Beijing Capital International Airport Opened on October 1, 1999 to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party in 1949, the Beijing Airport is modern and comfortable. It has computerised bilingual information displays, laser luggage sorting and computer guided landing systems. Baggage trolleys are available free both in the baggage claim area and outside the departure hall. There are lockers on the second level to store your baggage from hours up to seven days if needed. To get a hold of some Chinese cash you can use an ATM machine which accepts most cards or change cash or travellers checks at an exchange counter. You can make international calls from payphones but you must purchase a card on sale in the airport shops. Arriving in Beijing: (Click here for departure info) Once you get off your plane follow the signs. There are clean public toilets before immigration should you need them. You should have received a Health and Quarantine Declaration Form on your flight but if not you can find them in the airport after you land. You also should have filled in an Entry Card for immigration on your flight but if not here is your chance. The immigration hall is spacious and modern. Make sure you join a line for "Foreigners" unless you hold a Chinese passport. After clearing immigration make your way down to baggage claim. There are porters for hire (about RMB 10) but you can also get your own trolley for free if you wish. Find the baggage claim which is marked with your flight number and origin. The displays alternate between Chinese and English. Unless you have something to declare, go through the green line. You may get your bags x-rayed. You can ask for your films to be hand checked. Find a metered taxi and ignore any offers of a private taxi, you will surely overpay. The airport is located 15 miles/26 kilometres outside the city centre. A taxi ride to the centre of Beijing should be about RMB 75 plus 15 for the road toll. Make sure your driver starts the meter when you leave the airport - meters start at ten. If you have the name of your hotel written down in Chinese it will help as most drivers will not speak English. If you need help with this ask at the Tourist Information Office on arrival. There is a government run bus which goes into the city found at the arrivals area. Many hotels also run their own shuttle services or will meet you if you have made arrangements. You can change money once you come out of baggage claim or access an ATM machine which will dispense Renminbi. There is also a tourist office, food and public toilets. The Beijing Airport is 15 miles/26 kilometres northeast the city centre. Map thanks to Odyssey Publications. Departing Beijing International Airport The main thing to remember (other than your passport and plane ticket) is to leave plenty of time to get to the airport (15 miles/26 kilometres outside the city centre). Normally a 40 minute ride you can add on an hour or more if it is rush hour or other cosmic traffic events occur. You should check your flight is on time before going to the airport. If you call the airlines they should speak English. New in 1999 the airport is as modern as any around the world. Follow the signs which are in English as well as Chinese When departing look at the screens to find the correct queue to join. Find the correct check in counter letter for your flight Fill in the departure card before getting in line for immigration. You will need to have a pen. After going through immigration enjoy the duty free shopping! Have a nice flight!