🚕 Taxi Fare Estimator

🚕 The Complete Guide to Taking Taxis in Guangzhou (2025)

While Guangzhou's metro system is excellent, taxis remain the most convenient way for Canton Fair buyers to navigate between hotels and the Pazhou Complex. However, for first-time visitors, the language barrier and potential scams can be daunting. Here is everything you need to know.

1. Official Taxis vs. "Black Taxis"

Legitimate taxis in Guangzhou are easily recognizable by their colors: Yellow, Blue, Green, or Red (Maroon). They all have a lit sign on the roof and a meter on the dashboard.

2. "By Meter" is the Law

Never agree to a fixed price (e.g., "100 RMB to city center"). By law, all drivers must use the meter ("Da Biao"). If a driver refuses to use the meter, get out and find another one. The base fare usually starts around 12 RMB.

3. Payment Methods

Very few drivers accept cash these days, and almost none accept Visa/Mastercard directly. You should have Alipay or WeChat Pay set up on your phone.

Tip: If you must pay cash, carry small bills (10, 20 RMB). Drivers often claim they don't have change for 100 RMB bills.

4. Taxi vs. DiDi (Ride-Hailing App)

DiDi Chuxing is China's version of Uber. It is often better than regular taxis because:

• The price is fixed upfront (no scams).
• The destination is entered in the app (no language barrier).
• There is an English version of the app available (DiDi-Greater China).

Use our calculator above to estimate the official taxi price. If a DiDi quote is similar, we recommend taking the DiDi for a smoother experience.