No, the taxis fall into the following 3 categories: Rmb1.20/km, Rmb1.60, and Rmb2.00, all with a Rmb10 flag drop. No tipping. The category is shown on a decal in a circle on the window.

The lowest two categories have and use their meters consistently and although the smallest category is small and often doesn't have working a/c, I wouldn't call them "flea ridden."

From the airport to the Beijing hotel should cost about Rmb80 in a 1.60 taxi, plus a Rmb10 airport highway toll. However, if you want optimum comfort, you'll have to bargain with the Rmb2.00 guys -- approximate rare to the hotel should be in the Rmb120 range (again plus the toll) but it isn't a huge ripoff if you pay 140.

The main thing to note at the airport is that you will be beseiged by people offering you a ride as you leave customs. Do not listen to these people, they will cheat you. The only thing to use inside the terminal building is the ATM machine if you need it. Then proceed right outside to the taxi rank, which has a line that is actually fairly well run for China.

While the hotel pickup service is even more luxurious, the Hyatt was charging anywhere from 400-700 for that, which is way more than the taxi.

It is absolutely mandatory to have the name and address of the hotel written in Chinese on a piece of paper, no one will understand where you want to go otherwise.

You get a receipt at the end of the taxi ride; keep it as you can use it later on if you left anything in the taxi or if you have a complaint. Generally speaking, we found the metered cabs in Beijing to be honest, once they figured out where you wanted to go.