How to Use DiDi in China: A Step-by-Step Guide for Travelers (2026) |
Complete tutorial on using China's leading ride-hailing app DiDi. From download to payment setup, ride booking, and tips for English-speaking travelers.
Table of Contents
DiDi is China’s largest ride-hailing platform — think Uber, but with over 550 million users across Asia, Latin America, and Africa. For travelers in China, DiDi is the most reliable way to get around without speaking Chinese.
Before You Start
You need three things to use DiDi in China: a working internet connection (VPN recommended for stable access), a smartphone, and an international credit card or Alipay/WeChat Pay account. DiDi has an English interface but you will need to verify your phone number.
How to Set Up and Use DiDi
Follow these steps to start riding with DiDi during your China trip.
Setting Up DiDi in 5 Steps
Download the DiDi App
Download DiDi from the Apple App Store for iOS, or the official website for Android (Google Play is not accessible in China). Look for the app with the orange icon. The English name is 'DiDi Rider.'
Create Your Account
Open the app and tap 'Register.' You can sign up with your email address or your phone number. For travelers, registering with an international phone number works, but using a Chinese SIM card is recommended for smoother SMS verification. If using an international number, you may need to manually select your country code.
Add a Payment Method
Go to 'Payment' in the settings menu. DiDi accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express for international users. Alternatively, link Alipay or WeChat Pay if you have them set up. Note that cash payment is not available in all cities.
Book Your First Ride
Enter your destination in English or Chinese. DiDi supports English for most major cities and landmarks. Select your ride type — 'Express' is the standard option. You will see the estimated fare before confirming. Tap 'Confirm Ride' and wait for a driver to accept.
During and After the Ride
Once a driver accepts, you can see their license plate, car model, and real-time location. DiDi has a built-in translation chat for communicating with the driver. At the end of the ride, the fare is automatically charged to your card. Rate your driver and you are done.
Ride Types and Pricing
DiDi offers several ride options to suit different needs and budgets:
| Ride Type | Description | Price Range (per km) |
|---|---|---|
| Express (快车) | Standard ride, most popular | ¥1.5 - ¥2.5/km |
| Premier (优享) | Better cars, more legroom | ¥2.5 - ¥4.0/km |
| Taxi (出租车) | Regular city taxis | Metered |
| Luxe (豪华车) | Premium vehicles | ¥5.0+/km |
| Hitch (顺风车) | Carpooling, cheap | Fixed per trip |
Prices vary by city and time of day. Surge pricing applies during peak hours and bad weather, similar to Uber.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Enable your VPN before opening DiDi — the app may not load properly without one in China
- Use the ‘Send to Friend’ feature to share your ride details with someone who can help with directions
- Save your hotel address as a preset destination for easy booking
- DiDi supports English in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and most tourist cities — but smaller cities may have Chinese-only interfaces
- Cancel fees apply after 3 minutes, so only cancel if necessary
DiDi Global
Download DiDi before your trip and get your first ride discounted. Available in English with international credit card support. Covers over 400 cities across China.
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