How to Use DiDi in China as a Foreigner: A Step-by-Step Guide

November 10, 2026

Everything international visitors need to know about booking rides, making payments, and getting around Chinese cities.

Last reviewed: November 10, 2026

If you're visiting China for the first time, one of the most practical questions is: How do I get a taxi in China if I don't speak Chinese?

One popular solution is DiDi, China's major ride-hailing platform. Similar to Uber or Grab, DiDi allows users to request a ride, enter a destination digitally, review available services, and arrange payment through a mobile interface.

For international visitors, this can make everyday city transportation much easier. However, there are a few things worth preparing before your trip, especially when it comes to phone numbers, payment methods, airport pickup locations, and communication with drivers.

Here's how it works.

1. What Is DiDi in China?

DiDi is a ride-hailing platform used extensively throughout mainland Chinese cities. Instead of trying to flag down a taxi on the street and explaining your destination verbally, you can request a vehicle through a supported app or integrated mini program.

Depending on your location and available services, you can:

Enter your pickup and destination addresses digitally.
Compare available vehicle categories (e.g. Express, Premier, Taxi).
Review an upfront estimated fare.
Track your driver's arrival in real time.
Access vehicle and driver details (including license plate and model).
Pay automatically through a supported digital payment method.

For tourists, one of the biggest advantages is entering your destination before the trip begins. This significantly reduces language barriers when navigating to hotels, restaurants, railway stations, and cultural landmarks.

2. Can Foreigners Use DiDi in China?

Yes. International visitors can generally use DiDi services, subject to account registration, identity verification, payment support, and local availability. You do not need to be a Chinese citizen or have a Chinese bank account.

However, the registration process and supported payment options can vary depending on the version of the service you use.

Do you need a Chinese phone number?

Not always. Some international phone numbers are supported, but registration and verification can depend on your country code, mobile carrier, account history, and current service requirements.

Our recommendation: Try setting up your preferred ride-hailing service before arriving in China, ensuring you can receive any required SMS verification codes.

Do you need a Chinese bank account?

Not necessarily. Depending on the booking channel, supported international payment methods or linked payment services (such as Alipay with an international credit card) can be used. Check the payment options shown in your account before requesting your first ride.

3. How to Access DiDi in China

There are three primary ways international travelers can access DiDi services:

Option A: DiDi's official standalone app

Check whether the official DiDi app is available in your device's app store. The international version often supports English-language menus, map interfaces, and in-app message translation.

Option B: DiDi through Alipay

Many travelers find it easiest to use DiDi directly inside the Alipay app. In Alipay, look for the "Transport" or "DiDi" mini-program icon. If you already have an international bank card linked to Alipay, payments can process seamlessly through your Alipay wallet.

Option C: Ride-hailing through WeChat

Ride-hailing services may also be accessible through supported WeChat Services or mini programs. Availability and payment requirements depend on your WeChat Pay setup.

Important: Not every booking channel offers identical features. Choose the option that works best with your phone number, preferred language, and payment method.

4. How to Book Your First DiDi Ride

The exact screen layout may vary slightly depending on whether you use the standalone app or Alipay mini-program, but the basic booking workflow follows eight steps:

Step 1: Open your ride-hailing service
Open your preferred DiDi channel. Ensure your mobile data or Wi-Fi is active and location services are enabled.
Step 2: Confirm your pickup location
The app will suggest your GPS location. Verify it carefully. In large shopping malls, hotels, railway stations, and airports, your actual pickup point may be at a specific door or designated zone.
Step 3: Enter your destination
Search for your hotel, attraction, or restaurant. Where possible, use the official Chinese name or address to ensure the map locates the exact entrance.
Step 4: Choose a ride category
Review the available vehicle options. Common tiers include Express (快车 - economical everyday rides), Select/Premier (专车 - higher standard vehicles), and Standard Taxi (出租车).
Step 5: Review fare information
Check the estimated fare, pickup point, route preview, and payment method. Note that dynamic pricing can apply during rush hours or bad weather.
Step 6: Confirm your booking
Submit the request and wait for a nearby driver to accept.
Step 7: Verify vehicle details
Before entering the car, check the license plate number, car color, and model displayed in the app. Never get into a car that does not match your booking.
Step 8: Complete your journey
Follow the live GPS route on your screen. In most cases, payment is deducted automatically from your linked wallet or card upon arrival.

5. How Do You Pay for DiDi in China?

Payment is one of the most critical aspects to prepare before your first ride.

