🚗 Ride-Hailing
How to Use Didi in China as a Foreigner
Set up and use DiDi (China's Uber) without a Chinese phone number. Ride options, payment, and tips.
🎯 Quick Answer
You can use DiDi without a Chinese phone number. The easiest way is through the Alipay or WeChat mini-program — open the app, search for DiDi, and book a ride. Payment goes through Alipay/WeChat automatically. The standalone DiDi app also has an English version.
📱 Method 1: Through Alipay or WeChat (Easiest)
If you already have Alipay set up (see the Alipay setup guide):
- Open Alipay or WeChat
- Scroll down to "Mini Programs" (or search for "DiDi")
- Tap the DiDi mini-program
- Allow location access
- Set your pickup and destination, choose a ride type, and confirm.
Find DiDi in Alipay's mini program list
Search for DiDi in WeChat's mini programs
Payment goes through Alipay or WeChat automatically. No Chinese phone number needed.
📲 Method 2: Download the DiDi App
The DiDi app has an English version. Download it from your app store (search "DiDi Rider"). You can register with an international phone number and switch the interface to English in settings.
Payment methods: Alipay, WeChat Pay, Visa/Mastercard (add in-app).
🚘 Ride Types
- Express (快车): Standard ride, cheapest. Comparable to UberX.
- Premier (优享): Slightly nicer cars, a bit more expensive.
- Taxi (出租车): Hails a regular taxi through the app. Pay the meter rate digitally.
- Luxury (豪华车): High-end cars (Mercedes, BMW). Expensive.
- Hiring a Car (包车): Book a driver for multiple hours or a full day.
💡 Tips for Using DiDi
- Set your pickup accurately: Drag the pin on the map to exactly where you're standing. Drivers often can't find you if the pin is off.
- Check the license plate: Match the plate number in the app to the car.
- Use the in-app chat: It has built-in translation for communicating with your driver.
- Be patient: In busy areas, your driver might be a few minutes away.
- Tolls: Highway tolls and airport fees are added to your fare automatically.
🔀 What About Uber?
Uber sold its China operations to DiDi in 2016. The Uber app still works in China but only for international travelers, and driver availability is limited. DiDi is the default ride-hailing service — you'll get faster pickups and better coverage.