There're top four survival skills for non-Chinese speakers to take a cab:

(1) Try to know where you're going; a map or a card with your destination is extremely helpful to the driver.

(2) Carry some small changes; your driver may not be able to change a 100-yuan note.

(3) Demand to use the taxi's meter. Sit in the front seat to make hand gestures more visible, being aware of the seat belt. "Zuo guai" means turn left, "You guai" means turn right.

(4) Say "ting che" to stop. Ask for your receipt by saying "fa piao".