As a foreigner in China, using DiDi — the country’s top ride-hailing app — is straightforward and convenient. First, download the official DiDi app or access it via Alipay or WeChat mini-programs, then register with your phone number and switch the language to English.
Link a credit card, WeChat Pay, or Alipay Tour Pass for cashless payments. Enter your pickup and destination, choose a car type, and confirm the ride. In-app translation, safety features, and address-saving options make it easy for non-Chinese speakers to travel quickly and safely around Chinese cities.
Learn more about how to use DiDi (Uber in China) as a foreigner! Step-by-step guide to download the app, set up cashless payments (foreign cards accepted), book rides in English, and avoid common mistakes. Includes DiDi bikes, buses, and more!
What Is DiDi App?
DiDi is China's top ride-hailing app (like Uber) that foreigners can use with international phone numbers and credit cards.
The English version lets you book cars, bikes, and even buses across most Chinese cities, with cashless payments via Visa/Mastercard or Alipay. It's good for stress-free travel, with real-time translations and upfront pricing to avoid language barriers.
How Do I Download and Set Up DiDi in China?
- Search for “DiDi: Ride Hailing in China” – Choose the legit one. Skip random clones.
- Foreign Numbers Work! No need for a Chinese SIM. Just sign up with your usual number.
- Switch to English ASAP: Go to Settings → Language → English.
How to Pay for DiDi?
Set Up Auto-Pay (Seriously, Do This)
Head to the “Me” tab → Wallet → Payment Methods → toggle on auto-deduct. No more awkwardly scrambling to pay after your ride. DiDi just quietly takes your money, like a ninja.
Cards that Actually Work
Foreign cards like Visa, Mastercard, and even Diners Club are accepted. Prefer mobile wallets? Link Alipay or Apple Pay.
Pro tip: If your card gets declined (thanks, bank fraud alerts), use Alipay’s Tour Pass—it’s a prepaid balance for tourists.
Cash? Only in a Pinch
Some drivers accept cash, but it’s rare. Always ask “Kěyǐ yòng xiànjīn ma?” (Can I use cash?) before hopping in. Better yet—stick to auto-pay.
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How Do I Book a Ride on DiDi in China?
Finding Your Pickup Spot
- Enable GPS, but double-check the pickup pin. Streets in China can be wild (e.g., three “Starbucks” on one block).
- Type destinations in English or Pinyin (e.g., “Beijing Railway Station” or “Beijing Huochezhan”).
Picking the Right Car
- DiDi Express: Cheap, no-frills rides. Perfect for 90% of trips.
- Premier: Fancy cars with bottled water. Worth it for airports or post-12-hour-flight exhaustion.
The “Confirm Your Life Choices” Step
- Tap Confirm Request.
- Screenshot the driver’s license plate (e.g., 沪A·12345).
- When the driver arrives, show them the last 4 digits of your phone number (type this in your notes app beforehand, cuz some driver don't understand English numbers).
Can I Cancel a DiDi Booking? What Should I Know?
How to Avoid Cancellation Fees
Cancel within 2 minutes of booking—no charge. After that, fees start at ¥3-5 ($0.40–$0.65 USD). If the driver’s late or takes a weird route, dispute the fee in the app.
The “Driver Cancelled on Me” Rage
It happens. Maybe your pickup spot is a maze, or they got a better fare. Don’t take it personally—just rebook and wave extra enthusiastically next time.
Safety & Pro Tips for Riding with DiDi
Get a fast & convenient service from DiDi in China
SOS Button & Safety Checks
- Always match the car’s license plate to the app. No match? Cancel and report.
- Tap Share Trip to send your ride details to a friend. If things feel sketchy, hit the SOS button—it alerts local authorities.
“Where Are You?!” (Handling Pickup Issues)
Use the in-app chat’s auto-translate to message drivers. Example: “I’m wearing a blue backpack near the subway exit!” Send a voice note if typing feels slow.
Lost & Found 101
Left your AirPods in the car? Use the Lost Item feature in the app. Offer a ¥20-50 ($2.86 – $7.19 USD) reward via chat—it speeds things up. No response? Call DiDi support at 400-000-0999.
Other Notes:
- Off-Peak Hours: Avoid 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM. Surge pricing hits hard during rush hour.
- DiDi Express Pool: Shared rides cost 30-50% less. You might make a local friend (or just awkwardly avoid eye contact).
How to Use DiDi on Alipay & WeChat?
Don’t wanna download another app? No problem. DiDi’s mini-programs in Alipay and WeChat let you book rides without cluttering your phone.
How to Book DiDi Rides in Alipay?
Step 1: Find the DiDi Mini-Program
- Open Alipay → Tap “Transport” (look for the car icon).
- Choose for “Taxi” → DiDi’ll pop up as a service.
Step 2: Book Your Ride
- Same as the app: Enter pickup/destination, choose car type (Express/Premier), confirm.
- Bonus: Payment is automatic through your Alipay balance or linked card. No setup needed!
How to Use DiDi in WeChat?
- Go to WeChat → Discover → Mini Programs → Search “滴滴出行” (DiDi Chuxing), paste 滴滴 in Chinese! Searching 'didi' in English usually doesn't work. Pay with WeChat Pay seamlessly.
