Taking a Taxi in China: Tips for Foreign Travelers

How to get a taxi

• At airports and train stations: follow signs for 出租车 (taxi). There's usually an organized queue with staff.
• On the street, check the local vacant-car indicator rather than relying on a universal light color. Your hotel can help arrange a taxi.
• Via app: use Didi (China's Uber) to book one. The driver comes to you. Useful when you can't find one on the street.
• Hotels: ask the front desk to call one for you. They can also write your destination in Chinese.

Communicating with the driver

• Show your destination in Chinese characters on your phone. This is the #1 most important tip. Don't try to say it.
• If the driver looks confused, show the map pin too. Sometimes the address is right but the pin helps more.
• For the hotel: save the Chinese name + address + phone number. If the driver still can't find it, call the hotel and hand him the phone.
• Useful phrases to save: 到了 (dào le = we're here), 停这里 (tíng zhèlǐ = stop here), 谢谢 (xièxie = thanks).

Payment

• Check the city’s displayed fare rules. Base fares, distance rates, waiting time and night charges vary.
• Most drivers prefer mobile payment (Alipay or WeChat Pay). They'll show you a QR code at the end of the ride.
• Cash is accepted but have small bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50). Drivers often can't break ¥100.
• Ask about tolls and any permitted surcharges as well as the meter fare, and keep the receipt.
• Get a receipt (发票 fāpiào) if you want one — press the button on the meter or ask the driver.

Avoiding problems

• Only take taxis from official queues at airports/stations. Ignore anyone who approaches you in the arrivals hall offering a "taxi."
• Confirm the fare basis before setting off. For an ordinary metered taxi, check the meter; raise a concern with queue staff while the vehicle is stationary.
• Follow the airport’s official taxi signs and staff instructions. Avoid unsolicited offers in the arrivals hall.
• Keep the trip details and your phone accessible. If uncomfortable, ask to stop in a suitable public place and use the operator’s or local authority’s assistance channel.
• If the route looks unexpected, ask the driver to confirm the destination and use the receipt or trip details if you need to raise an issue later.

Taxi vs Didi: which to use

• Taxi queue: useful when you have no app setup. Confirm payment, destination and local fare rules first.
• Ride-hailing: shows booking and pickup details in the app. Compare its current price, wait and pickup location.
• Heavy luggage or a late arrival: consider a hotel pickup with written meeting and delay arrangements.
• Save the hotel address and phone number offline for whichever method you choose.

Next step

Taxis are just one transport option. Check our Arrival Guide for the full picture, or build your checklist to sort transport, payment, and hotel together.