Safety and Booking Guide for Inter-city Private Car Services

1. Safety Analysis

1. Certification
2. In China, legally-operating inter-city private car services must hold a Road Transport Operation License, and drivers are required to undergo professional training and registration.

3. We recommend choosing reputable platforms or service providers that partner with travel agencies, such as Ctrip, Fliggy, or DiDi’s inter-city exclusive car service, or local travel agencies' recommended car rental companies.

4. Vehicle Condition

5. Regular service providers usually offer 5-7 seat business cars or SUVs with vehicle ages under 5 years, undergoing regular safety inspections.

6. Before boarding, check: Confirm that the vehicle license plate matches the booking information and whether safety equipment like seat belts, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits are available inside the car.

7. Driver Background

8. Drivers must hold valid driving licenses and ride-hailing/passenger transport qualification certificates. Some platforms provide driver profiles (such as driving experience, service ratings), and it is recommended to prioritize drivers with ratings above 4.8.

9. Insurance Coverage

10. Reputable service providers purchase seat insurance for passengers (typically with coverage of 500,000-1,000,000 RMB). Before booking, confirm if the insurance terms cover your itinerary.

11. Passenger Reviews

12. Check real reviews from other users on platforms or social media (such as TripAdvisor, Xiaohongshu), paying special attention to feedback regarding driving safety and route planning.

2. How to Book Inter-city Private Car Services

1. Online Platform Booking (Recommended Method)
2. Ctrip:
   • Steps: Within the app, select "Car Service" -> "Inter-city Exclusive Car" -> Enter departure point, destination, time -> Choose vehicle type (economy/business) -> Payment (supports international credit cards).
   • Cost Reference: Beijing to Shanghai (about 1200 km) costs approximately 2000-3000 RMB, including toll fees and driver service fees.

3. DiDi Travel:

   • Download the international version of the app (DiDi Global), link Alipay or an international credit card, and select "Inter-city Service."
   • Supports switching between Chinese and English, and some drivers can communicate in basic English.

4. Booking Through Travel Agencies

5. Local Chinese travel agencies (such as CITS, CYTS) provide custom private car services, including bilingual drivers and itinerary planning.

6. Cost: Usually 10%-20% higher than platform prices but includes insurance, invoices, and after-sales guarantees.

7. Hotel/Scenic Spot Partnered Services

8. High-end hotels or popular scenic spots (such as Huangshan, Zhangjiajie) provide partnered fleets that can be booked directly through the front desk, suitable for last-minute needs.

9. Private Car Rentals

10. Some drivers advertise their services on social media (such as WeChat, Instagram). Verify credentials carefully and sign a written contract before proceeding.

3. Precautions

1. Confirm Details in Advance
2. Confirm whether toll fees, parking fees, and driver meal expenses are included (usually borne by passengers or included in the total price).

3. Clearly define luggage quantity limits (for example, a 5-seat car may only allow 2-3 large pieces of luggage).

4. Payment and Contracts

5. Pay through platforms to avoid cash transactions and keep electronic order receipts.

6. If privately transacting, sign a simple contract in both Chinese and English detailing the itinerary, price, and liability clauses.

7. Emergency Response

8. Save the driver's contact information and license plate number, and inform family or friends.

9. China emergency numbers: 110 (non-emergency situations can call the transportation supervision hotline at 12328).

10. Avoid Common Pitfalls

11. Beware of low-price traps (if the quoted price is more than 30% below market rates, there might be risks).
12. Avoid riding alone at night; female travelers may choose female drivers where possible (some platforms offer this option).

4. Cost Reference (Based on Common Cities)