A few practical habits will help you avoid overpriced rides, unclear market weight prices, and tourist traps around major transit hubs and scenic streets.

Choose your own ride at airports and rail stations

Yellow taxis, passenger queue barriers and bay 04 at Jiangbei Airport Terminal 3
Photo by メイド理世

When arriving at Jiangbei Airport (重庆江北国际机场) or railway stations like Chongqing North (重庆北站), ignore individuals offering rides inside the arrival hall. Walk straight to the official metered taxi ranks or marked ride-hailing pickup bays.

To decline touts, a polite “no, thank you” (不要，谢谢) is enough as you follow the overhead signs. Metered taxis must use the meter; always ask for the printed receipt before stepping out. If using DiDi or another booking app, match the license plate shown on your screen before getting in. Our DiDi and ride-hailing guide covers setup and pickup details.

Navigate station and terminal pickup bays

Chongqing railway stations and airport terminals use dedicated, numbered pickup zones for ride-hailing cars separate from street taxi lanes. Chongqing North Railway Station has distinct North and South squares, so confirm which square your app selects before walking out.

Check directional overhead signs to reach your exact waiting bay before requesting your car. If you prefer fixed transit lines, our airport-to-city guide details direct metro options.

Verify price units on bulk food and traditional herbs

When buying snacks, tea, or dried herbal products at historic tourist spots like Ciqikou, check the posted pricing unit carefully. Posted prices may apply per 500 grams (斤), per 100 grams, or per item.

Confirm the total weight and final price before agreeing to buy. Never let a vendor grind, crush, or slice bulk goods before you confirm the final total price. Once an item is ground, sellers may demand payment for the full altered quantity, making disputes harder to resolve.

Check package details on crafts and souvenirs

In tourist shopping areas, inspect build quality, seams, and brand packaging before paying. For branded designer toys or specialty electronics, buy from authorized shops or official shopping mall counters rather than unmarked stalls. Keep digital payment records and receipts for every purchase.

Choose established booking channels

Book tours through the attraction or an established travel platform, and keep your payment records in your own account.

Important hotlines and resolving disputes

Keep transaction records, ride routes, and digital receipts on your phone. If a dispute arises, use the official local hotlines:

  • 12328: Transport complaints, taxi fare disputes, and unlicensed driver reports
  • 12315 or 12345: Consumer rights, retail pricing disputes, and market complaints
  • 110: Police emergency assistance
  • 120: Medical ambulance emergency
  • 119: Fire and rescue service

Show your hotel's Chinese address or your current GPS map pin if you need local staff or emergency services to locate you.

Sources & updates