AI Summary
Although many locals now use ride-hailing apps, taxis are still an excellent option for international visitors.
You'll find them at:
- Airports
- Railway stations
- Hotels
- Tourist attractions
- Shopping districts
- City streets
If you don't have mobile payment or don't want to install additional apps, taxis are often the simplest transportation choice.
Quick Answer
Taking a taxi is easy:
- Find an official taxi.
- Tell the driver your destination (or show the Chinese address).
- The driver starts the meter.
- Pay at the end of the trip.
- Ask for the receipt if needed.
Showing the destination in Chinese is usually much easier than speaking English.
When Should You Take a Taxi?
A taxi is often the best choice when:
- Carrying heavy luggage
- Traveling with children
- Going somewhere without convenient metro access
- Traveling early in the morning
- Traveling late at night
- It's raining
- You're tired after a long flight
Where Can You Find Taxis?
Official taxi stands are commonly located at:
- Airports
- Railway stations
- Hotels
- Major shopping centers
- Tourist attractions
You can also hail taxis on many city streets where permitted.
How to Communicate with the Driver
Many taxi drivers speak limited English.
Instead of explaining verbally, it's better to show:
- Your hotel name
- The Chinese address
- A destination saved in a map app
- A QR code from DeepTrip
This minimizes misunderstandings.
Payment
Depending on the city, taxis may accept:
- Mobile payment
- Bank cards (on some vehicles)
- Cash
Payment methods vary, so it's helpful to have more than one option available.
Metered Fares
Official taxis generally use a meter.
The total fare depends on:
- Distance
- Travel time
- Local pricing policies
If the meter isn't running when it should be, politely ask the driver to start it.
Airport Taxis
After arriving:
Follow the official signs for:
Taxi
Avoid accepting rides from people who approach you inside the terminal offering transportation.
Using the official taxi queue is generally the safest and most straightforward option.
Taxi vs DiDi
| Category | Taxi | DiDi |
|---|---|---|
| Easy for first-time visitors | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Street pickup | ✅ | ❌ |
| Advance booking | ❌ | ✅ |
| Driver information | Limited | Detailed |
| Pickup tracking | ❌ | ✅ |
| Availability | Good | Excellent |
Taxi vs Metro
| Situation | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| Rush hour | Metro |
| Heavy luggage | Taxi |
| Late at night | Taxi |
| One or two metro stops | Metro |
| Hotel to airport | Taxi |
| City sightseeing | Depends on distance |
Taxi Checklist
Before getting in:
□ Confirm it's an official taxi.
□ Prepare your destination.
□ Keep your phone charged.
□ Check you haven't left belongings behind when getting out.
□ Save the receipt if needed.
Decision Tree
Heavy luggage?
↓
Taxi.
Late at night?
↓
Taxi.
Need the cheapest option?
↓
Metro.
Need door-to-door transportation?
↓
Taxi.
Prefer app booking?
↓
DiDi.
Common Mistakes
Many travelers:
- Try to pronounce Chinese addresses instead of showing them.
- Get into unofficial airport vehicles.
- Forget personal belongings in the back seat.
- Don't check that the driver understands the destination.
- Assume every driver speaks English.
Real Travel Scenario
Maria arrived at Shanghai Pudong Airport after a long international flight.
Instead of struggling with multiple metro transfers while carrying two large suitcases, DeepTrip recommended taking an official airport taxi.
It displayed her hotel address in Chinese, estimated the fare, and reminded her to use the official taxi queue.
The journey was smooth, and she arrived directly at her hotel without any transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are taxis safe in China?
Official taxis are generally considered a safe and reliable transportation option.
Do taxi drivers speak English?
Some do, but many do not.
Showing the destination in Chinese is usually the easiest solution.
Can I pay with cash?
In many cities, yes.
However, available payment methods vary, so carrying multiple payment options is recommended.
Is DiDi better than taxis?
DiDi offers more booking features and route tracking, while taxis are often easier to use if you don't want to install another app.
Should I take a taxi from the airport?
For travelers with luggage, families, or late-night arrivals, an airport taxi is often the most convenient option.
Can DeepTrip help?
Yes.
DeepTrip can:
- estimate taxi fares,
- display destinations in Chinese,
- recommend whether a taxi, metro, or DiDi is the better choice,
- identify official taxi pickup areas,
- and guide you step by step from the airport or station to your hotel.
Key Takeaways
- Taxis remain one of the easiest ways for visitors to travel around China.
- Always use official taxis and official airport taxi queues.
- Showing your destination in Chinese is more effective than speaking English.
- Compare taxis with the metro and DiDi based on your route, luggage, and travel time.
- DeepTrip helps you choose the most convenient transportation option for every journey.
Sources / Trust Note
Taxi regulations, payment methods, fares, and operating practices vary by city. Travelers should follow local transportation guidance and use officially licensed taxi services whenever possible.