Originally Posted by
Chinatrvl
I recommend you go into town. Traffic will be very light (but taxis a bit more expensive due to night tariffs) - you'll have a full day the next morning. Early morning traffic into Beijing isn't actually a pleasure - moving hotels generally costs a lot of time in PEK.
I agree with this completely. The only reason to stay at an airport hotel is if you have an early flight the next day. With no traffic, the ride into town is about 35-45 minutes (depending on how much of a maniac the driver is).
Note to the OP: When you exit the terminal, you will see a taxi queue to ahead and to your left. Ignore the car touts who ask you if you need a taxi and ONLY take taxis from the official queue. There will be at least one uniformed attendant helping people into taxis. Trust him/her and no one else.
One more note to the OP: You can buy a SIM card in the baggage hall after you clear customs. However, I would advise waiting until you get into Beijing, as you'll pay as much as 10 times more for one of the airport SIM cards. If you don't want to buy a SIM card from a phone shop or street vendor, just ask your hotel -- the business center or the concierge will get you one with only a minor premium charged.