If you do not speak Mandarin you must print the address of your destination in Chinese characters. Do not assume that they will understand your broken Mandarin directions. The majority of cab drivers speak no English and Beijing is a big city so describing your destination can often be a challenge.

Some cab drivers attempt to bargain, especially late at night. If they do not turn on the meter get another cab. Be aware that 2 to 3 yuan will be added to the final meter amount for gas expenses.

Taxis are the most expensive way to get around in Beijing, so the subway is a great alternative for travelers on a tighter budget. The bus system, although inexpensive, is extremely complicated for non-mandarin speakers.

如果你不會說漢語的話，一定要用中文打印出你想去的地方。不要抱著僥幸的心理，認為他們會聽懂你撇腳的漢語。大部分出租車司機都不會說英語，而北京城很大，所以用中文描述你要去的地方會是個很大的挑戰。

有些出租車司機會跟你講價，特別是在深夜的時候。如果他們不打開計價器，那就再換個出租車。一定記得最后給錢時，要在計價器顯示的數額上額外再加兩到三元的燃油附加費。

在北京，出租車是最昂貴的出行方式。對于那些經濟緊張的旅游者來說，地鐵會是一個很不錯的選擇。當然，公交系統也很便宜，但是對于不懂漢語的外國人來說，看懂車牌是非常困難的。