Are taxi drivers generally honest in Beijing?

Question

I ask because I was reading about taxis from Capital airport to the centre of Beijing, and I read some posts saying that some drivers will cheat foreigners and you're safer using Didi as the price is fixed upfront.

Answer

Beijing taxis are generally regulated and most drivers are honest, but like in many large cities around the world, some foreigners have reported issues such as drivers taking longer routes, refusing to use the meter, or quoting inflated prices. These incidents are relatively rare but can happen, especially if you do not speak Chinese.

Here are some practical tips to reduce the risk of being overcharged or encountering dishonest drivers:

Always use official taxis with a visible taxi sign and license number. At the airport, taxis queue in a designated area and the driver should use the meter.
Confirm the meter is running before starting the journey. If the driver refuses, consider choosing another taxi.
Have your destination written in Chinese, as language barriers can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

Alternative options to traditional taxis include app-based ride services like Didi:

Didi allows you to book rides in advance with the fare shown upfront, which reduces the risk of being overcharged.
It also provides a digital record of your trip and driver information, adding extra security.
You can often select English language support in the app, making it easier for non-Chinese speakers to navigate.

In summary, most Beijing taxi drivers are honest, but using Didi or taking official airport taxis is generally safer and more convenient for foreigners, especially for airport transfers or trips where you do not speak Chinese.