Beijing Taxi – Fares or Meters?

Beijing Taxi -Taxis are the preferred choice for getting around, as they are convenient and are fairly inexpensive for travelers from Western countries.

The only downside is that Beijing's congested traffic often results in long jams. Vehicles used as taxis include the Hyundai Sonata and Elantra, Volkswagen Santana and Jetta (the old model, designed in the 1980s), and China-made Citroens.

These taxis are painted with new colors (see picture). Luxurious black executive cars (usually Audis) can also be found, usually waiting outside hotels.

Beijing Taxi Fares and Meters

Beginning from June 2006, all taxis charge a starting fee of 10 RMB, and an additional 2 RMB per kilometer after the first 3km.

Taxi meters keep running when the speed is slower than 12km per hr. or when waiting for green lights; five minutes of waiting time equals 1 km running.

Outside of rush hour, an average trip through the city costs around 20-25 RMB, and a cross-town journey about 50 RMB (for example, from the city center to the northern side of the Fourth Ring Road).

If the taxi driver "forgets" to switch the taxi meter on, remind him or her by politely saying "Qing Da Biao " (pronunciation: "Qing" slightly like "ching", "Da" like "Dalai Lama", "Biao" = b(b in "blue") -i(y in "yen") -ao(au in "Austria").

This means "Run the meter, please". Get a receipt (in case you want to make a complaint later or for business reimbursement purposes) by saying "Fa Piao " or gesturing at the meter and making a writing motion.

Beijing Taxi Tips

If you want a tour around Beijing and its vicinities, you can ask your hotel to hire a cab for one day or several days. It usually costs 400-600 RMB per day, depending on where you go.

If you have Chinese-speaking assistance, then bargain down the cost. No matter the cost, the taxi is yours for the day and will wait for you at various destinations.

Communicating with the drivers can be a problem, as most do not speak English. You can ask that your hotel write your destination on a card to give to the driver.

Make sure also to take the hotel's card (and a map) that lists the hotel's address in Chinese. This can be a 'get out of jail free' card if you get lost and need to get back via taxi.

A regular city map with streets and sights in Chinese will help also.