Earlier this week I tried to get a Didi and was met with this message:

According to local covid regulations, it was announced that taxis and other cars for hire including Didi would not be allowed to take fares from within or going from Shunyi (excluding to and from Beijing Capital Intl. Airport), Fangshan, and parts of Chaoyang to other districts starting May 12.

Now I don't know about you, but I've got hospital appointments for my daughter and errands to run around the city where my scooter can't take us, so having a few private drivers in my WeChat contacts will come in handy.

I've used Driver Jack on multiple occasions. He's a jolly guy who speaks English and has the most interesting facts about landmarks in Beijing. Driver Jack drives a black sedan and has an arsenal of great stories from his previous job working as a tour guide all around the world. Jack has a young son himself and he's great with kids, pets, unexpected detours that I've decided to take, and helping me carry heavy things whenever I needed them.

Driver Charlie comes recommended by multiple expats. According to those who have used him in the past, he speaks English and is a happy guy who'll sing Chinese opera to you.

Driver Zhang comes highly recommended from his previous employer Nick Phoutrides who says "he has become like family to all of us. He is courteous, punctual and a great driver. He has helped us not only with transportation, but also with tasks and chores in our daily life in Beijing. Our children love him and call him Uncle".

Driver Lily and her husband Eric takes turns driving people. They come highly recommended by my colleague Vivienne Tseng-Rush who has used them to drive her family to go skiing in the winter.

There are also WeChat groups dedicated to personal drivers such as Drivers in Beijing (QR code below).

Stay safe and sound!

Images: Pexels