How to Take a Taxi in China: A Guide for First-Time Visitors

This complete guide will help you understand how to take a taxi in China safely, affordably, and confidently — whether you’re hailing one on the street or using a ride-hailing app like DiDi.

Taking a taxi in China is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get around — especially for first-time visitors who want a hassle-free ride from the airport, hotel, or sightseeing spot. But if you don’t speak Chinese, navigating taxis can be a little tricky.

1. Three Ways to Take a Taxi in China

🅰️ Option 1: Use a Taxi App (Recommended)

Just like Uber or Lyft, China has powerful ride-hailing apps. The most popular is DiDi, which even offers an English interface.

Other options include:

Gaode Maps (Amap) – good for navigation and calling taxis
Meituan – popular in major cities
Baidu Maps – also includes taxi services

✅ Pro Tips:

Download DiDi before your trip
Bind an international credit card (Visa/Mastercard), or prepare Alipay/WeChat Pay
Make sure your phone has internet access (get a Chinese SIM card or roaming plan)
Double-check the car plate number before getting in!

🅱️ Option 2: Street Taxis

You can still hail taxis the traditional way. Look for:

A red “空车” light (means “empty”)
The rooftop light turned on

💬 Use simple phrases like:

“你好，我去 [Hotel Name]” (Hello, I’m going to…)
“请打表” (“Please use the meter”)

Not all drivers speak English, so show them your destination in Chinese or a hotel business card.

🅲 Option 3: Ask Your Hotel or Mall to Call a Taxi

Hotel front desks are usually happy to help foreign travelers book a taxi. They can:

Write your destination in Chinese
Help confirm the driver and fare
Show you how to use DiDi if needed

2. How Much Does a Taxi Cost in China?

Taxi fares in China are affordable compared to Western countries, but prices vary by city.

City	Starting Fare	Notes
Beijing	¥13 for first 3 km	Increases per km, surcharge at night
Shanghai	¥14–16 for first 3 km	30% night surcharge after 11pm
Guilin/Yangshuo	¥8–20	Often don’t use meters, always negotiate
Small towns	¥7–10	Some use fixed fares, meters may be optional

📌 Long Distance or Full-Day Hires
For rides outside the city or day hires, meters are not used. Always agree on a price upfront. For example:

Guilin North Station → Yangshuo: ¥200
Guilin Airport → Yangshuo: ¥350

3. Helpful Chinese Phrases for Taking a Taxi

English	Chinese	Pinyin
Please take me to this place	请带我去这个地方	Qǐng dài wǒ qù zhège dìfāng
Please use the meter	请打表	Qǐng dǎbiǎo
Can I pay by WeChat/Alipay?	可以用微信/支付宝吗？	Kěyǐ yòng Wēixìn / Zhīfùbǎo ma?
Here is the address	这是地址	Zhè shì dìzhǐ

✅ Save your destination in Chinese characters on your phone
✅ Let the driver see your navigation app if needed
✅ Show your hotel card when unsure

4. Payment: Cash or Mobile?

Most Chinese drivers prefer mobile payments — either through the taxi app or directly using WeChat Pay or Alipay.

Method	Accepted?	Notes
WeChat/Alipay	✅	Most common (90%+ of drivers)
Cash	✅	Bring small bills; avoid ¥100 notes
Credit Card	❌	Rarely accepted except in high-end services
DiDi In-App Pay	✅	Accepts foreign cards in some versions

🧾 Want a Receipt? Ask for a “fapiao” (发票) — it includes the license plate in case of issues.

5. Important Taxi Tips for Tourists

Always wear a seatbelt — required in many cities
Avoid black (unlicensed) taxis — use apps or official lines
Keep your hotel namecard for directions or emergencies
Don’t expect drivers to help with luggage unless asked politely
Busy times (7–9am, 5–8pm) make taxis harder to find — book ahead

6. City-Specific Notes

1) Beijing

Avoid hailing taxis on Chang’an Avenue or near Tiananmen (no-stopping zones)
Use official taxi lines at airports/train stations

2) Shanghai

Different colors = different companies, same price
30% night surcharge applies after 11pm

3) Guangzhou & Shenzhen

Some drivers speak Cantonese, not Mandarin
Public transportation may be faster for short trips

7. First-Time Taxi Success Checklist

✅ Download DiDi or another ride-hailing app
✅ Have your destination in Chinese characters
✅ Confirm the license plate before getting in
✅ Ask the driver to use the meter
✅ Carry small change
✅ Don’t tip — not expected in China
✅ Request a receipt (fapiao)
✅ Be polite, patient, and smile!

Taking a taxi in China as a foreign visitor might feel intimidating at first, but with the right tools and a bit of preparation, it can be smooth and stress-free. Most Chinese taxi drivers are honest and friendly — even if there’s a language barrier, they’ll usually try to help.

Bring a translation app, download DiDi, and enjoy the ride!