Post surgery pain was limiting Andrew and I knew that renting a wheelchair in Beijing, China, was a necessity. Prior to traveling, I had read that wheelchairs could be rented at any of the numerous medical supply stores located around Beijing city hospitals. I ruled out shopping on our own because of Andrew’s slow mobility and my lack of language skills. I turned to the hostel’s concierge for help and my request was met with profound thought and discussion.
Renting a wheelchair
It didn’t take long before the staff and I agreed on a medical supply store that would deliver a child size chair to the hostel. The wheelchair rental was 200 yuan for ten days which is the equivalent to approximately $30.00 USD. Who can argue with $3.00 a day? I also posted a refundable $200 Yuan deposit which would be returned on pick-up day provided the chair was in the same condition in which it was received.
Freedom to Explore!
Andrew’s chariot arrived 30 minutes after the order was placed. We had wheels! Suddenly, Beijing was ours to explore and it was absolute freedom knowing that I could hoof the city while Andrew rested and relaxed. We navigated the streets to Qiongdao Island, via Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. It felt good to be getting some fast-paced exercise.
The Return Deposit
Our flight to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, was scheduled to leave before sunrise when we left Beijing. I planned to forfeit our refund since I couldn’t wait for the pick-up time. The hostel surprised us with our refund stating that they would collect the money from the medical supply company when they arrived to pick up the chair. We were so blessed! Seriously, I can’t sing enough praises for the Fly By Knight Courtyard Hostel and their staff. Renting a wheelchair in Beijing, China was the best decision I could have made, and it was super easy!
* Reminder* This is a safe site for children. If comments are not
tastefully stated they will disappear in a “POOF”!
