she was dealing with. I don't like deceitfulness. So, we used her for 1 1/2 days, and we let her go. We did our own thing the rest of the time. I'm sure before we let her go, she was able to eat up as much money from us as possible.
So sad that such a nice lady to be deceitful. I know it's the culture. But, she probably would've gotten more money out of us through tip and by us keeping her for the rest of the trip, if she was honest with us. Because she wasn't, we cut her off.
Besides that, I did have a very enjoyable time in Beijng.
My suggestion is that professional guides should not be allowed to join HiEverywhere because it's misleading and takes away everything HiEverywhere stands for: VOLUNTARY!!!!
Thanks
Comments:
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HelenAshley says:
Wow, that is scary, I wouldn't dare to try if I am alone right.... It is not very nice to have this sweet girl do this sort of thing to tourists! How sad ^^
Tasha how come u did not meet the true volunteer nice young man instead u choose the girl that deceived you (of coz u didn't expect that sort of a service right!) I am sorry to hear yr plight...but u r a smart lady....hehe ^^
For my upcoming trip to Taiwan, I m not sure if I can handle this....haha ^^ Should not allow professional tour guide to come in.... lah! Very good suggestion!
Posted at 2008-04-26 15:58
Kanadian2 says:
Intresting.
I am sure,most tourist are generous and would give something to the guides,anyhow.Even without asking and putting pressure on the
tourist.
The money grapping thing is stressful.
We experienced that in Mexico and it left a bad taste in our mouth.
But,you learn,they all want money and
use any and every method to get it.
It is very upsetting.
But,As I said,most people are generous and yet..the giving must come from a heart....not because it is manipulated out of you.
Posted at 2008-03-11 21:35
hieverywhere says:
Hello tasha_pi,
Sorry to hear that.
A true volunteer guide, dongguozhi1982, booked your request. So you didn't go with him? but go with a professional tour guide, "guidesusan"?
We have received your suggestion and will try harder to prevent professional tour guides from joining "Hi Everywhere!", and hope all of us in "Hi Everywhere!" say "NO" to professional tour guides.
Thanks,
The Hi Everywhere Team
Posted at 2008-03-01 12:26
liuruil says:
HELLO
Posted at 2008-06-09 13:52