Can I Use Uber in China? (2025) + Best Alternatives

No. Uber does not operate in China.

If you open the Uber app in China, you'll see no drivers available. The company sold its China operations in 2016 and exited the market completely.

But don't worry—ride-hailing in China is excellent. Here's what to use instead.

What Happened to Uber in China?

Uber entered China in 2014 but faced fierce competition from local rival Didi Chuxing. After burning through billions of dollars in a price war, Uber sold its China business to Didi in August 2016.

In exchange, Uber received a 17.7% stake in Didi (since reduced). The Uber app and service completely ceased operations in mainland China.

Bottom line: Uber lost. Didi won. Use Didi.

The Alternative: Didi (滴滴出行)

Didi is China's dominant ride-hailing app—think Uber but bigger. It has over 500 million users and is available in virtually every Chinese city.

How Didi Works

Same concept as Uber:

1. Open app
2. Enter destination
3. Request ride
4. Driver arrives
5. Pay through app

Getting Didi as a Foreigner

Option 1: Didi Global App (Easiest)

Didi has an international version specifically for tourists:

• Download "Didi - Pair Rides" or "DiDi Global"
• Available in English
• Works with international credit cards
• No Chinese phone number needed

Option 2: Chinese Didi via WeChat

If you have WeChat set up:

• Open WeChat → Discover → Mini Programs
• Search "滴滴出行"
• Use WeChat Pay for payment

Option 3: Alipay Mini Program

Similar to WeChat:

• Open Alipay
• Search for Didi
• Link to Alipay payment

Didi Service Types

Service	Chinese	Description
Express	快车	Standard, cheapest
Premier	优享	Better cars
Luxe	豪华车	Luxury vehicles
Taxi	出租车	Hails regular taxis

For tourists, Express (快车) is fine for most trips.

Didi Tips

Before riding:

• Have destination written in Chinese characters
• Screenshot your destination from maps
• Ensure phone has working data

During pickup:

• Drivers call when arriving (in Chinese)
• Share your location if driver can't find you
• License plate shown in app—verify before entering

Payment:

• International cards work in Didi Global
• Cash accepted by some drivers (not ideal)
• Best: Link to Alipay or WeChat Pay

Other Ride-Hailing Options

Gaode Maps (高德地图)

Amap/Gaode includes ride-hailing:

• Aggregates multiple services
• Sometimes cheaper than Didi
• Useful if Didi is surging

Meituan Taxi (美团打车)

Food delivery app also does rides:

• Available in major cities
• Competitive pricing
• Good backup option

Caocao (曹操出行)

Electric vehicle ride-hailing:

• Eco-friendly option
• Newer, nicer cars
• Available in major cities

Regular Taxis Still Exist

Traditional taxis remain an option:

Hailing on street:

• Look for cars with 出租车 (taxi) signs
• Green light = available
• Wave to hail

Pros:

• No app needed
• Cash accepted
• Sometimes faster than waiting for Didi

Cons:

• Language barrier (drivers rarely speak English)
• Can refuse destinations
• Some may take long routes
• No price estimate

Tip: Show your destination in Chinese characters. Hotels can write addresses for you.

Taxi Scams to Avoid

• Refusing meter: Insist on 打表 (dǎ biǎo = use meter)
• Long routes: Use Baidu/Gaode Maps to track route
• Airport "taxis": Use only official taxi queue
• Fake taxis: Check for official markings, meter

Getting Around Without Apps

If apps aren't working:

Metro (Subway)

Best for most city travel:

• Cheap (¥3-8 per ride)
• No language needed (signs in English)
• No traffic
• Apps: Alipay for QR tickets

Walking

Chinese cities are walkable:

• Baidu Maps works offline
• Pedestrian navigation available
• Watch for electric scooters!

Hotel Concierge

Your hotel can:

• Call taxis for you
• Write destination cards
• Explain to drivers
• Handle communication

City-Specific Notes

Beijing

• Didi widely available
• Subway excellent
• Traffic bad (use metro for long distances)

Shanghai

• Didi works great
• Taxi availability good
• Metro very comprehensive

Guangzhou/Shenzhen

• High Didi availability
• Can also use Didi to cross HK-Shenzhen border

Smaller Cities

• Didi usually available
• May need Chinese app version
• Taxis more practical sometimes

Quick Comparison

Service	Works in China?	Payment	Language
Uber	❌ No	N/A	N/A
Didi Global	✅ Yes	International cards	English
Didi Chinese	✅ Yes	Alipay/WeChat	Chinese
Gaode Maps	✅ Yes	Alipay/WeChat	Chinese
Regular taxi	✅ Yes	Cash	Chinese
Metro	✅ Yes	Cash/Alipay	Bilingual

Summary

• Uber doesn't work in China
• Download Didi Global app before your trip
• Set up Alipay/WeChat Pay as backup
• Regular taxis still work (bring written addresses)
• Metro is often faster than cars anyway

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Need help getting around China? The China Survival Kit includes Didi setup guides, transportation tips, and destination cards for showing taxi drivers.