Fair prices in Китай — what things really cost
What a taxi, a meal, or an activity should actually cost in Китай, by destination. Verified reference prices so you know the moment a quote is unfair.
In Beijing
Full Beijing guide ›Airport Express train
The Airport Express is a fast, cheap link into the subway network. Pay with a travel QR code in a local app or a transport card and avoid drivers offering rides at the arrivals hall.
$3–$5
Official airport taxi
Use only the marked taxi queue outside the terminal and insist on the meter. Ignore anyone approaching you inside with a 'taxi' offer, which is almost always overpriced.
$12–$25
Single subway ride
The Beijing Subway is cheap, clean and extensive, priced by distance. A transport card or a QR code in a local app is the easiest way to pay and skip ticket queues.
$0.4–$1.4
Ride-hailing car trip
App-based cars give a fixed upfront price and avoid language issues, since you set the destination in the app. Much cheaper than being overcharged by an unofficial car.
$2–$6
Street jianbing or baozi
Breakfast pancakes and steamed buns from busy local stalls are excellent value. Mobile payment is standard, so having a working payment app helps.
$1–$3
Mid-range restaurant meal
Eat where locals do, away from the big sights, for better prices and food. Picture menus help, and portions are often generous enough to share.
$6–$18
Bottled water
Buy from convenience stores rather than at tourist sites. Tap water is not for drinking, so carry sealed bottled water, especially in summer.
$0.3–$1
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 Китай, and how to avoid it.See scams in Китай ›