Taxi & DiDi
in China
Think of DiDi as China’s main Uber-like ride-hailing app. It is usually the easiest option for city rides, while street taxis are best used as a backup.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Quick answer
Quick answer
Choose DiDi for most city rides. It supports an English interface, overseas phone numbers, international cards, and translated in-app messages. Use a street taxi mainly from an official queue or when DiDi is unavailable.
How to book a ride in 5 steps
The same basic flow applies whether you use the standalone DiDi app or open DiDi inside Alipay or WeChat.
Choose how to open DiDi
Use the standalone DiDi app, or open DiDi inside Alipay or WeChat. The standalone app supports overseas phone numbers and an English interface.
Choose how to open DiDi
Use the standalone DiDi app, or open DiDi inside Alipay or WeChat. The standalone app supports overseas phone numbers and an English interface.
Set the pickup point and destination
Enter addresses in English or Chinese. If the pickup pin is inaccurate, drag it to the correct entrance and save useful Chinese place names before your trip.
Set the pickup point and destination
Enter addresses in English or Chinese. If the pickup pin is inaccurate, drag it to the correct entrance and save useful Chinese place names before your trip.
Choose a ride type
Express is the usual choice for visitors. Compare the estimated fare and arrival time before confirming; Taxi means a regular metered cab.
Choose a ride type
Express is the usual choice for visitors. Compare the estimated fare and arrival time before confirming; Taxi means a regular metered cab.
Meet the driver
Use in-app messages if needed; DiDi can translate messages between Chinese and English. Verify the plate number, car model, and driver before boarding.
Meet the driver
Use in-app messages if needed; DiDi can translate messages between Chinese and English. Verify the plate number, car model, and driver before boarding.
Complete the ride safely
Follow the route in the app and let your linked card, Alipay, or WeChat Pay handle the fare. Use in-app support or the emergency feature if something goes wrong.
Complete the ride safely
Follow the route in the app and let your linked card, Alipay, or WeChat Pay handle the fare. Use in-app support or the emergency feature if something goes wrong.
Compare your DiDi options
All three options can complete a normal ride. Choose based on how often you expect to use DiDi and which payment app is already ready.
| Compare | Standalone DiDi App Best for frequent rides | Recommended Alipay Mini-App Easiest for most visitors | WeChat Mini-App Good if WeChat Pay is ready |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup | Download the app and register with an overseas phone number | No extra download if Alipay is already set up | No extra download if WeChat is already set up |
| English interface | Full English interface | Core ride-hailing flow available in English | Core ride-hailing flow available in English |
| International cards | Add a supported Visa or Mastercard directly | Uses the international card linked to Alipay | Uses the international card linked to WeChat Pay |
| Driver communication | In-app messages with automatic translation | Message the driver through the mini-app | Message the driver through the mini-app |
| Feature depth | Most complete: advance booking, ride preferences, and safety tools | All core features needed for a normal city ride | All core features needed for a normal city ride |
| Recommendation |
Payment support and card handling fees can change. Confirm the displayed fare and payment method before requesting a ride.
Ride safety checklist
A few quick checks make pickup, communication, and the ride itself much easier.
Check the car before boarding
Match the plate number and car model with the app. The driver may ask for the last digits of your phone number to confirm your identity.
Wear your seat belt
Buckle up in both the front and rear seats. Drivers may remind you, and some cars will sound an alert until every passenger is secured.
Follow the route
Keep the DiDi route visible during the ride. You can also compare it with Amap or another navigation app if the route looks unusual.
Keep support within reach
Use the app’s Help or Safety tools if you cannot contact the driver, leave something behind, or feel unsafe.
When to use a street taxi
Street taxis are useful in specific situations, but use official taxis and avoid unofficial ride offers.
At official taxi queues
Airports and railway stations often have official taxi queues. Follow Taxi signs and ignore unofficial ride offers inside terminals.
When DiDi is unavailable
Street taxis can be useful when DiDi is unavailable, expensive, or slow to match.
When your destination is clear
Prepare your hotel or destination name in Chinese before getting into the taxi.
When the meter is running
Avoid unofficial fixed-price offers. A normal taxi ride should use the meter.
For known local routes, a bus can be simpler and cheaper
If a map app clearly shows the bus number, direction, stop name, and walking distance, the bus can be a useful alternative to a short taxi ride.
Q&A
Common questions about DiDi and taxis in China.
How do I communicate with the driver?
Use in-app messaging, send a screenshot, or show the pickup pin in the app. If the driver calls to confirm your location, keep the map open and describe a nearby entrance or landmark.
What if I think the driver is taking a detour?
Keep the route visible in DiDi and compare it with Amap or another navigation app. Traffic controls and pickup restrictions can cause legitimate detours. If the route still appears unreasonable, report the trip through the platform after arrival.
What if I leave something in the car?
Open the completed trip and use the lost-item or driver-contact option as soon as possible. If the platform cannot resolve the issue, China’s 12328 transport service hotline may be able to direct you to further help.
What should I do in an emergency?
Use the Safety or emergency tools shown in the DiDi app, and call local emergency services when necessary. Available tools and English-language support can vary by app version and location.
Can I pay a taxi in cash?
Some street taxis accept cash, but drivers may not have change. Prepare small notes and confirm before the ride. For DiDi, a linked card, Alipay, or WeChat Pay is more reliable.
Is tipping required?
No. Tipping is generally not expected for DiDi or normal taxis in China.