China Taxi Guide: How to Use Didi (China’s Uber)

Raye

1,175 words

6 minutes

Ride-hailing services in China are widely available, easy to use, and cost-effective, making them a convenient option for city travel. If you prefer not to take buses or subways while exploring, ride-hailing is often the most hassle-free choice.

DiDi (similar to Uber) operates in most cities across China, supports online payments, and helps reduce language barriers.

Table of Content

Didi: The Most Recommended Way

For international travelers, DiDi is the most widely compatible and user-friendly ride-hailing platform in China.

Step 1. How to access the mini program

Alipay: On the homepage, use the search bar and type “DiDi”, then tap to enter the mini program.

WeChat: On the homepage, swipe down to open the mini program panel, then search for “DiDi” or “滴滴” in the search bar.

Allow the app to access your location. You will need to register and log in using a phone number, and international phone numbers are supported for account creation.

Set pickup location: The system will automatically detect your current location, but you can also manually adjust it to a precise landmark.

Note: GPS positioning may have a deviation of several tens of meters, so please double-check the location before placing your order.

*Didi Chuxing interface, set pick-up point*

Enter destination: You can type a specific address or attraction name. Both Chinese and English inputs are supported.

Choose vehicle type and confirm price: Select a ride option based on your needs, review the estimated fare shown in the app, and then place your order.

Check license plate: When the vehicle arrives, verify the license plate before getting in.
Identity confirmation: After boarding, the driver may ask for the last four digits of your registered phone number. Please have it ready in advance.

Automatic payment: Once you arrive at your destination, the fare will be automatically charged. No cash payment or additional steps are required.

Download: Search for “DiDi” on the App Store or Google Play and install the app.

Language settings: Allow location access. Then go to Settings (bottom right corner) and switch the app language to English.

Login: You can sign in using an international phone number, or use WeChat or Alipay for quick login.

Add payment method: Go to Account > Wallet, then add your international credit card or link a supported third-party payment method.

The process is the same as using the mini program: set your pickup location, choose a vehicle type, confirm the ride details, and complete automatic payment. You can refer to the previous steps for detailed instructions.

DiDi Car Types Compared

Express Car: The most cost-effective option with short waiting times, suitable for regular travel
Premier: More spacious vehicles with higher service quality, ideal for business trips or passengers seeking extra comfort.
Luxury: High-end business vehicles with premium service and higher pricing, suitable for business or special occasions.
Taxi: Traditional street-hailing taxis ordered through the app. Fare is metered and cash payment is supported.
Carpool: Shared rides with other passengers at a lower price, but travel time may be longer, suitable for non-urgent trips.

Carpool Function Description

DiDi also offers a service called Hitch (Ride-hitching / Carpool). Unlike standard ride-hailing, Hitch is a shared mobility service where private car owners give rides to passengers along their existing travel routes.

This option is usually more affordable, but it is not ideal for short-distance or urgent trips within a city. Instead, it is better suited for intercity or cross-region travel. If you are planning to visit a nearby city, Hitch can be considered as a cost-effective alternative.

The Hitch feature is only available in the China version of DiDi. You may need to switch the app language to Chinese in order to access it.
Hitch drivers are private car owners, not professional ride-hailing drivers, so service standards may differ from regular DiDi rides.
Matching availability is limited and waiting times can be long. It is recommended to book several hours in advance or even a day ahead.
Any additional costs during the trip, such as highway tolls, should be confirmed with the driver in advance and, whenever possible, paid through the platform.

DiDi in China: FAQs & Guide

We recommend using the Alipay or WeChat mini programs. This option is usually the most convenient for international visitors, as the system can automatically adapt to English and is already linked to your existing payment methods, so there is no need to add a bank card or manually change language settings. How to set up Alipay and WeChat Pay.

Airports and railway stations in China have clearly designated pickup zones. Please follow the signs for “e-hailing (ride-hailing)” instead of the traditional taxi stands.

Since these areas can be busy and complex, it is recommended to use DiDi’s built-in translation feature to communicate with drivers and send a photo of your exact pickup point, especially if it includes a zone number or landmark, so the driver can locate you more easily. How to take the high-speed train.

DiDi Premier offers higher-quality vehicles and more spacious interiors, making it a good option for business travel or passengers who value extra comfort. Compared with standard Express rides, Premier vehicles generally provide a cleaner and more comfortable environment, and the chance of unpleasant conditions such as smoke smell is significantly lower, resulting in a noticeably better overall travel experience.

This is generally not normal. All ride fares should be paid through the official platform. If a driver requests extra fees that were not clearly stated in advance, you have the right to refuse.

Please do not make cash payments or transfer money directly via WeChat or Alipay to the driver. Only transactions completed through the official platform are protected, and they allow you to file a complaint if any dispute occurs.

You can check the detailed receipt in your order page. If you find any suspicious or incorrect charges, contact DiDi customer service directly through the app. After verification, any overcharged amount will usually be refunded.

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