Can you use Alipay?

Yes. Alipay is often the smoothest option for international visitors, especially when using the DiDi mini-program inside Alipay with a linked Visa, Mastercard, or other international card.

Can you use WeChat Pay?

Yes, if you have set up WeChat Pay with a supported bank card or international card.

Can you use a foreign credit card?

International credit card support depends on the payment channel, card issuer, and 3D Secure verification. Many travelers successfully pay by linking their foreign credit card to Alipay or directly in the DiDi app.

Should you carry cash?

Keeping some RMB cash as a backup is sensible. However, do not assume that a digitally booked private ride can always be settled in cash, as many DiDi drivers expect in-app settlement.

For a detailed breakdown of digital wallet setup and transaction fees, read our How to Pay in China as a Foreigner: Alipay, WeChat Pay, Cards & Cash guide.

6. Can You Use DiDi Without Speaking Chinese?

In many situations, yes. Because your destination is entered into the app and sent directly to the driver's GPS navigation, you do not need to give complex directions in Chinese.

However, your driver may occasionally call or message you to confirm your exact location, especially at busy pickup zones.

Useful Chinese phrases for DiDi rides

Chinese	Pinyin	English
你好	Nǐ hǎo	Hello
我在这里	Wǒ zài zhèlǐ	I'm here
我不会说中文	Wǒ bú huì shuō Zhōngwén	I don't speak Chinese
请稍等	Qǐng shāo děng	Please wait a moment
我到了	Wǒ dào le	I've arrived
谢谢	Xièxie	Thank you

What if the driver calls you?

If you cannot speak Chinese comfortably:

Use the app's in-app instant messaging chat instead of voice calls; many versions include real-time automatic bilingual translation.
Send your live location pin or a photo of your surroundings through the chat if supported.
Use a translation app on your phone.
If leaving from a hotel, ask the concierge or front desk staff to assist in speaking to the driver.

7. How to Use DiDi at a Chinese Airport

Airport pickups are more structured than hailing a car on a standard city street. Most major Chinese airports prohibit ride-hailing drivers from stopping at departure curbs or general passenger drop-offs.

Step-by-step airport pickup

Complete immigration, baggage collection, and customs inspection.
Ensure your mobile internet roaming or local data is working.
Open DiDi and select your terminal and assigned ride-hailing pickup area (网约车上客区).
Follow overhead terminal signs to the designated ride-hailing parking floor or pickup lane.
Check the parking pillar number or bay location and message your driver.
Verify the vehicle's license plate before boarding.

Is DiDi better than an airport taxi? Not always. An official airport taxi rank may be simpler if you have heavy luggage, limited battery/data, or want to avoid navigating parking garages. For complete airport arrival advice, see our Arriving in China: Airport Immigration, Customs & Your First Hour guide.

8. How to Use DiDi at a High-Speed Railway Station

Major high-speed rail stations (such as Beijing South, Shanghai Hongqiao, or Xi'an North) are massive multi-level transport hubs.

Before requesting a ride:

Confirm your exact station and which exit or underground hall you are using.
Follow the overhead bilingual signs for "Online Car-Hailing" (网约车).
Select the designated pickup zone (e.g. Underground Parking Level P1, Zone B) in the app.
Keep your phone accessible so you can communicate your exact pillar or gate number.

For more on navigating railway hubs, see our guide on How to Book High-Speed Train Tickets in China as a Foreigner.

9. DiDi vs. Regular Taxis: Which Should You Choose?

Feature	DiDi	Regular taxi
Booking	Through a supported app or service	Taxi rank or street hail where permitted
Destination	Entered digitally	Usually communicated to the driver
Fare	Estimate or applicable fare information shown in the service	Metered or locally regulated fare arrangement
Payment	Supported methods depend on booking channel	Accepted methods vary
Internet	Usually needed for booking	Not necessarily needed
Pickup	Designated app pickup location	Official taxi rank or permitted pickup point

When DiDi is convenient

DiDi is particularly useful for hotel-to-restaurant trips, city sightseeing transfers, and situations where you want to review the price in advance and enter your destination digitally.

When a taxi may be easier

An official taxi can be practical when a dedicated taxi rank is right in front of you (such as outside a hotel or airport terminal) and you have your destination printed or saved in Chinese characters.

When private transportation makes sense

Prearranged private transfers are often preferable for multi-city travel, families with small children, larger groups, or travelers arriving late at night with extensive luggage.

