How to Call Taxi in China Without a Chinese Phone Number?

Traveling to China without a local SIM card? Learn how to book DiDi and other taxi services with your foreign phone number, supported payment methods, airport pickup tips, and fixes for common issues.

What Taxi Apps Work in China Without a Chinese Phone Number?

Three main ride-hailing services work for users without a Chinese phone number. DiDi is the most user-friendly for international travelers, while the other two serve as backup options.

DiDi is the recommended choice for most tourists, as it offers a native English interface and direct account creation with international numbers. The other two services operate exclusively through Alipay mini-programs with Chinese-language interfaces, so they work best as backup options if you already use Alipay.

How to Sign Up for DiDi With a Foreign Phone Number

DiDi is the dominant ride-hailing platform in China, and it officially supports registration with international phone numbers. The full setup takes 3 to 5 minutes. Follow the steps below in order.

Step 1: Download the Correct DiDi App for China

DiDi releases separate apps for domestic China use and international use. Downloading the wrong version will not work for trips in mainland China.

For travel in China, download the “DiDi: Ride Hailing in China” version.

• iOS: Available on the App Store
• Android: Available on Google Play; if unavailable in your region, download from Chinese app stores such as Mi Store
• Identification: Look for the orange icon with a white car graphic and the “DiDi” wordmark.

Step 2: Switch to English Interface Before Registration

Right after installing the app, switch the language to English to avoid confusion with Chinese menu options.

• Navigation path: Settings → Language → Select English

Step 3: Register With Your International Phone Number

1. Open the app and tap “Sign In” or “Register”.
2. In the phone number field, select your country/region from the drop-down list to apply the correct country code.
3. Enter your phone number (do not add the country code manually if you have selected it from the list).
4. Tap “Next” or “Get Code”.
5. You will receive an SMS with a 4–6 digit verification code on your phone.
6. Enter the code in the app to complete verification.

Important: Ensure your phone plan has international roaming enabled to receive SMS while in China.

Step 4: Add a Payment Method

You must link a payment method to book rides. You can complete this step right after registration, or later — but you cannot confirm a ride without an active payment method on file.

• Navigation path: Me → Wallet → Payment Methods → Add Payment Method

Available payment methods for foreign users:

Tip: Enable Auto-Pay in payment settings so fares are deducted automatically after each trip, with no manual action required.

If your card is rejected when adding directly to DiDi: Link it to your Alipay account first (takes about 2 minutes), then select Alipay as your payment method in DiDi. This resolves most card decline issues.

Step 5: Confirm Your Setup is Complete

Before booking your first ride, double-check that:

1. The app interface is set to English
2. Your phone number is successfully verified
3. Your payment method is linked and active

Once all three are confirmed, you are ready to book taxis anywhere in China.

How to Book Your First DiDi Ride

• Confirm pickup location: The app will auto-detect your location via GPS. Check that the location pin is placed at your exact spot.
• Enter destination: You can type addresses in English or pinyin (e.g. “Shanghai Disneyland”, “Beijing Railway Station”).
• Choose ride type: Options include Express (economy), Premier (comfort), and Luxe (business class).

• Confirm order: Tap “Confirm” to place your booking.
• Board the car: Match the license plate number shown in the app with the actual vehicle. Show the driver the last 4 digits of your phone number for verification.
• Payment: The fare will be charged automatically to your linked payment method after the ride ends.

China Taxi App Alternative: Use DiDi via Alipay

If you do not want to install another app, you can use the DiDi mini-program directly inside Alipay. This method also often bypasses SMS verification entirely. Steps:

1. Open the Alipay app.
2. Tap the “Transport” tab on the homepage, or search “滴滴出行” in the top search bar.
3. Select the official DiDi service to open the ride-hailing map.
4. Enter your pickup and destination addresses, then confirm your order.

Payment is deducted automatically through your Alipay account. This method is simpler if you already have Alipay set up with your international card, as you do not need to re-verify your identity or re-add payment details.

What to Do If You Don’t Receive the SMS Verification Code

It is common for international numbers to have delays or issues receiving verification codes from Chinese apps. If you run into this problem, try the solutions below, ordered from simplest to most comprehensive.

Quick Checks (5 Minutes)

First, rule out basic, easily fixed issues:

• Roaming status: Confirm international roaming is activated on your phone plan. You cannot receive SMS without a network connection.
• Country code: Double-check that you selected the correct country from the drop-down list (e.g. +44 for the UK, +1 for the US/Canada, +61 for Australia).
• SMS blocking: Check that your phone settings or spam-blocking apps are not intercepting incoming messages from unknown senders.
• Internet connection: Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. Switching between networks sometimes resolves loading issues.
• Request limit: DiDi allows a maximum of 10 verification code requests per day. If you have tried multiple times, wait until the next day to try again.
• Try another device: Attempt registration on a different phone or tablet to rule out device-specific issues.

Solution 1: Use DiDi Mini-Program in Alipay or WeChat (Most Reliable)

This is the best workaround for most tourists. The DiDi mini-program inside Alipay or WeChat typically does not require separate SMS verification, as it recognizes your already verified Alipay/WeChat account.

Option A: Via Alipay (recommended)

1. Set up Alipay and link your international Visa/Mastercard before your trip.
2. After arriving in China, open Alipay.
3. Search for “滴滴出行” in the search bar and open the official mini-program.
4. Book your ride as you would in the standalone app. Payment is processed through Alipay automatically.

