Detailed Explanation of Taxi Fare Calculation and Payment Methods in China

1. Method of Taxi Fare Calculation

The pricing method for taxis in China follows a unified government standard, but the costs may vary slightly between different cities. Below are general rules and references for typical cities:

1. Base Fare
2. Basic Fee: The base fare is charged as soon as the taxi starts, usually covering the first 3 kilometers (or 2-3 kilometers in some cities).

3. City References:

   • Beijing: 13 RMB (for the first 3 km)
   • Shanghai: 14 RMB (for the first 3 km)
   • Guangzhou: 12 RMB (for the first 2.5 km)

4. Mileage Fee

5. After exceeding the base mileage, charges are made per kilometer. Some cities use tiered pricing (e.g., at night or for long distances).

6. City References:

   • Beijing: 2.3 RMB/km (daytime), 2.7 RMB/km (23:00-5:00)
   • Shanghai: 2.5 RMB/km (daytime), 3.1 RMB/km (23:00-5:00)
   • Chengdu: 1.9 RMB/km (daytime), 2.2 RMB/km (23:00-6:00)

7. Low-Speed Waiting Fee

8. When the vehicle speed drops below 12 km/h, charges are calculated by time (e.g., Beijing: 0.8 RMB/minute).

9. Long-Distance Surcharge

10. Some cities add a 50% return trip surcharge for trips exceeding 15 km.

11. Other Fees

12. Night Surcharge: Most cities add a 20%-30% service fee from 23:00-5:00.
13. Highway/Toll Fees: If the journey involves highways or bridges, these fees must be paid separately by the passenger.

2. Payment Methods

1. Cash Payment
2. Applicability: All taxis accept cash (RMB).

3. Suggestions:

   • Prepare small bills (such as 10 RMB, 20 RMB) to avoid difficulties with change.
   • Remote areas or older vehicles may only support cash.

4. Mobile Payment

5. Main Methods: WeChat Pay and Alipay.
6. Steps:
   1. Scan the QR code inside the car → Enter the amount → Confirm payment.
   2. Drivers can also show their own collection codes for passengers to scan.

7. Notes for International Tourists:

   • Need to bind international credit cards (Visa/MasterCard) or recharge through apps like "TourPass".
   • Some cities support foreign e-wallets (such as Hong Kong's AlipayHK).

8. Payment via Ride-Hailing Platforms

9. If booking through DiDi Chuxing or similar apps, the fee is automatically deducted from the linked payment method.

3. Practical Suggestions

1. Fare Estimation Tools

2. Use Amap or Baidu Maps to input the destination, choose the "taxi" option for real-time fare estimation.

3. Avoiding Pitfalls

4. Check the Meter: Ensure the meter resets to zero when boarding to prevent manual adjustments by the driver.

5. Request Receipts: Receipts include license plate numbers, travel times, and amounts, which are useful for complaints or lost item retrieval.

6. Alternative Options

7. Ride-Hailing Services: DiDi Chuxing offers transparent pricing, supports English interfaces, and is suitable for long-distance or intercity travel.
8. Public Transport: Subway and buses cost less (usually 2-10 RMB), but require prior route planning.

4. Reference Table for Common City Fares