Enter your trip distance and you’ll see the fair price range for a licensed taxi — so you know when a driver is overcharging. Works for any Chinese city.
The Black Taxi Problem
- Licensed taxis: Meter runs automatically, price regulated by city government
- Black taxis (黑车): No meter. Driver sets the price. Can charge 5-10x the fair price.
- When black taxis prey: Late night, airports, tourist areas, train stations
- How to avoid: Use Didi app (like Uber), take official taxis with meters, or calculate first with this tool
- If you must negotiate: Know the fair price first. Never accept first offer.
Calculate Fair Taxi Price
Enter either distance or duration, and we'll calculate the fair price range for a licensed taxi.
Quick examples:
How to Not Get Scammed
Do This
- Use Didi app: Like Uber. Price locked before you get in.
- Take official taxis: Yellow taxis in Beijing, red in Shanghai. Check for meter.
- Ask for meter: "请打表" (qǐng dǎ biǎo) = "Please use the meter"
- Check taxi ID: Real taxis display license + driver info on dashboard
- Know this calculator price: Have it ready on your phone
Never Do This
- Never negotiate upfront: Black taxi drivers negotiate DOWN from inflated offers
- Never accept first offer: It's 5-10x the real price
- Never get in unlicensed cars: No meter = no protection
- Never leave your belongings: Make sure doors lock from inside
- Never show large cash: Drivers may take a longer route if they see money
Real Pricing Examples
Airport to Hotel (10 km)
Fair Price
30-40 RMB
Scam Price
150-200 RMB
Across City Center (5 km)
18-25 RMB
80-120 RMB
Train Station to Downtown (3 km)
13-18 RMB
60-100 RMB
Hotel to Restaurant (7 km)
24-32 RMB
100-150 RMB
Tourist District Ride (2 km)
13-16 RMB
50-80 RMB
If You Already Got Scammed
- Don't panic: It happens. Learn from it.
- Get the taxi number: Write down license plate (look for yellow plate)
- Report to police: Call 110 or contact tourism bureau
- Next time: Use Didi, official taxis, or this calculator to negotiate
- Tell your hotel: They can help you report and may refund the difference
Pro Tip
Screenshot this page before you travel. Know your fair price BEFORE you get in a taxi. Most black taxi drivers will reduce their asking price once they realize you know the real cost. Being informed is your best defense against taxi scams.