Indeed a barrier, but I think it is okay. Most drivers are trustable. I can only say this. Subway is convient in the city and most places can be reached by subway. If you want to take taxi, check out the approximate cost of taxi in advance.

It's gonna be a barrier, but if you know how to use your hands well, you would be able to sneak out with lesser difficulty. Taxi drivers are trustable. Make sure you can pronounce the name of the place well.. the intonation matters... Or, prefer writing out the name of place on pirce of paper in chinese.. Subway and Bus service is VERY GOOD!

I wouldn't trust all the taxi drivers. Like it was said above, know how much it should costs before taking a taxi. We knew one trip would be about 25, and the driver tried to say 150! We said know and he claimed we didn't know what we were talking about. (got it for 21 after!)