10. Is DiDi Expensive in China?

Ride-hailing in China is generally cost-effective compared to European or North American taxi rates. A short 15-minute city ride is often modest in price, though fares increase with distance, heavy traffic delays, tolls, and peak-hour surge pricing.

Review the estimated fare on your screen before confirming the ride.

11. Is DiDi Safe for Tourists?

DiDi operates with registered drivers, monitored GPS tracking, and in-app emergency assistance buttons.

Practical safety tips:

Always verify the license plate number before opening the car door.
Confirm the driver's profile photo and vehicle model match the app.
Board at designated pickup points rather than accepting rides from unofficial touts inside terminals.
Share your live trip status with family or travel companions via the app's sharing feature.
If a vehicle does not match the app's details, cancel the ride and do not enter.

12. Common DiDi Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make

Mistake 1: Waiting until arrival to install the app. Account registration and SMS verification should ideally be completed before departure.

Mistake 2: Assuming all international phone numbers receive SMS abroad. Ensure your mobile roaming is active to receive verification codes.

Mistake 3: Choosing the wrong pickup location. At large stations and airports, always select the official ride-hailing bay.

Mistake 4: Searching with generic English names. Searching in Chinese characters or pasting exact addresses reduces navigation errors.

Mistake 5: Assuming the estimate is the final charge. Road tolls, extended waiting time, or route changes can adjust the final amount.

Mistake 6: Boarding the wrong car. Multiple white or black sedans may arrive simultaneously; verify the license plate every time.

Mistake 7: Having no backup plan. Keep cash and the location of nearby metro stations in mind if mobile internet fails.

13. DiDi Checklist for Foreign Visitors

Before arriving in China

[ ] Check which DiDi booking channels (standalone app or Alipay) work on your device.
[ ] Confirm your account registration and phone verification.
[ ] Link a supported payment method (such as an international card in Alipay).
[ ] Save your hotel name and address in Chinese characters.
[ ] Arrange reliable mobile data or an eSIM for your trip.

Before requesting a ride

[ ] Confirm your precise pickup location (look for nearby door numbers or bay markers).
[ ] Enter the full destination in Chinese where possible.
[ ] Review available vehicle tiers and estimated fares.
[ ] Check your phone battery level.

Before entering the vehicle

[ ] Verify the license plate number against your app screen.
[ ] Confirm the car make, model, and color.
[ ] Greet the driver and confirm your destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners use DiDi in China?

Yes. International visitors can access DiDi through the official app, Alipay, or WeChat, subject to registration and payment verification.

Do I need a Chinese phone number for DiDi?

Not necessarily. Many international phone numbers are supported, though you must be able to receive an SMS verification code during setup.

Can I pay for DiDi with Alipay?

Yes. Using the DiDi mini-program inside Alipay with a linked international credit card is one of the most common and convenient methods for foreign travelers.

Can I use DiDi with a foreign credit card?

Yes, either directly in the DiDi app (where supported) or through Alipay/WeChat Pay linked to an international Visa or Mastercard.

Is DiDi available in English?

Yes. The standalone DiDi app and its international features offer English-language menus and in-app message translation.

Can I book DiDi from a Chinese airport?

Yes, though you must proceed to the designated "Online Car-Hailing" (网约车) parking floor or pickup zone rather than waiting at the curb.

What if I cannot find my DiDi driver?

Use the in-app chat with automatic translation to describe your exact location, pillar number, or clothing, or ask an airport/station staff member for assistance.

Is DiDi cheaper than a taxi?

Express rides are often comparable to or slightly cheaper than standard metered taxis, though surge pricing during peak hours or bad weather can increase rates.

Can I use DiDi without speaking Chinese?

Yes. Digital destination entry handles navigation automatically, and the in-app chat provides translation for basic driver communication.

Explore China with Be Frank Tours

Getting around China can be straightforward once you understand the transportation options. For independent travelers, DiDi and public transport offer flexibility. For families, groups, and travelers planning several destinations, coordinating transportation in advance can make the experience more comfortable.

At Be Frank Tours, we help international visitors plan personalized China journeys, including practical routes, transfers, cultural experiences, and thoughtfully arranged travel itineraries.

Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to explore more of China, we're here to help you travel with confidence.

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Ride-hailing availability, app interfaces, registration procedures, payment methods, and local pickup rules may change. Check the current service instructions before traveling.