How to Use DiDi in China: A Guide for Foreign Travelers

Getting around Chinese cities is usually pretty easy once you know which apps to use.

For taxis and ride-hailing, one name you'll see again and again is DiDi.

DiDi is one of China's main ride-hailing platforms. If you've used Uber, Grab, or another ride-hailing app before, the basic idea will feel familiar: enter where you want to go, choose a ride, wait for your driver, and pay through the app.

And yes—foreign travelers can use DiDi in China.

You can use DiDi through its own app, and ride-hailing services are also available through Alipay and WeChat. Foreign visitors can register for DiDi using an international phone number and supported international bank card.

Quick answer:
Foreign tourists can use DiDi in China. You can book through the DiDi app or access ride-hailing through Alipay or WeChat. If you use the DiDi app, foreign phone numbers and international credit cards are supported.

Is DiDi the Chinese Version of Uber?

That's probably the easiest way to understand it.

DiDi is a ride-hailing platform that lets you request a car from your phone, see the estimated fare, track the driver's location, check the license plate, and pay digitally.

For a foreign visitor who doesn't speak much Chinese, this can be much easier than trying to explain an address to a taxi driver.

You enter the destination in the app before the trip starts, so the driver already knows where you're going.

That's the part that makes DiDi especially useful for travelers.

1. Can Foreigners Use DiDi in China?

Yes.

Foreign travelers can use online ride-hailing services in China through:

• The DiDi app
• Alipay
• WeChat

Chinese government guidance specifically notes that the DiDi-Greater China app supports registration using foreign mobile phone numbers and international credit cards.

So you don't necessarily need to get a Chinese phone number before booking your first ride.

You will, however, need a working internet connection.

If you haven't sorted that out yet, read our Internet & SIM Cards in China: A Guide for Foreign Travelers before your trip.

2. Does DiDi Have an English Version?

Yes.

DiDi can be used in English.

According to Shanghai's official guide for international visitors, the language can be changed through the app settings:

Me → Settings → General → Language → English

The exact interface may change as the app is updated, but English-language support is available.

This makes things much easier when searching for destinations, choosing a vehicle, or checking trip information.

3. How to Use DiDi in China

Once your account and payment method are ready, booking a ride is fairly straightforward.

Step 1: Open DiDi

Open the DiDi app and check your pickup location.

Your phone's GPS will normally identify where you are, but always check the pickup point before confirming.

This matters especially at airports, railway stations, shopping malls, and large hotels where there may be several pickup areas.

Step 2: Enter Your Destination

Search for where you want to go.

This could be:

• Your hotel
• A tourist attraction
• A restaurant
• An airport
• A railway station
• A shopping mall
• Another address

If you're staying at a hotel, keeping its Chinese name and address on your phone is still a good idea.

Step 3: Choose Your Ride

DiDi may show several ride categories with different prices and vehicle types.

Official guidance lists options including Express, Taxi, Premier and Luxe, although what appears in the app can vary by city, time and availability.

For most ordinary trips, you probably don't need to overthink it.

Compare the estimated prices and choose the option that works for you.

Step 4: Confirm Your Pickup Point

This is one of the most important steps for first-time visitors.

In busy places, the app may ask you to choose a specific pickup location.

For example, at a railway station you may see several exits:

North Exit
South Exit
Gate 1
Gate 2

Don't just press confirm without checking.

The driver may not be able to stop wherever you happen to be standing.

Step 5: Wait for a Driver

Once a driver accepts your request, the app will show information about the vehicle and driver.

You can normally see information such as:

• Driver location
• Vehicle type
• License plate number
• Estimated arrival
• Trip information

You may also be able to call or message the driver through the platform. Shanghai's official international guide notes that messages can be automatically translated into English.

Step 6: Check the License Plate

When the car arrives, don't simply get into the first similar-looking vehicle.

Check the license plate shown in the app.

Make sure it matches the car in front of you.

This is especially useful at airports and railway stations where several ride-hailing cars may arrive at the same time.

Step 7: Confirm Your Ride

The driver may ask you to confirm part of your phone number before starting the trip.

Shanghai's current guide notes that passengers can verify the last four digits of their mobile number with the driver.

Don't worry if your Chinese isn't great.

Having the booking screen open usually makes the process much easier.

Step 8: Enjoy the Ride

Once you're in the correct car, the destination is already in the system.

You don't normally need to explain the entire address verbally to the driver.

You can also follow the route on your phone during the journey.

4. Can You Use DiDi Through Alipay?

Yes, and this may actually be one of the easiest options for tourists who already have Alipay set up.