- Use WeChat’s “Translate” tool (screenshot the page → tap “Translate”).
- Pro tip: Save these characters for car types: 快车 (Express), 专车 (Premier).
How to Choose Car Type on DiDi App in China?
Picking the right ride on DiDi is like choosing between instant noodles (cheap and reliable) and a fancy hotpot (splurge-worthy). Here’s the lowdown:
Car Type | Features | Price (Beijing 30-min ride) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Express (快车) | Basic cars (Toyota/Hyundai), no frills | ¥35–50 ≈ $5–$7 | Solo travelers, short trips, budget rides |
Premier (专车) | Cleaner cars (Buick/VW), free water, quieter drivers | ¥60–80 ≈ $9–$11.50 | Airport runs, business trips, summer AC rides |
Luxe (豪华车) | Mercedes-Benz, umbrellas, phone chargers, drivers in suits | 2–3× Express ≈ $10–$21 | Special occasions, impressing someone |
Express Pool (拼车) | Shared ride with strangers, cheaper | 30–50% off Express ≈ $3.50–$5 | Saving money, flexible timing |
Pro Tip: After selecting a car type, swipe left to see all options. Some cities even offer vans or EVs!
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How Much Does DiDi Cost?
DiDi’s pricing is straightforward, but a few quirks can catch travelers off guard. Here’s what you need to know:
- Base Fare: Starts at $1.40–$2.15 (varies by city)
- Per Kilometer: $0.29–$0.58 (cheaper than traditional taxis)
- Per Minute: $0.07–$0.14 during traffic jams
- Surge Pricing: Avoid 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM on weekdays, when fares can double
Real-World Example – 20-minute, 8 km ride in Beijing:
- Express: ¥30–40 ≈ $4.30–$5.75
- Premier: ¥50–70 ≈ $7.20–$10.10
Can I Use DiDi for Bikes, Buses, and More?
Take a DiDi bike ride in cities of China
DiDi isn’t just cars. Think of it as your all-in-one transport cheat code:
Service | Features / Notes | Price (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
DiDi Bike (青桔) | Bright green e-bikes/scooters | ¥1.5 / 30 min ≈ $0.22 | Short trips (subway → hotel) |
DiDi Bus | Fixed routes; stops may need Google Translate | ¥2–5 ≈ $0.29–$0.72 | Cross-city travel on a budget |
Designated Drivers (代驾) | Driver comes to drive your car home after drinking | ¥100–200 ≈ $14–$29 | Safe transport if you’ve been drinking |
DiDi Luxe (豪华车) | Mercedes-Benz, bottled water, phone chargers, professional drivers | 2–3× Express ≈ $10–$21 | Special occasions, luxury rides |
International Rides | Pre-book in Japan, Australia, Mexico, etc. | Varies by country | Travelers extending trips beyond China |
China Entry Requirements & Things to Prepare
- 24/240 China Visa-Free Transit: US citizens can stay up to 240 hours in 54 Chinese cities without a China visa when transiting.
- China Plug & Power: China plug uses Type A/C/F (220V). Bring a Type A/C adapter (US plugs sometimes work, but bring a universal adapter for safety).
- Internet Access in China: You need a China VPN for Google/Ins/YT/X, etc. But you can also use a China eSIM with built-in access to overseas apps!
Getting Around & Top Destinations in China
- China Metro Guides: Shanghai Metro | Beijing Metro | Guangzhou Metro | HK Metro
- China Airport Guides: Shanghai Airport | Beijing Airport | Guangzhou Airport | HK Airport Express
- China City Maps: Beijing Map | Guangzhou Map | Shanghai Map | HK Map
- Top Destinations in China: Shanghai Attractions (Disneyland, Bund) | Beijing Attractions (Forbidden City, Great Wall) | HK Attractions (HK Disneyland)
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Map App: I love to use Gaode Map (English supported) or Baidu Map (limited English) for real-time transit and traffic. Or you can still use Google Maps in China, but some data may be outdated.
- China Transport App: Use DiDi (China's Uber) for English address input and cashless payment. I recommend using the DiDi mini-program in Alipay for more convenience.
- China Payment App: Use Alipay or WeChat Pay (link foreign cards before arrival).
- China Booking App: Trip.com for high-speed trains (China HSR Guide), China hotels/flights. Use Trip.com promo codes for USA users.
FAQs about DiDi App
Can a foreigner use DiDi in China?
Yes! Foreigners can use DiDi with their passport and international phone number. The app has English language support.Do I need a China number to use DiDi?
No. You can register with any international number, but you'll need to enable roaming to receive the SMS verification code when signing up.How do I pay with DiDi app in China?
You can pay by:
International credit cards (Visa/Mastercard)
Alipay Tour Pass
WeChat Pay (if connected to foreign card)
Cash (though most drivers prefer cashless)Does DiDi work everywhere in China?
DiDi works in most cities (including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu), but availability decreases in remote rural areas. Major tourist destinations are all covered.Is it safe to use DiDi?
Yes. Features include real-time ride tracking, share-trip options, and an SOS button for emergencies.