Taxi & Ride-Hailing in China: DiDi Guide for Foreigners

Getting a ride in China is easy and affordable. You can hail a taxi on the street, book through an app, or call the national taxi hotline. Here's everything you need to know.

Three Ways to Get a Ride

1. Didi Chuxing App (Recommended)

Didi (滴滴出行) is China's ride-hailing giant. Setup:

• Download the Didi app

• Register using a domestic or foreign mobile number

• Link payment — Accepts Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, WeChat Pay, Alipay, and digital RMB

• Book a ride — Open the app, confirm pickup/destination, choose service type (Express, Taxi, Premium, Luxury)

2. Alipay Taxi

• Open Alipay → Transport → Taxi

• Enter pickup and destination

• Confirm and book

3. WeChat Mini-Program

• WeChat → Me → Services → "Didi Chuxing" in Transportation

• Enter addresses and book

4. Street Hailing & Phone Booking

• Street hailing: Look for taxis with the green light on. Raise your hand.

• National hotline: Call 95128 (free) to book anywhere in China

Taxi Fares

Useful Tips

• Have your destination written in Chinese — drivers may not read English

• Receipts (发票) — Always ask for one

• Peak hours — Expect long waits and surge pricing (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM)