How to Use Didi in China: A Foreigner's Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

One of the biggest anxieties for foreigners visiting China is transportation. How do you hail a taxi if you don't speak Mandarin? How do you pay? The answer is Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行), China's equivalent of Uber or Grab.

Didi is an essential app that has made getting around Chinese cities incredibly convenient. With its powerful English interface and support for international credit cards, it's a must-have for any traveler.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from installation to hailing your first ride like a local.

Step 1: Download and Install Didi Before You Go

Just like with VPNs, it's best practice to download the Didi app before you arrive in China. While it's sometimes available in Chinese app stores, getting it from your home country's App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) is the easiest and safest method.

• iOS: Search for "Didi Chuxing" on the App Store.
• Android: Search for "DiDi - Greater China" on the Google Play Store.

Step 2: Account Setup with a Foreign Number

Didi works perfectly fine with non-Chinese phone numbers.

1. Open the App: Launch Didi for the first time.
2. Enter Your Phone Number: Select your country code from the dropdown list and enter your regular mobile number.
3. Verify: You will receive an SMS verification code. Enter it to confirm your number.
4. Set Your Name: Enter your name as it appears on your passport.

That's it! Your account is now active.

Step 3: Add Your International Credit Card

The key to Didi's convenience is cashless payment. You can easily link your foreign credit or debit card.

1. Go to "My Wallet": In the Didi app, tap the person icon or menu button to find your profile, then select "My Wallet".
2. Select "Payment Methods": Look for an option like "Link Card" or "Payment Methods".
3. Add Card Details: Enter your Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card information. Didi's payment processor is secure.
4. Verification: The app may perform a small temporary authorization charge (e.g., $1) to verify the card, which will be refunded.

With your card linked, all rides will be automatically charged upon completion. You never need to handle cash. This is a huge advantage, as many drivers prefer not to carry cash.

Pro Tip: We recommend linking your Didi to Alipay if you have it set up, as it sometimes offers a higher transaction success rate. You can find our Alipay setup guide here.

Step 4: Hailing Your First Ride

This is where the magic happens. Didi's interface is surprisingly intuitive.

1. Set Your Destination (The Smart Way):

   • The "Where to?" box is your starting point. You can type your destination in English (e.g., "The Bund, Shanghai").
   • Pro Tip: For maximum accuracy, use the Chinese name of your destination if you have it. You can copy-paste it from a map app or your hotel's website. This eliminates any ambiguity.
   • The app will automatically detect your current location via GPS for the pickup point. You can also drag the pin to adjust it precisely.

2. Choose Your Ride Type:

   • Express (快车): This is the most common and affordable option, similar to UberX. This is what you'll use 99% of the time.
   • Premier (专车): A more premium service with higher-quality cars and professional drivers. Good for business travel or special occasions.
   • Taxi (出租车): Hails a regular city taxi. The fare is calculated by the taxi's meter, but payment is still handled through the app.

3. Confirm and Wait:

   • The app will show you an estimated fare.
   • Tap "Confirm" to send out your request.
   • Didi will match you with a nearby driver. You'll see their name, license plate number, car model, and current location in real-time.

Step 5: Communicating with Your Driver

Don't speak Mandarin? No problem. Didi has built-in tools to handle this.

• In-App Chat & Translation: Didi has a chat function with an automatic translation feature. You can type in English, and it will be translated into Chinese for the driver. Their reply will be translated back into English for you.
• Pre-set Messages: The chat also has helpful pre-set messages like "I have arrived at the pickup location" and "Please wait a moment."

Example Scenario: The driver calls you. This can be stressful, but don't panic!

1. Decline the call.
2. Immediately open the in-app chat.
3. Type a simple message like, "Sorry, I cannot speak Chinese. I am at the pickup location." The driver will see the translation and will likely communicate via the app from then on.

Safety Features You Should Use

Didi has robust safety features that are highly recommended for all users:

• Share Your Trip: You can share your live trip status with a contact, who can see your route and ETA in real-time.
• Emergency Assistance: There is an in-app emergency button that can connect you with Didi's safety team or local police.
• Trip Recording: You can enable audio recording for your trip for added security.

Final Tips for a Smooth Ride

• Match the License Plate: Always match the license plate number in the app with the car that arrives before getting in.
• Use for Long Distances: Didi is excellent for traveling between cities or to airports. You can even schedule rides in advance.
• Check Your Visa Status: Before you even hail a ride from the airport, make sure your visa is in order! Use our free China Visa Checker tool to be sure.

By following this guide, you'll be navigating China with Didi like a pro, saving you time, money, and stress on your incredible journey.