Beijing has the best, most accessible transport network in China. All levels of public transportation are readily available in the city, but driving in Beijing requires great skill, especially at road intersections, because of bicycle and pedestrian traffic. There are more than 10 million bicycles operating on Beijing roads. Care should also be taken with taxis. It's best to use regular taxis with meters, and be sure to check to the front and to the rear of the taxi before opening a door and getting out of it.

By Air

Beijing Capital International Airport is the largest of China's airports and is about 25 kilometres (km) or 16 miles northeast of the city centre. More than 1,000 flights arrived and departed daily in 2004.

A departure tax is levied for international (90 yuan) and domestic flights (50 yuan).

Tips for Capital International Airport

(1)   Changing money is easy at the Bank of China counter near the Arrival Hall Exit upon arrival. Use automatic money-changing machines in the baggage collection hall for quick and convenient foreign exchange; they accept most foreign notes.. The rate of exchange is the same everywhere so there's no risk of being "ripped off."

(2)   Never accept a ride into the city from a tout: it will be troublesome and expensive. Always take a taxi from the rank for a trouble-free transfer to your hotel or office.

(3)   Visit the Tourist Information Kiosk on the main arrivals floor – you can pick up the latest copy of Business Beijing, Beijing This Month or a BTM Map of Beijing there – and get a wide range of helpful information from the English-speaking staff.

(4)   At departures, young men in bright yellow-and-pink vests may follow you. These are not touts but airport valets who provide good value for money. For 10 yuan, the valet will load your bags onto a trolley, guide you first to the departure tax window, then through customs and finally accompany you and your luggage to the correct check-in counter, where he will leave you ready to check-in. For business travellers, this is possibly the best shi kuai (10 yuan) value in Beijing!

Customer Complaints: +86 10 6457 1666

Air China Inquiries: +86 10 6459 9567

Lost and Found: +86 10 6456 4119, 6459 8333

Medical Service: +86 10 6459 1919

WWW: http://www.bcia.com.cn

Airport Shuttle (16 yuan)