Taxis in Beijing are readily available. Licensed taxis have signs on their roofs and a laminated card on the dashboard with the driver`s photograph, service number and name. The plate number always with 京B. When cabs are for hire, a red illuminated medallion will be visible in the Front window. Don`t accept a ride in a car that lacks any of these identifying signs.
The taxi fare will be RMB 10 for the first 3km, and the RMB 2 for each subsequent kilometer. Note that taxi fares rise slightly after 11pm.
The vast majority of drivers are honest and friendly. However, few of them speak English and won`t understand directions in English. It`s advisiable to get addresses written for you in Chinese. Some hotels print usefull cards that list the names and addresses f popular destinations, and the hotel, in English and Chinese.
Beijingers seldom call for cabs since there are so many on the streets at all hours, but you can order a taxi from the following companies:
Beijing Taxi Hire 北京出租汽车调度中心
010 – 6837 3399
Beijing Yinjian Taxi Company北京银建出租汽车公司
010 96103
Capital Taxi Company
首都汽车股份有限公司
010 – 6530 2988
Taxi Complaint Hotline
010 – 6835 1150
