How to Use Didi in China: Ride-Hailing, Taxis & Getting Around

Published 8/21/2026 · Last updated 8/21/2026

Getting around Chinese cities is one of the things first-time visitors worry about most — and one of the things that turns out to be easiest. Didi, China’s answer to Uber, is cheap, reliable, and — with the English interface — easy to use. Regular taxis are everywhere and work fine for short trips. This guide explains both, plus how to handle the moments where nothing seems to be in English.

The 30-second answer

• Didi is China’s Uber. Download the app, set it to English, and order a ride in seconds.
• Set up payment first — link Alipay, WeChat Pay, or an international card (see the payment guide).
• You can register with a foreign phone number and use the app in English.
• Taxis are the reliable backup — hail on the street, pay the meter, and show your destination in Chinese.
• Show your destination in Chinese on your phone — most drivers don’t speak English.

Didi vs taxi: which to use

Setting up Didi

Step 1: Download

• Download DiDi from your app store. In some countries it’s listed as “DiDi — Ride hailing.”
• Open it and switch the language to English in the settings (the profile / gear icon).

Step 2: Register

• Register with your home mobile number — international numbers work.
• Verify with the SMS code you receive.

Step 3: Add a payment method

• Link Alipay or WeChat Pay (the easiest — see the payment guide), or add an international Visa / Mastercard directly in the app.

Ordering a ride

1. Open Didi and confirm your pickup location (the GPS pin — drag it to adjust).
2. Type your destination in English, or paste the Chinese address.
3. Pick a ride type (see below).
4. Confirm. You’ll see the driver’s name, car model, plate number, and ETA.
5. Meet the driver at the pickup point and check the plate number before getting in.

Ride types at a glance

For most visitors, Express is all you need.

Paying

• Payment is automatic — the fare is charged to your linked Alipay, WeChat Pay, or card when the trip ends. No cash, no tipping.
• The price shown when you book is usually a fixed estimate; the final fare can vary slightly with traffic and time.
• For taxis ordered through Didi, you pay the meter via the app.
• Do not tip — it’s not expected, the same as everywhere else in China.

Hailing a regular taxi

• Stand at the curb and raise your hand. Taxis are everywhere in big cities.
• Make sure it’s licensed — a real taxi has a roof sign, a meter, and the driver’s ID on display.
• The meter is the price. Don’t agree to a flat fare unless you’ve negotiated it first and know the going rate.
• Show the driver your destination in Chinese on your phone.
• Pay with cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay — most taxis now take mobile payment.

Communicating with drivers

Most drivers don’t speak English. A few things that help:

• Show the Chinese address — hotel name, landmark, or exact address in Chinese characters. Get this from your hotel or a map app.
• Use the app’s built-in message translation — Didi translates messages between you and the driver automatically.
• If the driver calls, they’re usually asking where you are. Move to the pickup point or show a nearby landmark.

Save these phrases:

Airport and train station pickups

• Use Didi at airports and stations rather than haggling with taxis.
• Follow signs to the designated ride-hailing pickup area — Didi shows the exact meeting point (for example, “Gate 3, Level B1”).
• Enter your terminal / gate in the app so the driver meets you in the right spot.
• Watch for the plate number — many cars look alike.

Safety

• Check the plate number and car model match the app before you get in.
• Share your trip with a friend using the app’s trip-sharing feature.
• The app tracks your route in real time, and there’s an emergency button inside.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not checking the plate number — always get in the car that matches the app.
• Taking an unlicensed “black taxi” at airports or stations — they can overcharge. Use the official taxi queue or Didi.
• Expecting the driver to speak English — show the Chinese address instead.
• Forgetting to set up payment before landing — Didi needs a linked payment method.
• Waiting at the wrong pickup point — follow the app’s designated pickup area, not the general taxi rank.

Pre-trip checklist

• Set up Alipay / WeChat Pay (see the payment guide)
• Download Didi and switch it to English
• Register with your phone number and add a payment method
• Save your hotel’s address in Chinese characters
• Get a local SIM or eSIM so you can order rides (see the connectivity guide)

Keeping this page accurate

Didi’s app, ride types, and payment options change over time. We keep this page up to date: the date below shows when it was last checked, and we refresh it whenever the app or the rules change. If you spot something outdated, contact us.