Survive Your First Chinese Taxi Ride: A Complete Guide for Foreigners

If you think taking a taxi in China is just about telling the driver your destination, think again.

For first-time visitors, the combination of a fast-paced city, language barriers, and cultural differences can make a simple ride feel like a high-stakes mission. The good news? With the right phrases and a little know-how, you can turn a potential headache into a smooth, even enjoyable experience.

1. Know Your Options: App vs. Street Hail

In big cities like Beijing or Shanghai, many locals use ride-hailing apps like Didi. But you can still hail a taxi on the street—just avoid rush hours if you can.

Pro tip: Have your destination written in Chinese characters. Most drivers don’t read English well.

Phrase to use:

请带我去这里。 (Qǐng dài wǒ qù zhè lǐ.) – Please take me here.

2. The Best Way to Tell Your Destination

Don’t try to pronounce the name if you’re unsure—it may cause confusion. Instead:

● Show the address in Chinese on your phone

● Or point to a location on a map app

Phrase to use:

可以到这个地址吗？ (Kě yǐ dào zhè ge dì zhǐ ma?) – Can you go to this address?

3. Money and Payment

Cash is still accepted, but most locals pay with WeChat Pay or Alipay. If you use cash, pay the exact amount if possible.

Pro tip: Keep small bills (10RMB, 20RMB, 50RMB) for short rides.

Phrase to use:

可以用现金吗？ (Kě yǐ yòng xiàn jīn ma?) – Can I use cash?

4.  Avoiding Common Issues

Here’s where most foreigners run into trouble:

● No meter: Politely ask the driver to turn it on before you start moving.

麻烦打表。(Má fan dǎ biǎo.) – Please turn on the meter.

● Longer route: Keep a navigation app open. If the driver sees you’re following along, they’re less likely to take detours.

● Smooth transition: If everything goes well, you’ll soon see your destination coming into view. 
5. Getting Out and Thanking the Driver

When you arrive, check you have all your belongings before paying.

Phrase to use:

谢谢师傅！(Xiè xie shī fu!) – Thank you, driver!

Final Takeaway:

In China, small gestures—like using a polite phrase in Chinese—go a long way. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, most drivers will appreciate the effort and respond warmly.

Ready to Take a Taxi in China with Confidence?

Taking a taxi in China isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about navigating a new culture smoothly and politely. With the right phrases and simple tips, you’ll turn every ride into an opportunity to practice Chinese and connect with locals.

At eChineseLearning, our native teachers don’t just teach vocabulary—they help you build real communication skills to handle everyday situations like a local.

Start your free 1-on-1 trial lesson today and ride taxis in China like a pro!

Quiz: Which phrase would you use to politely ask a taxi driver to start the meter?
A. 你快点吧。 (Nǐ kuài diǎn ba.)
B. 麻烦打表。 (Má fan dǎ biǎo.)
C. 请开车。 (Qǐng kāi chē.)