# Guangzhou Airport Guide: Baiyun (CAN)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is one of the busiest aviation hubs in the world. During the Canton Fair, the volume of international arrivals skyrockets.
If you do not understand the layout of this massive facility, you will waste hours wandering between terminals trying to find your driver or the Metro.
> **💡 Withyou Trip Expert Verdict:**
> "The most important detail is knowing which terminal you land in. **Terminal 2** is a state-of-the-art, hyper-efficient mega-structure used by China Southern and SkyTeam airlines. **Terminal 1** is the older, more confusing original building. They are physically far apart. If you are meeting a private driver, you MUST confirm whether they are waiting at T1 Arrivals or T2 Arrivals, or you will never find them."
## 1. The Baiyun Airport Logistics Matrix
| Transport Method | Cost | Where to Find It | Best For |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Official Taxi** | 150-200 RMB | Follow the yellow "Taxi" signs to the outdoor queue. | Most buyers with luggage. |
| **Guangzhou Metro (Line 3)**| 8 RMB | Basement level of both T1 and T2. | Budget solo travelers. Avoid at rush hour. |
| **Airport Express Bus** | ~30 RMB | Outside the arrivals hall. | Buyers staying at major CBD hotels. |
| **Private Transfer** | 300+ RMB | Driver waits at the Arrivals Gate with a name sign. | VIPs and executives. |
## 2. Surviving Immigration and Customs
When you land, you cannot just walk out.
* **The Line:** The immigration line for foreigners can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how many international flights landed simultaneously.
* **The Fingerprints:** Before you reach the border guard, you MUST stop at the self-service fingerprint kiosks in the hallway. Scan your passport and provide your fingerprints to get a printed receipt. If you reach the guard without this receipt, they will send you to the back of the line.
* **The Arrival Card:** Fill out the yellow "Arrival Card" provided on the airplane before you land. You will need the exact Chinese address of your hotel to complete it.
## 3. The Currency Exchange Trap
You need local currency (RMB) to pay for the taxi, as the drivers often do not accept foreign credit cards.
* **The Trap:** The currency exchange booths right outside baggage claim offer terrible exchange rates and charge high commission fees.
* **The Fix:** Use your international debit card (Charles Schwab, Revolut, etc.) at one of the ATMs in the arrivals hall to pull out 1,000 RMB directly. The bank's exchange rate is significantly better than the exchange booth.
## ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Is there free Wi-Fi at the airport?**
A: Yes, but there is a catch. To access the free Wi-Fi, you usually need to receive an SMS code. If your home SIM card does not have international roaming activated, you won't receive the text. Some kiosks can scan your passport to print a Wi-Fi code, but it is easier to have your travel eSIM activated before you land.