China's Uber: How to Get a Ride Anywhere
Hailing a street taxi in China is almost a thing of the past. Locals book everything through an app. The good news: the app works perfectly for foreigners, it’s in English, and you don’t need to say a single word in Mandarin.
That app is Didi (滴滴出行).
Download the right version
Search for “DiDi Chuxing” in the App Store or Google Play.
Important: download this before you arrive. Google Play is blocked in China, so if you’re on Android and haven’t downloaded it yet, you’ll need a VPN or ask your hotel for help.
Don’t download the “Didi Rider” app for international markets — that’s not the one you want.
Get DiDi Chuxing for mainland China.
Easiest setup: use it inside Alipay
If you already have Alipay set up (which you should — see our payment guide), you don’t even need to download Didi separately.
Open Alipay → find the Didi icon under “Transport” → done.
This is the most reliable way for foreigners. Payment goes through your Alipay card automatically, no extra setup needed.
Or sign up in the app directly
- Open DiDi Chuxing
- Sign up with your international phone number
- Select English as your language
- Link a payment method (Alipay, WeChat Pay, or a foreign card directly)
Booking a ride
- Allow location access — the app auto-detects your pickup point
- Type your destination in English (most major landmarks work; Chinese names work better if you have them)
- Choose your ride type
- Confirm — a driver will accept within seconds in most cities
Ride types:
- Express — the standard option, affordable, what you’ll use 99% of the time
- Premier — nicer car, slightly more expensive
- Taxi — hails a regular metered city cab through the app
- Luxe — premium vehicles, business-class experience
Prices are shown upfront, before you confirm.
When the driver calls you
It will probably happen. Don’t panic.
Decline the call. Open the in-app chat instead. Type in English — it auto-translates to Chinese for the driver. Their replies translate back to you.
Pre-set messages like “I’m at the pickup location” are built into the chat. Use them.
Pickup zones at airports and train stations
Didi restricts pickups to designated zones at major transport hubs — you’ll see green dots on the map. Walk to the closest one. The driver will meet you there.
Don’t just stand at the exit and wait — look at the map, find your assigned spot, and walk over.
How much does it cost?
Cheaper than street taxis. An average city ride is ¥20–50. Longer cross-city trips are still affordable compared to most Western cities.
No tipping culture in China. No need.