Other expats in Beijing choose to drive. While this proves convenient for some, many car owners in the capital find the proposition significantly more hassle than it’s worth. Anyone considering driving in Beijing should take some time to think about whether or not it really makes sense for them. For families or individuals that need a break from the city on a regular basis, car ownership may be a logical choice. However, for travel within the city, driving a car is potentially much more expensive than relying on taxis. The parking situation alone should be enough to scare away a number of potential motorists. Normally, a city needs 130 parking places for every 100 cars; Beijing has only 73 slots for every 100 cars. It is not rare at all for drivers to find themselves arriving early at their destination only to spend the next hour searching in vain for a place to park.