For foreigners living and traveling in Beijing, taxis are a very important mode of transportation. Beijing taxi drivers are mainly middle-aged men over the age of 40 who do not speak any English. If you cannot speak Chinese, ask your Chinese friends or hotel to write the address of your destination (including street name, district and nearby points of interest) very clearly or learn how to say the name of your destination in Chinese beforehand. You can even call your Chinese contacts while in the cab so they can help the driver.

Spotting a taxi in Beijing is fairly easy. The body of a taxi is divided into three colors with yellow in the middle and blue, yellow, green, white or red on the top and bottom. The yellow middle is important to look for when looking for a cab because it identifies the car as a legitimate cab. Taxis also have a "TAXI," sign on the top of the car. Always ask for a receipt when you get out, if you leave something in the cab it is the only way to identify the cab and get it back.

It is important to note the characteristics of a legitimate Beijing taxi as Beijing still is home to numerous "black cabs." These cars are privately owned and illegal under Chinese laws. "Black cabs," often wait in subway or train stations. If, for example, as you exit the subway, a middle-aged woman comes up to you and offers you a ride for only 10 Yuan, this is a "black cab." Taking a "black cab," is risky and there is no guarantee you will end up at your destination. Drivers may even try to up the price when you arrive at your destination. These cars are not a recommended form of transportation.?

Taxis in Beijing have different charges at different times of day. In the daytime (5:00-23:00) fares start at 10 Yuan for the first 3 km and 2 Yuan/km after that. At night fares start at 11 Yuan for the first 3 km and 2.4 Yuan/km after that. After 3 km, a 2 Yuan fuel surcharge is added on. Rides over 15 km are subject to a 50% extra charge.

Beijing taxi meters increase in increments of 1 Yuan, so the cost of the ride will not increase by more than 1 Yuan at a time.

Beijing Taxi Centre Tel: 96103/010 6873 3399
Beijing Taxi Complaints Tel: 010 68351150

Beijing Jiulong Taxi Company Ltd.
Add: 28 Xizhimen Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing
地址：北京市西城区西直门南大街28号
Tel: 010 6616 7000

Beijing Yinhai Taxi Company Ltd.
Add: 28 Lingnan Road, Haidian District, Beijing
地址：北京市西城区西直门南大街28号
Tel: 010 6847 8003

Xinyue Lianhe Taxi Company Ltd
Add: 368 Wang Si Ying Ma Fang Temple (near Jinsong intersection), Chaoyang District, Beijing
地址：朝阳区王四营乡马房寺368号（近劲松交通队）
Tel: 010 6736 6666

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