How to Take a Taxi in China: DiDi Guide for Foreigners
Use DiDi, avoid scams, and get anywhere in China without speaking Chinese.
Contents
Why DiDi is Essential in China
DiDi (ζ»΄ζ»΄) is China's dominant ride-hailing app. It is the safest, cheapest, and most reliable way to get a car anywhere in China. Unlike street taxis, DiDi shows upfront pricing, tracks your route, and has an English interface.
- βDiDi works in every major city in China
- βPrices are fixed and shown before you book β no meter negotiations
- βYour driver's name, photo, and plate number are shown before pickup
- βDiDi has an English interface β you can type destinations in English
Setting Up DiDi
Download and set up DiDi before your trip.
- 1Download DiDi from the App Store or Google Play
- 2Create an account with your phone number
- 3Add a payment method β WeChat Pay, Alipay, or an international card
- 4Enable location permissions
- 5Test it with a short trip on arrival
Booking a Ride on DiDi
The DiDi interface is straightforward even if you cannot read Chinese.
- 1Open DiDi and allow location access
- 2Type your destination in English in the search bar
- 3Select from the results β match with the address you saved in Chinese characters
- 4Choose your car type (Express is standard, Premier is higher-end)
- 5Confirm the price and tap Book
- 6Wait at your pickup point and look for the matching plate number
- βSave your hotel address in Chinese β paste it into DiDi for accurate navigation
- βIf the driver calls, use WeChat Translate to communicate
- βTake a screenshot of your DiDi booking to show the driver if needed
Street Taxis vs DiDi
Street taxis exist but come with risks. Always prefer DiDi.
- βStreet taxis should always use their meter β insist on it or refuse the ride
- βNever accept a driver who quotes a flat fare before using the meter
- βAvoid taxis parked directly outside airports and train stations β they are often unlicensed
- βDiDi eliminates all of these problems β use it whenever possible
Unlicensed taxis (ι»θ½¦ hΔi chΔ, "black cars") operate near airports and tourist sites. They will overcharge significantly. Never get in a car where the driver approached you offering a ride.
If You Need a Street Taxi
When DiDi is unavailable, here is how to use a street taxi safely.
- 1Hail from a marked taxi stand or wave one down on a main road
- 2Ensure the driver starts the meter (ζ葨 dΗ biΗo) immediately
- 3Show the driver your destination in Chinese characters
- 4Take a photo of the taxi's license plate and driver ID before getting in
- 5Ask for a receipt (εη₯¨ fΔpiΓ o) at the end β it includes all trip details
Travel Cards β Show These to Locals
Save these cards on your phone and show them directly to taxi drivers, restaurant staff, or anyone who can help.
εΈε ζ¨ε₯½οΌθ―·ιζε»ζΊεΊγθ―·ζ葨οΌθ°’θ°’οΌζιθ¦εη₯¨γ
Hello driver, please take me to the airport. Please use the meter, thank you! I need a receipt.
Tip: Always request a receipt. It contains the driver's information and is essential if you leave something in the taxi.
εΈε οΌιΊ»η¦ιζε»ι«ιη«γθ°’θ°’οΌ
Driver, please take me to the high-speed rail station. Thank you!
Tip: If there are multiple train stations in the city, specify which one. For example: εδΊ¬εη« (Beijing South) or δΈζ΅·θΉζ‘₯η« (Shanghai Hongqiao).
Note: App pricing and availability may vary. Always verify current fare estimates within the DiDi app.
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