Taxis from Beijing Capital International Airport are metered and should be about US$12 to most hotels but fees vary. Tips are not expected. The 17 miles (28km) should take about 40 minutes to drive. Avoid taxi drivers that approach customers and instead wait in the taxi line and insist on using the meter.

The parking garage is located close to Terminal 3, and is connected to the terminal building by means of an underground walkway. There is also an airport subway, linking the parking garage to the terminals. Parking is free for the first 30 minutes; and thereafter, RMB 6 for the first hour, and RMB 5 for every subsequent 30 minutes. The maximum daily charge is RMB 80 for the first two days, and RMB 50 per day from the third day onwards.

Car rental is available at the airport.

Beijing's transport system was revamped for the 2008 Olympic Games. Shuttle buses run regularly to the city centre (about 45 minutes), Beijing Railway Station and major hotels. Metered taxis are also available, but it is recommended that passengers have their destination written in Chinese to avoid confusion. Travelling time to the city is about an hour.

Tel: +86 (0)10 6454 1100

¥90 (international flights), ¥50 (domestic).

There are several bureaux de change, a bank and ATMs, as well as telephones, tourist information, numerous shops and duty free, and a business centre with internet access. A food corridor provides a range of eating and drinking options, while an entertainment centre offers everything from films to Chinese massage. Facilities for the disabled are good, but passengers should contact their airlines in advance for more information. Smoking is banned throughout the airport.

The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but there are hundreds of local dialects.

The currency used in China is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY). The Yuan is divided into 10 chiao/jiao or 100 fen. Make sure you exchange your leftover Yuan before returning home because this currency can be exchanged only within China's borders. Travellers cheques, preferably in US Dollars, and foreign cash can be exchanged in cities at the Bank of China. Banks are closed weekends. The larger hotels and the special 'Friendship Stores' designed for foreigners will accept most western currencies for purchases. Major credit cards are accepted in the main cities at various establishments, but outside the major cities acceptance is limited. ATMs are scarce outside the main cities.

A shuttle bus service runs between the two terminals.

Local time is GMT +8.