Arriving in China for the first time can be overwhelming. Signs in Chinese, thousands of people, and no internet. This guide takes you step by step from landing in Beijing to reaching your hotel.
Beijing's two airports
Beijing has two international airports:
Capital International Airport (PEK)
The larger and older one. Most international flights arrive here. It's about 30 km from the city center.
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
The new one, opened in 2019. An architectural marvel. Some international airlines operate here. It's about 45 km from the city center.
First things first: get internet
As soon as you step off the plane, you need internet. Airport WiFi exists but requires registration with a Chinese phone number and is slow.
Best option: your TripSim SIM
If you reserved your SIM or eSIM with TripSim, we deliver it to your hotel. You just need to arrive, check in, and activate it. No waiting, no queues at the airport.
Alternative: buy a SIM at the airport
There are China Mobile and China Unicom counters in the terminal, but queues are long, plans are expensive, and they depend on your passport passing verification.
How to get from the airport to central Beijing
Taxi
The easiest option. From PEK to the center (Sanlitun, Wangfujing) costs about 100-130 RMB. From PKX, about 150-180 RMB. Ask the driver to use the meter.
Important: have your hotel address written in Chinese. Taxi drivers rarely speak English.
DiDi (China's Uber)
DiDi is cheaper than taxis and you can pay with a foreign card in the app. You need internet to use it, so activate your roaming or eSIM first.
Metro (Express Airport Line)
From PEK: there's an Airport Express line connecting to Beijing's metro. Costs 25 RMB and takes about 30 minutes.
From PKX: the Daxing Airport Express connects to the city center. Costs 35 RMB and takes about 20 minutes.
Private transfer
If you book with TripSim, we can arrange a private transfer. A driver waits for you with a sign in the arrivals hall and takes you directly to your hotel.
WiFi at the airport
WiFi is free but requires verification:
- Scan a QR code with WeChat or Alipay
- Or register your phone number (you need a Chinese number)
- It's slow and doesn't allow access to Google, WhatsApp, or Instagram
With your TripSim SIM, you have unlimited 4G/5G internet and all your apps work.
Currency exchange
There are exchange counters at both airports. The rate is reasonable but the commission can be high. Change only what's necessary (500-1000 RMB) for the taxi and essentials. For everything else, use Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Customs and immigration
- Have your passport and visa ready
- Fill out the arrival card (in English or Chinese)
- Customs declaration: if you carry more than 20,000 RMB in cash or goods worth over 5,000 RMB, you must declare
- The process usually takes 30-60 minutes depending on the queue
Tips for your arrival
1. Have your hotel address in Chinese
Save a screenshot with the hotel name and address in Chinese characters.
2. Activate roaming when you land
As soon as the plane touches down, turn on data roaming. That way you'll have internet when you exit.
3. Don't change too much money at the airport
Better exchange rates are available at banks in the city center or using Alipay.
4. Have TripSim ready
Reserve your SIM before traveling. We'll be waiting at your hotel with everything set up.
Summary
- PEK and PKX are Beijing's two airports
- You need internet on arrival: the best option is your TripSim SIM
- Taxi, DiDi, or express metro to reach the city center
- Change the minimum at the airport
- Have your hotel address in Chinese
Arriving in Beijing is easy if you're prepared. We help you with internet and transport.