Survival & Taxi Cards

Tap-to-show Chinese cards for the 20 situations that don’t fit a translation app — ‘please take me to this address’, ‘the meter is wrong’, ‘I’m allergic to peanuts’.

Traditional Printed Cards

If you prefer physical cards (backup option):

Why These Cards Save Your Life

Most taxi drivers in China:

• Don't speak English at all
• Are confused by English addresses
• Can't use Google Maps (blocked in China)
• Might not understand your pronunciation of the hotel name

Solution: Hand them a card with your destination in Chinese, and they'll immediately understand. Problem solved in 2 seconds.

How to Use Printed Cards (Backup)

1. Print 2-3 copies at home (before leaving)
2. Keep them in your wallet or pocket (they're small)
3. When you need help, show the appropriate card
4. The person sees Chinese characters and immediately understands
5. Point and smile. Crisis averted.

Pro Tips for Using Survival Cards

Make It Work Better

• Keep your phone charged — this is your lifeline
• Brightness to max — make text easy to read in sunlight
• Show respect — people respond better when you're polite
• Act fast — in emergencies, don't hesitate
• Use for any situation — not just taxis, but restaurants, shops, hospitals

Real Emergency Examples

Scenario: Allergic Reaction

1. Click the "我有过敏症" card above
2. Show full-screen to taxi driver
3. Driver takes you directly to hospital (they understand immediately)
4. Show the same card to hospital staff — they know it's urgent

When to Use Which Card

• Police situation? "请叫警察" (Call police)
• Medical emergency? "请叫救护车" (Call ambulance)
• Allergies? Show "我有过敏症" (I have allergies)
• Lost/Need transport? "请带我去最近的地铁站" (Take me to metro)
• Need translation? "我需要英语翻译" (Need English translation)

Your Survival Cards Are Ready

Keep this page bookmarked. When you need help, tap a card and show it. Simple, effective, lifesaving.

Complete Guide to Taking Taxis in China

Survival cards are especially useful with taxi drivers. Here's everything you need to know about taxi rides in China:

Didi vs Street Taxis

Didi (Recommended)

• Price is fixed before you ride — no surprises
• GPS navigation — driver can't take you on a detour
• Pay via Alipay — no cash needed
• Driver sees your destination in Chinese — no communication needed
• You can see the license plate and driver photo
• Requires internet connection and the Didi app

Street Taxi

• Available immediately — no app needed
• Works when your phone is dead or no signal
• Must communicate destination in Chinese
• Always insist on the meter (打表 dǎ biǎo)
• Some drivers refuse short trips or certain destinations
• Scams possible (especially at airports/train stations)

How to Hail a Street Taxi

1. Look for the light

A lit-up sign on the roof (usually green or red characters "空车") means the taxi is available. Dark sign = occupied.

2. Wave at the curb

Stand on the roadside and raise your hand. Don't stand at bus stops, intersections, or bridge ramps — taxis can't stop there.

3. Show your destination

Before getting in, show the driver your destination in Chinese characters (use a survival card, hotel business card, or screenshot from Baidu Maps). If they nod, get in. If they wave you off, they're heading a different direction — try the next one.

4. Insist on the meter

Say "打表" (dǎ biǎo) — "use the meter." If the driver quotes a flat price instead of using the meter, refuse and get another taxi. Flat prices are almost always 2-3x the metered fare.

5. Pay and get a receipt

Most taxis accept Alipay/WeChat Pay (scan the QR code on the dashboard). Ask for a receipt (发票 fāpiào) — it has the taxi number in case you leave something behind.

Taxi Pricing in Major Cities (2026)

* Night surcharge (23:00-05:00) adds 20-30% in most cities

Taxi Scams to Watch For

The "meter is broken" trick

How: Driver says the meter doesn't work and quotes a flat price (always 2-3x normal).

Defense: Get out and take the next taxi. Every licensed taxi has a working meter.

The long route

How: Driver takes a longer route to run up the meter, especially from airports.

Defense: Open Baidu Maps or Amap and follow the route on your phone. Drivers know you're watching.

The bill switch

How: You hand a ¥100 bill, driver switches it for a ¥10 and claims you short-changed them.

Defense: Use Alipay/WeChat Pay whenever possible. If paying cash, state the denomination clearly.

Unlicensed "black taxis"

How: People at airports/stations approach you offering rides. No meter, inflated prices, sometimes unsafe.

Defense: Only take taxis from the official queue or use Didi. Never follow someone who approaches you.

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