taxi
DiDi · 滴滴出行
China’s Uber: taxis and ride-hailing across the country. English interface and foreign-card payment available.
- Language
- English available
- Phone number
- a foreign one works
- Payment
- card, Alipay, WeChat Pay
What DiDi is for
You can hail a taxi on the street, but explaining the address without Chinese is hard. In DiDi you drop a pin, see the price up front, and the driver follows the navigation.
DiDi works three ways: as its own app, as a mini-program in Alipay, or as a mini-program in WeChat. If Alipay is already set up, you may not need the separate app.
How to install
Download DiDi
Install the app only from the official store or the developer’s website.
Don’t confuse it with DiDi Rider — that’s the international version and it doesn’t work in China.
You need the China version
For rides in mainland China install DiDi China (滴滴出行). The international DiDi Rider app serves other countries and won’t book a car in China.
Switch the language
Profile menu → 设置 → 语言 → English. Messages to the driver are translated automatically.
Registration
Phone number
Any foreign number that receives SMS works. The driver calls through the app and doesn’t see your number.
Payment method
Link an international card or choose Alipay / WeChat Pay. You’re charged after the ride.
How to book a ride
Set the destination
Paste the address in Chinese — it’s more accurate. Check the pickup pin: in a courtyard or by a mall, move it to the right exit.
Choose the class
Express is cheapest, Premier is a nicer car and service, Taxi is a regular metered cab.
Check the plate
The app shows make, colour and plate. Get in only if the plate matches.
If it won’t work
No driver accepts — at rush hour or in rain, go up a class or add a tip. Payment failed — switch the method in the order; the unpaid fare stays in the app and blocks new orders until settled.
In-depth guide on the topic
Transport
How to get a taxi in China
Didi step by step, flagging a taxi at the kerb and the phrase to show the driver.
Open the guideDidn’t find the guide you needed?
Describe it in your own words — a concierge will reply and take you through it step by step.