Taxi and DiDi in China

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.

Quick advice

Choose DiDi first for most city rides because the price, route, driver, and car details are shown in the app. Use street taxis mainly at official taxi queues, when DiDi is unavailable, or when the route is simple and the meter is running.

Quick summary

The basic taxi and DiDi situation for first-time visitors.

DiDi is usually best

For most visitors, DiDi is easier than stopping a taxi on the street.

Upfront price is shown

You can usually see the estimated fare, route, driver, and car details before riding.

Use Chinese addresses

Save hotel names, attractions, and stations in Chinese to reduce pickup and destination problems.

Street taxis are a backup

Use official taxi queues or street taxis when DiDi is unavailable or slow to match.

How to use DiDi

Choose the setup that works best with the apps and payment methods you already use.

Option A
Alipay Mini-App

This is usually the easiest option for tourists if you already use Alipay.

  1. 1Open Alipay and search for DiDi.
  2. 2Allow location access and enter your pickup and destination.
  3. 3Choose a ride type such as Express.
  4. 4Check the upfront price, car plate, and driver details before boarding.
Option B
Standalone DiDi App

Use the standalone app if you prefer a dedicated ride-hailing app.

  1. 1Register with your phone number.
  2. 2Set your pickup carefully, especially near large stations and shopping malls.
  3. 3Double-check the destination in Chinese.
  4. 4Compare ride types and confirm the driver and plate number before getting in.
Option C
WeChat Mini-App

This works well if you already use WeChat, but setup may be less convenient for some travelers.

  1. 1Open the DiDi mini-app inside WeChat.
  2. 2Enter pickup and destination.
  3. 3Choose the ride type and confirm the payment method.
  4. 4Check the car plate and driver before boarding.
Tip: Choose Express for a standard ride. In China, “Taxi” inside DiDi may mean a regular cab that runs on the meter.

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.

Important note

At airports and railway stations, follow official Taxi signs and use the official queue. Do not accept rides from people approaching you inside the terminal or station.

Q&A

Common questions about DiDi and taxis in China.

Is tipping required?

No. Tipping is generally not expected for DiDi or normal taxis in China.

What if the driver calls me?

This often happens to confirm your exact pickup point. If you do not speak Chinese, send a screenshot, use in-app messaging, or show the pickup pin in the app.

Can I use a foreign bank card in DiDi?

Often yes through Alipay or WeChat Pay, but setup can vary. Complete your payment setup before you travel.

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