Cost of living in Liuzhou - Part 1: Transport

One of the great advantages of teaching in Liuzhou is the really low cost of living. Here's part one of our series detailing what you can expect to spend when you're here:

Liuzhou has an extensive bus system, and the fares range from 1元 - 2元 (11p - 22p). If you find cash inconvenient, you can use a prepay city bus card, which works like an Oyster Card and gives you a further 10% off. Or, in a new addition, you can pay using your WeChat app. There are two types of buses here, regular buses using the 路 suffix and the BRT (Bus Rapid Transport) fast bus service, using the 快 prefix. The regular bus service is frequent and stops all over the city, including residential districts.

The fast service (which always costs 1元) has fewer stops but will get you around the city quickly and will take you to all the major points of interest. You pay upon entering the bus stop, not when you get on the bus; this means that everyone boards quicker but it tends to lead to a bit of a free-for-all as Chinese people aren't particular fans of queuing. It also means that you can change to a different BRT bus free of charge.

Taxis in Liuzhou are among the cheapest in China and start at 6元 (70p) during the day, and 8元 (93p) after midnight. You can travel the length of the city for around 20元 (£2.30). In contrast to some places in China, taxi drivers are honest and always run the meter; they don't speak English however, so, if your Chinese is not up to scratch, be ready with a map or address before you get in. There's also 滴滴出行 Didi (the Chinese version of Uber) which now has an English language version of their app.

If you want an even cheaper and faster journey, you can consider using the motorbike taxis, but this will require some negotiation prior to getting on the bike as these guys are not licensed and don't use meters - they are definitely the quickest way to get around town though!

There is a city bike system similar to London's Boris Bikes. Once you get a card, any journey under an hour is free. In addition, the city is currently building a light railway system which is expected to be ready in around two years.

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