Learn 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 in China for Foreigners?
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 to Use DiDi App - Download & Setup DiDi
- 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 Use DiDi App - Payment Settings
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.
Instead of juggling VPNs or hunting for SIM cards, China eSIM lets you stay connected to apps like Google Maps, Instagram, LINE and more from the moment you land.
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How to Use DiDi App - Booking Process
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).
How to Use DiDi App - Cancellation Rules
How to Avoid Cancellation Fees
Cancel within 2 minutes of booking—no charge. After that, fees start at ¥3-5. 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.
How to Use DiDi App - Good to Know Tips
Credit: Unsplash
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 reward via chat—it speeds things up. No response? Call DiDi support at 400-000-0999.
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! You can't search with didi. 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 Use DiDi - Choose Car Type
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:
Express (快车)
- What you get: Basic cars (think Toyota/Hyundai), no frills.
- Price: Cheapest. A 30-minute ride in Beijing ≈ ¥35-50.
- Best for: Solo travelers, short trips, or when you’re pretending to be on a budget.
Premier (专车)
- What you get: Cleaner cars (often Buick or VW), free water, quieter drivers.
- Price: 20-30% pricier than Express. Same ride ≈ ¥60-80.
- Best for: Airport runs, business trips, or when you need AC to survive summer.
Luxe (豪华车)
- What you get: Mercedes-Benz, umbrellas, phone chargers, drivers in suits.
- Price: 2-3x Express. Flex for special occasions.
- Best for: Impressing your date or drowning in luxury after a brutal flight delay.
Express Pool (拼车)
- What you get: Shared rides with strangers (awkward silence included).
- Price: 30-50% off Express.
- Best for: Saving cash when you’re not in a hurry.
Pro Tip: After selecting a car type, swipe left to see all options. Some cities even offer vans or EVs!
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 ¥10-15 (varies by city).
- Per Kilometer: ¥2-4 (cheaper than traditional taxis).
- Per Minute: ¥0.5-1 during traffic jams.
- Surge Pricing: Avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM (weekdays) when fares spike up to 2x.
Real-World Example:
A 20-minute, 8km ride in Beijing:
- Express: ¥30-40
- Premier: ¥50-70
- Luxe: ¥100+
How to Use DiDi - More than just Taxi
Source from Unsplash
DiDi isn’t just cars. Think of it as your all-in-one transport cheat code:
Didi Bike (青桔)
Bright green e-bikes/scooters. ¥1.5 for 30 minutes.
Perfect for short hops (subway station → hotel).
DiDi Bus
Fixed routes, ¥2-5 rides. Use Google Translate to decode stops.
Pro tip: Great for cross-city adventures on a budget.
Designated Drivers (代驾)
Drank too much? A driver arrives to drive YOUR car home. ¥100-200.
DiDi Luxe
Mercedes-Benz rides with bottled water, phone chargers, and drivers in suits. Flex for special occasions.
International Rides
Pre-book rides in Japan, Australia, Mexico, etc., if your trip extends beyond China.
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.