How to Use DiDi in China: A Complete Guide for Foreigners (2026)

China is a cashless society, and nowhere is that more obvious than in how people get around. Taxis still exist, sure — but the smart way to travel is DiDi (滴滴出行), China's ride-hailing app.

I've been using DiDi since it first launched back in 2012 — back when it was called "嘀嘀打车" and you had to negotiate with drivers in Chinese! A lot has changed since then. Now it's got a full English interface, supports international cards, and works seamlessly for foreign travelers. I've used it at 5am to catch trains, at midnight after late-night hotpot, and everywhere in between.

Here's everything you need to know.

What is DiDi?

DiDi is China's answer to Uber. It's the largest ride-hailing platform in the world by rides per day — yes, bigger than Uber. You book a car from your phone, the fare is fixed before you ride, and payment is automatic.

The best part? **DiDi now has a full English interface** and supports international phone numbers and credit cards. It's never been easier for foreigners to use.

Step 1: Download & Register

**Download the app** from the App Store or Google Play. Search for "DiDi: Ride Hailing in China" — the publisher is 滴滴出行. I recommend downloading it **before** you arrive in China, since app stores can be slow behind the Great Firewall.

**Register with your international number.** You don't need a Chinese SIM. Just make sure your home number has international roaming enabled so you can receive the SMS verification code. If you're not sure, register before you leave home.

**Switch to English.** Go to Settings → Language → English. The whole app switches over — menus, messages, everything.

Step 2: Set Up Payment

This is the step most travelers get stuck on. Let me save you the hassle.

**The easiest method: Use Alipay or WeChat Pay.**

Instead of binding your card directly in DiDi (which can be hit or miss), use the DiDi mini-program inside Alipay or WeChat. Here's how:

**If you want the standalone app:**

Go to Me → Wallet → Payment Methods → add your Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or Diners Club card. Then toggle on Auto-Deduct. This lets you hop out of the car as soon as the ride ends — the payment happens automatically.

**Pro tip from years of experience:** Set up Alipay with your international card first, then use DiDi through Alipay. This is the most reliable setup and avoids the card-binding issues some travelers report with the standalone DiDi app.

Step 3: Book Your First Ride

1. Open DiDi and make sure your GPS is enabled. The app will show your current location — drag the pin to adjust if needed.

2. Enter your destination in English. DiDi understands English names for most landmarks and hotels. If it doesn't, try pinyin (e.g., "Tiananmen" instead of "Tiananmen Square").

3. Choose your ride type:

4. Tap "Confirm Request." A nearby driver will accept within seconds.

5. Watch the car approach on the map. **Always check the license plate matches the app before getting in.**

Step 4: Communicate with Your Driver

This is where most travelers get nervous, but it's actually simple.

**The license plate check.** Before you get in, walk to the front of the car and check the plate number matches the app. This is non-negotiable for safety.

**The last four digits.** When the driver arrives, they'll expect you to tell them the last 4 digits of your registered phone number. I type mine into my notes app beforehand so I don't have to fumble.

**In-app translation.** DiDi's chat has built-in auto-translate. Type in English, and the driver sees it in Chinese. You can also send photos of your location if you're having trouble finding each other.

**The driver might call you.** If they do, don't panic. Just say "Hello?" and they'll usually figure out the situation. If you can, hand the phone to a hotel staff or a passing local — they'll sort it out in 10 seconds.

How Much Does DiDi Cost?

Here's what I typically pay in major Chinese cities:

Express is about 30–50% cheaper than a standard taxi. Premier is comparable to Uber Black in the US or Europe.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

**"I can't receive the SMS code"**

Enable international roaming before you leave home. Or use Alipay's built-in DiDi, which doesn't require DiDi-specific SMS verification.

**"My card was declined"**

Your bank flagged it as fraud. Call them before your trip and tell them you'll be making payments in China. Or use the Alipay workaround above.

**"The driver can't find me"**

Use the "Send Photo" feature in the DiDi chat to show your exact surroundings. Popular pickup spots like airport arrivals or hotel entrances work best. I once spent 15 minutes trying to meet a driver in Chongqing Jiangbei Airport's parking garage — level B2 and B3 connect in ways that make no sense to anyone who hasn't memorised the layout. Now I always choose "Departures" as my pickup point at airports. It's less crowded, drivers can pull over easily, and I've never missed a ride since.

**"Surge pricing during rush hour"**

Avoid 7–9am and 5–7pm in big cities. If you can't avoid it, Premier is sometimes cheaper than Express during surge because of different pricing algorithms.

When NOT to Use DiDi

DiDi is great, but not always the best option:

Other Ride-Hailing Apps Worth Knowing

DiDi dominates the market, but there are alternatives:

My advice? **Stick with DiDi** for everyday use (it has the widest coverage and best English support), but keep Caocao or T3 installed as backup — sometimes one app has shorter wait times than the other in certain cities.

🇨🇳 If You're Visiting Chongqing

This deserves its own section. Chongqing is a city built on mountains, which means the roads are anything but ordinary — steep inclines, hairpin turns, bridges that stack on top of each other, and a tunnel that goes right through a skyscraper.

The local taxis here — bright yellow cars you'll see everywhere — have a legendary nickname: **"重庆法拉利" (Chongqing Ferrari).**

Why? Because Chongqing taxi drivers are on another level. They navigate the city's chaotic terrain with a speed and precision that has to be seen to be believed. Going up a 45-degree slope while weaving through traffic? Standard. Taking a sharp turn that makes your stomach drop? Tuesday morning.

It's not just a meme — it's a genuine Chongqing experience. If you're brave enough, skip DiDi for a short trip and flag down a bright yellow taxi. Hold on tight, don't look at the speedometer, and you'll understand why every local grins when you say "重庆法拉利."

That said, if you're prone to motion sickness, stick with DiDi Premier — the drivers are calmer and the cars are more comfortable. Your stomach will thank me.

My Verdict

DiDi has transformed how I travel in China. It eliminated the anxiety of flagging down taxis, being overcharged, or not being able to explain where I'm going. Every traveler I've worked with who sets up DiDi says the same thing: "Why didn't I do this sooner?"

Set it up before you arrive, link it through Alipay for reliability, and you'll have one less thing to worry about on your trip.

**Need help setting up DiDi or Alipay before your trip?** [Reach out to me](/contact) and I'll walk you through it. I've helped dozens of travellers get set up — it takes 10 minutes.