Airport Survival Guide

How to navigate Chinese airports without getting scammed

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Beijing Capital (PEK)

PEK

Airport Express Train

¥25 one-way, 25 min to Dongzhimen. Connects to Subway Line 2 & 13. Runs 6:00-22:30.

DiDi / Taxi Pick-up

Go to B2 (Basement 2) parking level. Follow signs for "Ride-Hailing" (网约车). Do NOT accept rides from people approaching you on the arrival floor.

Metro

Airport Express connects to the subway network at Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao.

⚠️ Beware

Ignore anyone saying "Taxi? Taxi?" inside the terminal. They are illegal touts. Go directly to B2 or the official taxi queue.

Pro Tip: Download DiDi and AMap BEFORE your flight lands. Set up both apps with your international phone number at home. Airport Wi-Fi often requires a Chinese phone number — you may be offline on arrival.

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Shanghai Pudong (PVG)

PVG

Maglev Train

¥50 one-way, 8 minutes to Longyang Road. From there transfer to Metro Line 2 / 7. World's fastest commercial train at 430 km/h. Worth trying once.

Metro Line 2

¥7-9 to city center, ~70 minutes. Runs 6:00-22:00. Cheapest option but slow. Direct connection to People's Square and Nanjing Road.

DiDi / Taxi Pick-up

¥150-200 to central Shanghai (40-60 min). Pick-up zones are clearly marked on the arrival level. Use DiDi app — English interface available.

⚠️ Beware

Touts will approach you offering "cheap ride to city." The official taxi queue is clearly marked — use it. DiDi is safer and shows you the price upfront.

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Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN)

CAN

Metro Line 3

¥8 to city center (Tiyu Xilu / Zhujiang New Town), ~45 minutes. Direct connection from airport. Runs 6:00-23:00. Easiest and cheapest option.

Airport Express Bus

¥20-30 to major city stops. Multiple routes. Takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.

DiDi / Taxi Pick-up

¥120-180 to city center (40-60 min). Pick-up at designated zones on the arrival floor.

SIM Card Tip

SIM card desks are on the Departure level (3F). Buy before leaving the airport — much harder to find English-speaking service in the city.

General Airport Tips

⚠️ The Currency Exchange Trap

Airport currency exchange counters offer rates 15-20% worse than market rate. Instead, use any Chinese ATM (Bank of China, ICBC, China Construction Bank) to withdraw RMB directly. Your bank's exchange rate will be much better. Most ATMs accept Visa/Mastercard.

⚠️ Illegal Taxis / Touts

If someone approaches you saying "Taxi? Taxi?" — say "No" and keep walking. These are unlicensed drivers who will overcharge 2-4x the normal rate. Use DiDi (China's Uber) or queue at the official taxi stand. Official taxis have a meter and a driver ID displayed on the dashboard.

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