Taxis and ride-hailing services are convenient and flexible transportation options for travelers in Chinese cities, especially when carrying luggage, traveling to remote areas, or moving around at night. This guide provides detailed information on how to properly use taxi and ride-hailing services, including booking methods, payment options, pricing rules, and safety precautions to help you avoid common issues and enjoy a smooth travel experience.
Travel Tip: Ride-hailing services are usually 10%-30% cheaper than traditional taxis and can be booked in advance. It is recommended to download the relevant APPs, complete registration, and link your payment method before departure for convenient use anytime.
I. Traditional Taxis
Traditional taxis are widely available in major Chinese cities, easy to identify and use, making them one of the common transportation choices for tourists:
How to Identify Official Taxis
Official taxis have uniform identification, with taxi company names and logos on the body, "TAXI" sign lights on the roof, and fare standards and complaint hotline displayed on the windows.
Riding Process & Fare Calculation
Hail a taxi on the roadside or take one at taxi stands. After getting in, make sure the driver starts the meter. The fare consists of a starting fee plus distance charges, with additional fees possibly added during nighttime.
| City | Starting Fare | Per-Kilometer Fare | Night Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | ¥13 (within 3km) | ¥2.3/km | +20% from 23:00-5:00 |
| Shanghai | ¥14 (within 3km) | ¥2.5/km | +30% from 23:00-5:00 |
| Guangzhou | ¥12 (within 3km) | ¥2.6/km | +30% from 23:00-5:00 |
| Shenzhen | ¥10 (within 2km) | ¥2.4/km | +30% from 23:00-6:00 |
Warning: Avoid taxis that refuse to use the meter, ask for arbitrary prices, or require sharing with other passengers. Confirm that the driver has started the meter before departure and request a receipt when getting off to file complaints or trace issues if necessary.
II. Ride-Hailing Services
Ride-hailing services have become an important part of urban transportation in China, favored by tourists for their transparent pricing and convenient booking. Major platforms include Didi Chuxing, Amap Ride-Hailing, Shouqi Limousine & Chauffeur, etc.:
APP Usage Process
- 1. Download the APP and register an account
- 2. Link a payment method (WeChat/Alipay)
- 3. Enter pickup and destination locations
- 4. Select vehicle type and confirm booking
- 5. Wait for driver acceptance and arrival
Main Vehicle Options
- Express: Economical, standard sedans
- Premium: Comfortable vehicles, slightly higher price
- Business: High-end vehicles, better service
- Carpool: Shared ride format, lowest price
- Taxi: Order traditional taxis online
Fare Calculation
- Base fare + distance fare + time fare
- Surge pricing during peak hours (1.2-2x)
- Long-distance surcharge beyond certain distance
- Night fare: additional charge from 22:00-6:00
- Tolls and bridge fees paid by passengers
Usage Tips: When booking a ride, try to accurately describe your pickup location (e.g., hotel entrance, next to a landmark). You can set frequently used addresses and emergency contacts in the APP. During peak hours with surge pricing, try selecting "Call multiple vehicle types simultaneously" or try again later.
III. Payment Methods
Taxis and ride-hailing services in China support multiple payment methods, and understanding these methods can make your journey more convenient:
Mobile Payment (Recommended)
Alipay and WeChat Pay are the most commonly used methods. Taxis accept QR code payments, while ride-hailing services automatically deduct from the linked account after the trip.
Cash Payment
Traditional taxis generally accept cash payment, but it's recommended to prepare appropriate change. Ride-hailing services generally don't encourage cash transactions and need to be negotiated with the driver in advance.
Important Notice: Do not negotiate "fixed-price" deals with drivers without using the meter or APP pricing, as this may result in fees much higher than the normal level. Do not expose large amounts of cash to drivers, especially at night or in remote areas.
IV. Safety Precautions
Whether choosing taxis or ride-hailing services, safety should always be the primary consideration. Here are some important safety tips:
Pre-Ride Safety Checks
- Verify vehicle information: For ride-hailing, check if the license plate and model match what's shown in the APP
- Choose official vehicles: Refuse to ride in unmarked, unlicensed "black taxis"
- Inform others of your trip: Share your trip information with friends or family, or use the in-APP trip sharing function
- Note the license plate: Write down or take a photo of the license plate before getting in, just in case
Safety Measures During the Ride
- Sit in the back: Especially when traveling alone, choosing the back seat is safer
- Fasten your seatbelt: Both front and back passengers should wear seatbelts
- Monitor the route: Use a mobile map to confirm the vehicle is traveling along a reasonable route
- Stay connected: Keep in touch with friends or family and inform them of your approximate location
- Don't disclose personal information: Avoid revealing too much personal information to the driver
How to Handle Problems
- Keep evidence: Such as trip records, receipts, photos, or videos
- Platform complaint: For ride-hailing, use the complaint function in the APP to report issues
- Phone complaint: For taxis, call the local transportation management complaint hotline (usually displayed in the vehicle)
- Emergency situation: Immediately call 110 to report to the police, clearly stating your location and vehicle information
- Remember the complaint number: To track the progress of the handling
V. Practical Tips
The following tips can help you use taxi and ride-hailing services more smoothly, saving time and money:
- Estimate costs with navigation APPs: Before departure, you can use Amap or Baidu Maps to check the approximate cost to know what to expect
- Avoid peak hours: Morning and evening rush hours (7:30-9:00, 17:30-19:30) not only make it difficult to get a taxi, but ride-hailing services may also charge surge pricing
- Airport/train station taxi rides: It's recommended to queue at designated taxi stands or directly use ride-hailing APPs
- Prepare destination address: Write down the destination name in Chinese to make it easier for the driver to confirm, especially if there's a language barrier
- Use coupons: Ride-hailing platforms often distribute coupons that can be collected on the APP homepage or activity pages
- Book in advance for long trips: For cross-city or long-distance trips, it's recommended to book a business car in advance to ensure availability and stable prices
- Understand local special regulations: Some cities have special regulations for taxis and ride-hailing services, such as restricted areas
Conclusion
Taxis and ride-hailing services provide great convenience for tourists traveling in China. As long as you master the correct usage methods and safety knowledge, you can fully enjoy their convenience. Whether traveling through bustling cities or heading to remote attractions, reasonably utilizing these transportation methods can make your journey more comfortable and smooth. We hope this guide helps make your travels in China more relaxed and enjoyable!
