Best means of transportation for my travel agenda in Xian
Hi,
I am staying in the city for around 10 days. 6 of my days will be attending a conference daily from my hotel (Citadine Central) to the university (Jiatong?). The last four days I will move to Mercure Hotel (near Sofitel) and try to sightsee and enjoy the city a bit. My question are the following:
1. Are any maps of the city in internet reliable (google map?). I have heard that some people say that the streets are not very reliable from google map, but I need a confirmation to know what map to choose from. If I choose google map, I dont expect centimeter accuracy, but at least I expect not to get lost using it
2. Is GPS ok to use?
3. How is the internet situation in that area?
4. Is it recommended to buy a transportation card for me?
5. What is the best options regarding tranportation for me? I know from the airport I may get a shuttle service. From Citadines to University I don't mind public transportation and long queuing (I am used to asian congested public transportation as I come from one such area). From Citadines to Mercure I don't mind getting a taxi.. and from Mercure to the sightseeing place I guess I can ask the hotel, Im not sure what are the best ways to see around. I don't mind renting a bike for 4 days (is this recommended?) as I am myself an biker. From Mercure back to the airport.. I guess I get a taxi to the station of the shuttle bus back to the airport?
Sorry for asking a lot. I hope I get to enjoy the city!