Official guidance for foreign visitors says you can open Alipay and go to:

Transport → Taxi

Then enter your pickup point and destination to request a ride.

Shanghai's international visitor guide also notes that DiDi services are available through Alipay and payment can be deducted through Alipay.

So if you've already followed our How to Pay in China guide and have Alipay working, you may not need to immediately set up another app just for your first taxi ride.

5. Can You Use DiDi Through WeChat?

Yes.

Official guidance gives the general route as:

WeChat → Me → Services → Mobility / Ride Hailing

From there, enter your pickup location and destination.

The exact labels can change depending on the app version and region.

If you're already using WeChat in China, this is another convenient way to access ride-hailing without constantly switching apps.

6. How Do Foreigners Pay for DiDi?

There are several possibilities depending on how you book your ride.

If you're using the standalone DiDi app, official Chinese guidance says foreign visitors can register using international credit cards.

If you're booking through Alipay or WeChat, your payment can be handled through the corresponding payment service.

For international visitors, supported foreign cards can also be linked to Alipay and Weixin Pay, subject to the payment platform and card issuer's requirements.

If you haven't set up mobile payments yet, I recommend doing that before relying heavily on ride-hailing.

7. Do You Need a Chinese Phone Number for DiDi?

Not necessarily.

The DiDi-Greater China app supports registration with foreign mobile phone numbers, according to current Chinese government guidance.

That's good news if you're only visiting China for a few days and don't want to buy a local SIM.

But remember:

A phone number and an internet connection are two different things.

Even if you register with your foreign number, you'll still need mobile data or Wi-Fi to request a car, track your driver and use the app.

8. What If You Don't Speak Chinese?

This is exactly where DiDi can make life easier.

Your destination is entered digitally, so you don't need to pronounce a Chinese address correctly.

The app also provides driver and vehicle information, and current official guidance says messaging functions can provide automatic English translation.

Still, I recommend saving the Chinese name and address of your destination.

For example, don't only save:

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

Also keep:

上海虹桥站

This can be extremely useful if you need to show the address to a driver, hotel employee or someone helping you.

9. Using DiDi at Airports and Railway Stations

This is where first-time visitors are most likely to get confused.

Large Chinese airports and railway stations often have designated areas for online ride-hailing pickup.

Your driver may not be allowed to stop directly outside whichever exit you happen to use.

Look for signs such as:

Ride-Hailing
Online Car-Hailing
网约车

Then check the pickup location shown in your app.

At a large transport hub, finding the correct pickup point can take longer than actually ordering the car.

Gochinio Tip: Don't request the ride the second you step off the plane or train. Find the correct pickup area first, then book your car.

10. DiDi or Regular Taxi: Which Is Better?

Both can work well.

DiDi may be easier if:

• You don't speak Chinese
• You want to enter your destination in advance
• You want to see an estimated price
• You want to track the driver
• You prefer app-based payment

A regular taxi may be easier if:

• You're already standing at an official taxi rank
• Your phone has no internet
• Your payment app isn't working
• You don't want to wait for a ride-hailing pickup area

At airports and railway stations, official taxi queues can sometimes be simpler than finding a ride-hailing pickup zone.

So DiDi isn't automatically the best option every single time.

11. A Few Useful DiDi Tips for First-Time Visitors

Check the pickup point carefully.
Your GPS location isn't always the exact place where the driver can stop.

Check the license plate.
Match it with the information in the app before getting into the car.

Keep your destination in Chinese.
It can save a lot of confusion.

Make sure your phone has internet access.
You'll need it while waiting for your driver.

Keep your phone charged.
A portable power bank is useful when you're out all day.

Don't rely on only one transportation option.
At some airports or railway stations, the metro or an official taxi may actually be easier.

Ready for Your First DiDi Ride?

Using DiDi in China is easier than it might look before your first trip.

You don't necessarily need a Chinese phone number, you don't need to explain your destination in Chinese, and you can access ride-hailing through apps you may already be using, such as Alipay or WeChat.

The one thing I'd pay extra attention to is the pickup point.

At a hotel or restaurant, it's usually simple.

At a huge Chinese railway station or airport?

Check the pickup zone first.

Once you've done it once, your second DiDi ride will probably feel completely normal.

Official Sources & Information Note

This guide is based on current information for foreign visitors published by Chinese government authorities, including the State Council's guide to working and living in China and Shanghai's international visitor guidance.

China's official guide confirms that foreign travelers can use Alipay, WeChat or the DiDi-Greater China app for online ride-hailing, and that DiDi supports foreign mobile numbers and international credit cards.

App interfaces, available ride categories, payment methods and features can change.

Always check the latest information shown inside the app when booking.