AIRPORT EXIT

China airport exit guides

Chinese airports (PEK, PVG, CAN, PKX) are massive and well-run. DiDi is the default ride-hailing — but requires a Chinese phone number or WeChat/Alipay for booking. Metro links from every major airport are fast and cheap.

Common exit risks
  • • 'Black taxi' (unmarked) touts at PEK T3 and PVG T2 arrivals
  • • Drivers claiming the meter is broken on airport runs
  • • Inflated 'expressway toll' add-ons
Cash & card advice
  • • Official taxi ranks with meter. Cash in RMB or Alipay/WeChat Pay. Show your destination in Chinese characters.
Ride-hailing status
  • • DiDi dominates. No Uber, no Grab. English mode in the DiDi app exists but foreigner setup is friction-heavy — many arrivals use the metered taxi rank instead.
AIRPORTS IN CHINA

FAQ

Does Uber work at airports in China?
DiDi dominates. No Uber, no Grab. English mode in the DiDi app exists but foreigner setup is friction-heavy — many arrivals use the metered taxi rank instead.
Should I pay an airport taxi in cash or card in China?
Official taxi ranks with meter. Cash in RMB or Alipay/WeChat Pay. Show your destination in Chinese characters.
What currency do I need for a taxi in China?
China uses the CNY (¥). Alipay/WeChat Pay dominant; cash still works, cards rarely. Avoid changing money at airport kiosks — the rate is usually 5–15% worse than a bank ATM inside the terminal.
Do I tip taxi drivers in China?
Not expected — can offend. Drivers do not rely on tips the way US drivers do, and inflated "tips" are sometimes used to justify an overcharge — pay the metered fare first, then decide.
What airport scams are common in China?
The three most reported on arrival: 'Black taxi' (unmarked) touts at PEK T3 and PVG T2 arrivals; Drivers claiming the meter is broken on airport runs; Inflated 'expressway toll' add-ons. See the individual airport guides for terminal-specific details.
Which airports in China have exit guides?
We cover 8 airports in China — including PEK, TFU, CKG, CAN, HGH. Each guide has the official taxi rank location, fair fare, ride-hailing status and the scams to watch for on arrival.