Cabs from PEK
 

Hello: I assume cabs from PEK are equipped to take CC's correct?
I suppose there are ATM's in the airport if I need cash.
Thank you.

No, forget credit cards for cabs or most places other than hotels and nicer restaurants.
There are many ATMs in the main hall after you pass customs.

Thank you. I didn’t know that.

In my experience, taxi drivers in China should be always paid in cash using smaller bills and coins. Coins are used a lot in China, thus a reminder to have a coin purse so that you can carry them easily.

Most taxis have a meter and drivers are pretty good in charging according to the meter. But we had a couple of drivers who liked to make a round figure so they do not have to give back change. No tipping in China.

Lastly, we experienced that in Beijing, close to rush hour in morning and evening, many driver would refuse to take us because they wanted to go in some different direction. We had some frustrating time one evening while in a popular crowded area when no taxi would take us to our destination that was little bit out of the area. But we kept trying and after many rejections, we did find a taxi.

All in all, taxis in China are very affordable and quite good We used them almost daily. The drivers do not understand one word of English. In addition, all the touristy destinations have an English name and a Chinese name. So, if you tell them the English name, they do not understand at all. Thus, always better to show them the name of your destination written in Chinese or if needed a photo from your guide book or maybe phone.

Have fun.

Make sure you have a metered cab -- and that the driver uses the meter.

Thanks for the advice.

I will be sure to get a metered cab.

Practically all of our excursions are private.

I just ordered some CNY from Chase bank for the trip to the hotel from the airport. Do you think drivers at the airport will be able to get us to our hotel if I show them the hotel name and address which is on our vouchers in English? Will there be say people at the airport who procure cabs to translate?

Jacketwatch-It would be very helpful if you can get the hotel name in Chinese. Maybe print out from the hotel's website.
A lot of flights from US arrive late in the night. You will be tired, thus good idea to do what you can to make the hotel trip easy.
Just curious, when will be traveling and what cities are you visiting.
Very excited for you, as China is a truly exciting place to visit and learn so much.
Have a great day planning.

We actually arrive around 3 PM and stay 6 days in Beijing, bullet train to Xian for 4 days then fly to KL to see friends. We leave in about 5 weeks.

I was hoping someone at a cab station in PEK could direct the driver. I will be sure to get the hotel name on paper somehow.

Thank you !

I've never heard anyone in China use the word 'cab' to describe a taxi. Best to have your destination, full address, written down in chinese to show the driver.

Most definitely get the name of the hotel and the address (as there maybe be multiple hotels with similar names) in Chinese characters to show your driver!

I can't imagine what possible difference it makes whether anyone in China uses the term "cab" or not. As already noted on this thread, the drivers aren't likely to speak English.

Jacketwatch, I think you envision some kind of formal taxi dispatcher at the airport. The "dispatcher" will be this guy when you get to the front of the line of arriving passengers. He'll motion you to the next available taxi. He won't have time to negotiate anything about your destination with the driver. As others have mentioned, have your destination name and address written down in Chinese characters to show the driver.

I get Jobin's point about "taxi" vs "cab." Say you're speaking with someone in English and want to know where to find one of these vehicles. Use the word that Chinese English speakers use. That's "taxi."

Jacketwatch--You are getting wonderful advice. We all want you to have a memorable trip.

I am digressing--but thought I will add a few eatables that you might want to try.
There are tons of different Chinese teas,but if you have a chance do try Oolong and Jasmine. They are both exqusite.
Find some time to stop at a tea shop. It will take several minutes to sit down and see how Chinese tea is prepared and you can even taste some free of charge. Although, it is a good idea to purchase a small amount if you like. Tea is packaged in the most beautiful little tins. The tin is priced separately. You will enjoy the experience.

I also very much enjoyed an item called chives/onion pancake (very much like Indian paratha). But amazingly tasty. The menu in restaurants are literally like a fbook as there are many pages. It will take you time to read the whole menu. But the pancake is usually in the back pages. There are always photos to help you.

Well, excited for your upcoming trip. Enjoy the planning.

Thank you for the replies.
Ill be sure to have the name of the hotel in Chinese.
As our excursions are prearranged and private I don’t think we will need a taxicab ;) more than once though as kja mentioned if they don’t speak English anyway it’s seems moot but I will keep it in mind or simply ask the hotel concierge about this.
Trader Joes has frozen scallion cakes as ileen has alluded to and they are quite delicious. The tea experience sounds very cool too.
Larry, :tu:

Please don't avoid venturing out on your own, jacketwatch! Beijing is fascinating, and there is SOOooooo much that you can see without (and perhaps ONLY without) the guiding eyes of a pre-arranged excursion.

Enjoy!

At the Beijing airport, at the start of the taxi line, is an information counter. They speak English there and can help you with the taxi. But it is much simpler if you already have the name and address written down in Chinese (obtained from the hotel website, not some translation software). Once at the hotel, get a business card that you can show taxi drivers for the rest of your stay.

I think you are overthinking this, jacketwatch. Beijing and Xi'an get lots of travelers, and I have managed in the southwest which doesn't (or didn't at the time) with no language skills. I used a guidebook with Chinese characters so I could copy out my destinations in Chinese, and a phrase book, also with characters (I found that pinyin was useless). Get your first hotel on paper in characters, pick up a card at your hotel, and have your hotel write out any other destinations if you don't want to do it yourself.

I agree with kja, do get out on your own! In fact, consider using the Beijing metro instead of cabs, it will almost certainly be faster. You have traveled in India, you can handle China!

Thank you. Thats reassuring. :tu:

I got info that a theater is about 45 mins. from Wangfujing by subway. There is a show there recommended to us we would like to see but perhaps its not as daunting as it seems. In Singapore it was so easy really. People were always there to help you, even to get a ticket and of course english was widely spoken.

Larry :)

I assure you that the Chinese people on the street are ready to help you with simple directions. I really admire the young Chinese who speak English always coming forward and asking, "Can I help you."
Even with simple English or by using their phone translations, they always guided me or gave simple advice.

Crossing the streets is a nightmare, worse than what you ever saw in India. So the tip there is to wait and then walk with the crowd with great caution. Drivers do not stop for the walking public. Thus, safety first, be very alert when crossing streets.

So Jacketwatch, you will be fine. Lots of lovely helpers all over. I also believe venturing out on your own is really fun in a new city/country as that is when you will see amazing things.
I think each day, you should do a little something on your own. You will make extra special memories.
Very imp. tip is to make sure you pick up a hotel card and carry that with you so you can always find your way back after your adventures.

Enjoy the planning for a great adventure.

I usually like to get out and explore a bit on my own and imagine I’ll go out for a walk after we check into our hotel.

I had been given the idea that Chinese are a bit stand offish so it’s nice to hear otherwise.

Yes I’ll be careful especially crossing streets.

Thanks again for the help.

Larry

I found the Chinese super helpful. However, there are some scams you need to watch our for. Avoid people who want you to go drink tea with them.

WRT taxis. Back in 2004 I took a taxi to the Vietnamese embassy to apply for a visa. It took so long that when I went back to collect it I took the metro. And that was 14 years ago....