How much does it cost to take a taxi from Beijing airport to the city?

A taxi from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) to the city center costs approximately ¥100-200 ($15-30 USD) and takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic. The Airport Express Line is a cheaper option at ¥25-65.

How do I get a SIM card at Beijing airport?

SIM cards are available at Beijing Capital Airport from China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom counters in the arrivals hall. Expect to pay ¥50-200 for a tourist SIM with data packages.

What is the best way to pay in China as a foreigner?

As of 2026, Alipay International and WeChat Pay International support foreign bank cards from major countries. You can also use international credit cards at most hotels and large stores. Cash is accepted at traditional markets. Tax refund is available at over 12,000 stores nationwide.

How long can I stay in China with visa-free transit?

The 144-hour visa-free transit allows up to 6 days (144 hours) in designated areas. The 72-hour option is available at some airports. The policy applies to citizens of 54 countries at 38 designated airports across major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xi'an.

What documents do I need to enter China?

You need a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. For visa-free transit, you may also need to show your immigration card filled out on the aircraft.

China Arrival Guide

Q: Do I need a visa to enter China?

It depends on your nationality. As of 2026, citizens of 54 countries can use China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy at major airports. This includes most European countries, the US, Canada, Australia, and many Asian countries. You must have a confirmed onward ticket and can only stay within the designated area.

🛬 Major Entry Airports主要入境机场

China has many international airports. Here are the main gateway cities:

中国有多个国际机场，以下是主要的入境城市：

🇨🇳 Beijing PEK / PKX

Capital Airport / Daxing - Main northern gateway

首都机场/大兴 - 北方主要入境口

🇨🇳 Shanghai PVG / SHA

Pudong / Hongqiao - Main eastern gateway

浦东/虹桥 - 东方主要入境口

🇨🇳 Guangzhou CAN

Baiyun - Southern main gateway

白云 - 南方主要入境口

🇨🇳 Chengdu TFU / CTU

Tianfu / Shuangliu - Southwest hub

天府/双流 - 西南枢纽

📋 Visa Requirements签证要求

💡 Tip: Check if you qualify for visa-free transit or entry before your trip!

💡 提示： 出发前请确认你是否符合过境免签或免签入境条件！

Visa-Free Transit (72/144 Hours)

过境免签（72/144小时）

Many nationalities can transit through major cities without a visa for 72-144 hours:

许多国家的公民可在主要城市过境免签72-144小时：

✓72-hour: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, etc.72小时：北京、上海、广州、成都等
✓144-hour: Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong (extended regions)144小时： 江苏、浙江、广东省（扩大范围）

⚠️ Important: You must have a confirmed onward ticket and stay within the designated area.

⚠️ 重要： 必须有确认的续程机票，且只能在指定区域内活动。

🚇 Airport to City Transportation机场至市区交通

✈️ Beijing (PEK / PKX)

🚄

Airport Express Line (机场快线)

机场快线

Direct to city center (Dongzhimen/Xidan)

直达市中心（东直门/西单）

¥25-65

¥25-65
🚕

Taxi / Didi

出租车/滴滴

About 45-90 min depending on traffic

约45-90分钟，取决于路况

¥100-200

¥100-200

✈️ Shanghai (PVG)

🚄

Maglev + Metro

磁悬浮+地铁

Maglev to Longyang Rd, then metro

磁悬浮到龙阳路，再换地铁

¥50-60 (Maglev ¥50)

¥50-60 (磁悬浮¥50)
🚌

Airport Bus (机场大巴)

机场大巴

Multiple lines to city areas

多条线路通往市区

¥15-30

¥15-30

✅ Essential First Steps入境后首要步骤

📱
Get a SIM Card: Available at airport (China Mobile/China Unicom) 购买手机卡： 机场有售（中国移动/中国联通）
💰
Exchange Currency: Official exchange counters in arrivals hall. Better rates than city shops. 兑换货币： 到达大厅有官方兑换点，汇率比市区店铺好。
🚇
Download Apps: WeChat, Alipay, DiDi (taxi), Metro maps - before you go! 下载APP： 微信、支付宝、滴滴（打车）、各地铁APP - 出发前下载好！
📶
Internet: You'll need a local SIM or eSIM for full internet access in China. 上网： 在中国需要本地SIM卡或eSIM才能完全访问互联网。
🔌
Power Adapter: China uses Type I plugs (two slanted prongs). Bring a universal adapter. 电源适配器： 中国使用I型插座（两个斜扁脚），请携带万能适配器。

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your hotel address written in Chinese characters to show taxi drivers. Most drivers don't speak English.

💡 专业提示： 把酒店地址用中文写下来给司机看。大部分司机不会说英语。

❓ Frequently Asked Questions常见问题解答

📋 Do I need a visa to enter China?入境中国需要签证吗？

Answer: As of 2026, citizens of 54 countries can use China's visa-free transit policy. The 144-hour visa-free allows you to stay in designated areas for up to 6 days. Check the latest policy at China National Immigration Administration. Source: 2026 China's visa facilitation policies.

💰 How much is a taxi from Beijing airport to city center?北京机场到市中心打车多少钱？

Answer: Approximately ¥100-200 (~$15-30 USD). The journey takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic. A cheaper alternative is the Airport Express Line at ¥25-65. Source: Beijing Capital Airport official website.

📱 Where can I buy a SIM card at Beijing airport?北京机场哪里买手机卡？

Answer: SIM cards are available at counters from China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom in the arrivals hall. Prices range from ¥50-200 for tourist packages. Source: Major airport service providers.

💳 What's the best payment method for foreigners in China?外国人在中国用什么支付方式最好？

Answer: Alipay International and WeChat Pay International now support foreign bank cards from 40+ countries. International credit cards work at most hotels and large stores. Over 12,000 stores nationwide offer tax refund service. Source: 2026 China Tourism Research Institute report.

🎫 How long can I stay with visa-free transit?免签过境可以停留多久？

Answer: 144 hours (6 days) for most countries at designated airports including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xi'an. You must have a confirmed onward ticket and stay within the designated area. Source: China Immigration policy 2026.

✈️ What airports allow visa-free transit?哪些机场可以免签过境？

Answer: 38 international airports including Beijing Capital (PEK), Beijing Daxing (PKX), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Chengdu Tianfu (TFU), and Xi'an Xianyang (XIY). Source: National Immigration Administration 2026.