Getting around
How to use DiDi in China
DiDi is China's Uber. It has an English interface, payment is automatic via Alipay, and you never need to speak to the driver. The easiest way to get around.
Download DiDi and sign in
Search DiDi in your App Store. It's the orange icon.
Open it and sign up with your phone number. When prompted for payment, connect your Alipay account — this means you never need to handle cash or speak to the driver about payment.
Sign in with your phone number — the same one you used for Alipay or WeChat. DiDi links to your Alipay for automatic payment.
Book a ride
Tap the search bar and type your destination in English. DiDi's search understands most major landmarks, hotels, and addresses.
Select the ride type — Express (快车) is the standard option, similar to UberX. Confirm your pickup location on the map.
Tap Confirm to book. You'll see your driver's details, car plate number, and ETA.
You can search destinations in English. DiDi also understands pinyin (romanised Chinese). If you know the Chinese name of your destination, pasting it works even better.
Meeting your driver
The app shows your driver's name, photo, car model, and plate number. Go to your pickup location and wait.
When the car arrives, check the plate matches the app. Get in — payment is fully automatic via Alipay when the ride ends.
If the driver calls you and you don't speak Chinese, don't panic. Open the app — there's a translate button in the chat that converts messages. Or just wait at your pin location and look for the car plate shown in the app.
Screenshot the car plate number when you book. This helps you identify your car in a busy area like an airport pickup zone.
At the airport — use the designated DiDi zone
At Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Beijing Capital (PEK), DiDi has designated pickup areas. Follow the signs or check the airport map.
Avoid the taxi touts outside arrivals — they charge 3–4× the meter rate. Official DiDi or metered taxis only.
At major airports, DiDi pickups are in a separate area from regular taxis — usually on a lower level or a specific exit. Search 'DiDi pickup [airport name]' to find the exact spot.
Useful Chinese phrases (show your phone)