Fair prices in China — what things really cost
What a taxi, a meal, or an activity should actually cost in China, by destination. Verified reference prices so you know the moment a quote is unfair.
In Pekín
Full Pekín guide ›Tren Airport Express
El Airport Express es un enlace rápido y barato hacia la red de metro. Paga con un código QR de viaje en una app local o una tarjeta de transporte, y evita a los conductores que ofrecen viajes en la sala de llegadas.
$3–$5
Taxi oficial del aeropuerto
Usa solo la fila de taxis señalizada fuera de la terminal e insiste en el taxímetro. Ignora a cualquiera que se te acerque dentro con una oferta de 'taxi', que casi siempre está sobreprecio.
$12–$25
Viaje sencillo en metro
El metro de Pekín es barato, limpio y extenso, con precio según la distancia. Una tarjeta de transporte o un código QR en una app local es la forma más fácil de pagar y evitar colas de boletos.
$0.4–$1.4
Viaje en coche por app
Los coches por app dan un precio fijo por adelantado y evitan problemas de idioma, ya que fijas el destino en la app. Mucho más barato que ser sobrecobrado por un coche no oficial.
$2–$6
Jianbing o baozi callejero
Las tortitas de desayuno y los bollos al vapor de puestos locales concurridos son de excelente valor. El pago móvil es lo estándar, así que tener una app de pago funcionando ayuda.
$1–$3
Comida en restaurante de gama media
Come donde comen los locales, lejos de los grandes lugares turísticos, para mejores precios y comida. Los menús con fotos ayudan, y las porciones suelen ser lo bastante generosas para compartir.
$6–$18
Agua embotellada
Compra en tiendas de conveniencia en lugar de en los sitios turísticos. El agua del grifo no es para beber, así que lleva agua embotellada sellada, especialmente en verano.
$0.3–$1
In Shanghai
Full Shanghai guide ›Pudong maglev to the city
The 430km/h maglev from Pudong airport to Longyang Road metro station is a ¥50 thrill in itself (¥40 if you show a same-day boarding pass), then a cheap metro ride onward. It is the fastest link but does not reach downtown directly; the plain Metro Line 2 is far cheaper if you are not in a hurry.
$6–$8
Local noodle or rice meal
A hot bowl of noodles or a rice plate at a neighbourhood spot is one of Shanghai's great cheap eats. Eat where the locals queue, away from the Bund and Nanjing Road, and you will pay a fraction of tourist-strip prices for better, fresher food.
$2–$4
Cafe coffee
Shanghai has a huge coffee scene: homegrown chains sell an espresso drink very cheaply, while an independent specialty cafe in the French Concession costs more. Either way it is good value; skip the hotel and Bund-view cafes, which charge a premium for the location.
$3–$6
Metro ride
The metro is the cheapest and easiest way to cross Shanghai, with most rides costing just a few yuan by distance. Use the Metro Big City app or link a foreign card to Alipay for a scannable QR ticket, or buy a single-ride ticket from the machines.
~$1
Bottle of water
A bottle of water from a convenience store or supermarket costs only a yuan or two; the same bottle from a vendor right beside a big sight can cost several times more. Tap water is not drinkable, so buy sealed bottles and carry one in the heat.
~$1
Mid-range dinner
A sit-down dinner at a normal mid-range restaurant is reasonable and one of the pleasures of the city. Prices climb steeply at rooftop and Bund-view restaurants, which charge as much for the skyline as the food; step into the side streets for far better value.
$13–$28
DiDi or taxi ride
Licensed taxis start around ¥16 and are metered; the DiDi app (China's Uber) is usually similar or cheaper and removes any language or fare argument. Insist on the meter in a street taxi, and always use an app-booked or official rank car rather than a driver who approaches you.
$4–$10
Reference prices in USD, from local sources and travelers. Actual prices vary by season, spot and bargaining.
Watch out for scams tooKnowing the fair price is half the battle — here is how travelers get overcharged in China, and how to avoid it.See scams in China ›