How to Use Didi in China: A Complete Guide for Foreign Travelers (2026)

Quick Answer

Download the Didi app, register with your foreign phone number, add an international bank card (Visa/Mastercard/JCB), and you're ready to ride. You can also book Didi directly through Alipay or WeChat without downloading the separate app. Didi supports foreign phone numbers and international cards, making it the easiest way for tourists to get around Chinese cities.

Why Didi Is the Best Way to Get Around Chinese Cities

China's ride-hailing market is dominated by Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行), often described as China's Uber — but with significantly broader coverage and shorter wait times. In most Chinese cities, a Didi arrives within 3–5 minutes, costs less than a traditional taxi, and eliminates the language barrier of trying to explain your destination to a driver.

For foreign travelers, Didi has made major improvements in recent years: the app is available in English, it accepts international phone numbers for registration, and it supports international credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and Diners Club.

Three Ways to Book a Didi

You don't necessarily need to download the Didi app. There are three ways to book a ride, depending on which apps you already have set up.

Option 1: The Didi App (Recommended)

The standalone Didi Chuxing app gives you the full experience — English interface, all vehicle options, real-time tracking, and direct customer support.

Setup steps:

1. Download "Didi Chuxing" from the App Store or Google Play (search "Didi")
2. Open the app and register with your phone number — foreign numbers are supported
3. Verify your number via SMS code
4. Add a payment method: bank card (including international Visa/Mastercard/JCB/Diners Club), WeChat Pay, Alipay, or digital RMB (e-CNY)
5. Allow location access so the app can set your pickup point

Source note: Information in this section is based on official guidance from the Chinese government's Live in China transportation guide for foreign nationals.

Booking a ride:

1. Confirm your pickup location (the app uses GPS — drag the pin to adjust)
2. Enter your destination by typing the name in English or pinyin; major landmarks and hotels appear in English
3. Choose your service type (see options below)
4. Tap "Call" to request the ride
5. The app shows your driver's name, plate number, car model, photo, and real-time location
6. Payment is automatic after the trip — no cash needed

Option 2: Through Alipay

If you already have Alipay set up (which most travelers do for payments in China), you can book Didi directly without the separate app.

1. Open Alipay
2. Tap "Transport" (出行) on the home screen
3. Select "Taxi" (打车)
4. Enter your pickup address and destination
5. Confirm and book — the Didi service runs inside Alipay

Payment is processed through your Alipay balance or linked card. This is the fastest option if you don't want another app on your phone.

Option 3: Through WeChat

WeChat also has a built-in Didi booking feature:

1. Open WeChat
2. Tap "Me" (我) at the bottom
3. Select "Pay and Services" (服务)
4. Scroll down to "Transportation" and tap "Didi Chuxing" (滴滴出行)
5. Enter pickup address and destination
6. Confirm your booking

Payment goes through WeChat Pay. Like Alipay, this works entirely within the WeChat app.

Didi Service Types Explained

When you book, you'll see several vehicle categories. Here's what each one means:

For most tourists, Express (快车) is the best balance of price and convenience. It's typically 20–30% cheaper than a traditional taxi and the cars are usually clean and modern.

How Much Does Didi Cost?

Didi fares are generally lower than Western ride-hailing apps. Sample starting fares in major cities:

• Beijing/Shanghai: Base fare ¥13–14 for Express, plus ¥2–3/km
• Chengdu/Xi'an: Base fare ¥9–10 for Express, plus ¥1.6–2/km
• Typical 5 km city ride: ¥15–25
• Airport to city center (30–40 km): ¥100–150

The app shows you the estimated fare before you confirm the booking, so there are no surprises. Tolls are added to the final fare automatically. During rain, rush hour, or late-night hours, you may see "surge pricing" (动态调价) — the app will show a multiplier (e.g., 1.2x) before you book. If you can wait 10–15 minutes, surge pricing usually drops.

Essential Tips for Foreign Riders

1. Set Your Pin Carefully

Chinese addresses can be confusing, especially in large apartment complexes or shopping districts. Drag the map pin to the exact pickup point — not just the street address. If you're at a hotel, the app often recognizes the hotel name and sets the correct entrance.

2. The Driver Will Call You — Be Ready

Drivers often call to confirm your location or ask which exit you're at. If you don't speak Chinese:

• Use the app's built-in text translation: type your message in English and it translates to Chinese for the driver
• Or show the driver your destination on the app — the GPS navigation handles the rest
• Ask your hotel concierge to write your destination in Chinese and keep it as a screenshot

3. License Plate Verification

Before getting in, always check the car's license plate against what the app shows. Chinese plates are blue with white characters (e.g., 京A·12345). The app displays the full plate number — match it before entering.

4. You Don't Need to Tip

Tipping is not customary in China for taxi or ride-hailing services. The fare shown is what you pay. Drivers don't expect tips and may be confused if offered one.

5. The National Taxi Hotline: 95128

If you prefer to hail a traditional taxi rather than use an app, you can call the national free taxi-hailing hotline 95128 from anywhere in China. This connects you to a local dispatch service. You can also hail a taxi at a roadside taxi stand (扬招点).

Source note: The 95128 hotline and roadside hailing information comes from official Chinese government transportation guidance for foreign residents and visitors.

6. Shared Bikes Are Also Available Through Didi

Didi also operates shared bicycles (青桔单车, Qingju Bike) in many Chinese cities, alongside competitors Meituan Bike and Hellobike. You can unlock bikes by scanning the QR code on the bike using the Didi app, Alipay, or WeChat — no separate app needed. Payment is processed through the same channels. Park within the designated operating area shown on the map when you finish your ride.

Safety Features

Didi has several safety features worth knowing:

• Trip sharing: Share your real-time trip with a friend via WeChat or a link
• Emergency button: One-tap SOS in the app that shares your location with emergency contacts and Didi's safety team
• Driver ratings: Both riders and drivers rate each other; drivers below a threshold are removed
• Route recording: Trips are GPS-recorded for dispute resolution
• Audio recording: Some rides include in-car audio recording for safety (notified by the app)

Common Problems and Solutions

Key Takeaways

• Easiest setup: Download the Didi app, register with your foreign phone number, add an international Visa/Mastercard
• No extra app needed: Book Didi directly through Alipay or WeChat
• Best value: Express (快车) for everyday rides
• Safety: Verify the license plate, use trip sharing, and use the SOS button if needed
• No tipping required
• Hotline: 95128 for traditional taxi dispatch
• Shared bikes: Also available through Didi, Meituan, and Hellobike — just scan and ride

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Transportation information in this article is sourced from official Chinese government guides for foreign nationals (Live in China: Transportation) and supplemented with practical traveler experience. Payment methods, app features, and service availability were current as of 2026.

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• China Train Travel Tips for Foreigners
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