Option B: Via WeChat

1. Open WeChat, go to Discover → Mini Programs.
2. Search for “滴滴出行”.
3. Follow the prompts to book; payment is charged via WeChat Pay (you can link an international card to WeChat Pay as well).

Why this works: You do not create a separate DiDi account. You use DiDi as a guest through your verified Alipay/WeChat profile, so no extra SMS verification is needed.

Solution 2: Sign In to DiDi via Third-Party Accounts

The official DiDi app supports sign-in via Apple ID, Alipay, or WeChat, which can bypass SMS verification in many cases. Steps:

1. Download the “DiDi: Ride Hailing in China” app.
2. On the login screen, select “Sign in with Apple”, “Sign in with Alipay”, or “Sign in with WeChat”.
3. If you are already logged in to the corresponding app on your phone, you will be signed in to DiDi automatically, no SMS required.
4. After logging in, add your preferred payment method.

Solution 3: Get a Chinese eSIM or Local SIM Card

If you plan to use DiDi and other Chinese services frequently during your trip, the most stable long-term solution is to get a Chinese phone number via a local SIM or eSIM.

• Pros: Instant SMS delivery, no registration issues, full access to WeChat Pay, food delivery, and hotel booking services.
• Cons: Requires passport registration, per Chinese telecommunications regulations.

Where to buy:

• Airport counters upon arrival (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom)
• Pre-purchased travel eSIMs online (via providers like Nomad, Airalo) before your trip

Solution 4: Take a Street Taxi as a Backup

If none of the above work and you need a ride immediately, you can hail a regular taxi on the street or use official taxi stands at transport hubs.
Tip: Save your destination’s name and address in Chinese on your phone, or print it out. Show it to the driver to avoid miscommunication.

How to Pay for Taxi Rides Without a Chinese Bank Card

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You do not need a Chinese bank account to pay for taxi rides in China. DiDi officially supports multiple payment options for international travelers.

Method 1: International Credit/Debit Card (Simplest)

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, and Diners Club cards all work directly in the DiDi app. Setup steps:

1. Register for DiDi using your international phone number.
2. Go to Me → Wallet → Payment Methods.
3. Add your card details (card number, expiry date, CVV).
4. Enable Auto-Pay for automatic fare deduction after each trip.

Method 2: Alipay (Most Reliable)

This is the most widely accepted payment method for tourists in China. You can link an international card to Alipay and use it to pay for DiDi rides, as well as most other daily expenses. Setup steps:

1. Download Alipay and register with your phone number.
2. Switch to the International Version if prompted.
3. Go to Me → Bank Cards → add your Visa/Mastercard.
4. Select Alipay as your payment method in DiDi.

Method 3: WeChat Pay

WeChat Pay has supported international Visa and Mastercard cards since 2023. Setup steps:

1. Download WeChat and sign up for an account.
2. Go to Me → WeChat Pay → Cards.
3. Add your international card.
4. Choose WeChat Pay as your payment method in DiDi.

Method 4: Alipay Tour Card (Backup for Card Declines)

If your card is repeatedly rejected (often due to your bank’s fraud protection policies), use the Alipay Tour Card — a virtual prepaid card issued by Bank of Shanghai for international visitors.

Method 5: Cash

You can select cash as a payment method when booking, but keep in mind that many drivers prefer cashless payment and may refuse cash rides. It is better to use this only as a last resort.

How to Call a Taxi From Major Chinese Airports Without a Local SIM

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For arrivals at Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou airports, you can book a taxi even without a local SIM card by following these steps.

Step 1: Connect to Free Airport Wi-Fi (No SMS Required)

All major Chinese airports offer free Wi-Fi that you can access with your passport — no phone number needed.
On the Wi-Fi login page, select the “Scan Passport” option, scan the photo page of your passport, and you will be connected to the internet.

This works at Beijing Capital (PEK), Beijing Daxing (PKX), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), and Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) airports.

Step 2: Book Your Ride

The fastest and most reliable method is via Alipay:

1. Open Alipay → tap the “Transport” tab or search “滴滴出行”.
2. Enter your exact pickup spot (e.g. “T2 – P2 Parking B1 Floor”).
3. Confirm your order. Payment is deducted automatically from your linked card.

If you do not have Alipay, use the standalone DiDi app with your foreign number — it works on airport Wi-Fi and accepts international cards directly.

Step 3: Find the Designated Ride-Hailing Pickup Zone

Do not wait at the terminal exit. Chinese airports have dedicated zones for app-based ride-hailing services, marked with signs that say “网约车” (online car-hailing).

Pickup locations for major airports:

• Shanghai Pudong (PVG) Terminal 2: P2 Parking Lot, B1 Floor
• Beijing Capital (PEK) Terminal 3: T3 Car Park, B2 Floor
• Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) Terminal 3: Exit 72, ground level

If you cannot find the zone, ask airport staff for directions to the “Wangyueche” pickup area.

If you have no internet access or do not have the apps installed, use the official airport taxi stand. All major airports have clearly marked taxi queues with regulated, metered fares.

China Taxi Common Problems and Quick Fixes

Can You Hail a Taxi on the Street Without an App?

Yes, you can. In most Chinese cities, you can still flag down a taxi on the street — just raise your hand when you see a car with a lit green “空车” (vacant) sign on the roof.

Keep two practical points in mind:

1. Drivers may decline your hail if they are already heading to pick up an app order.
2. Most street taxis prefer cash payment, as not all vehicles have card terminals. Carry small bills if you plan to take street taxis regularly.

For better price transparency, route tracking, and reliability, app-based ride-hailing is still the recommended option for travelers.

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