How to Use DiDi in China as a Foreign Traveler

Getting around China is easier when you can book a ride directly from your phone, but using a local ride-hailing service for the first time can raise practical questions.

"Where do you book a ride?
How do you pay?
What should you do at a busy airport or train station when the pickup point is difficult to find?"

DiDi is one of the main ride-hailing options in China, and its app-based booking system can be convenient for international visitors. This guide covers the essential steps for using DiDi as a foreign traveler, from setting up your account and payment method to booking a ride, finding your driver, and troubleshooting common problems.

Can Foreigners Use DiDi in China?

Yes. Foreign travelers can use DiDi in mainland China with an international phone number and a supported payment method. You do not need to get a Chinese phone number or open a Chinese bank account just to book a DiDi ride.

Before using DiDi, make sure you have:

• A smartphone with an active internet connection
• An international phone number that can receive SMS
• A supported payment method, such as an international bank card or a linked mobile payment account
• The DiDi app, or access to DiDi through Alipay or WeChat

Once these are ready, you can book a ride directly from your phone.

How to Use DiDi in China

The basic DiDi booking process is straightforward. Follow these steps to book a ride from your current location to your destination.

Step 1: Download and Open DiDi

Download the DiDi app and open it on your phone. If you already use Alipay or WeChat, you may also be able to access DiDi through the relevant transportation or ride-hailing service within the app. Make sure location services and mobile data are enabled so the app can determine your current location and communicate with the driver.

Step 2: Sign Up with Your Phone Number

If you are using the DiDi app for the first time, enter your international phone number and request a verification code. Enter the code sent to your phone to complete the initial account setup. You do not need to replace your international number with a Chinese number simply to register for DiDi.

Step 3: Add a Payment Method

Set up your payment method before requesting a ride. Depending on how you access DiDi, you may be able to use an international bank card or pay through a supported Alipay or WeChat account. Adding your payment method in advance helps avoid payment issues after the ride.

Step 4: Enter Your Pickup Location

Open the ride-hailing page and check the pickup point shown on the map. If DiDi detects your location automatically, make sure the map pin is in the correct place before confirming it. For hotels, shopping malls, airports, and train stations, select the specific entrance or designated pickup area when available. A general location such as the name of a large building may not be precise enough for the driver.

Step 5: Enter Your Destination

Enter your destination in the destination field and select the correct location from the search results. For hotels, attractions, and other large venues with multiple entrances, check the map location before continuing. If you have the Chinese name or address of your destination, using it can help you select the correct location.

Step 6: Choose a Ride Type

DiDi will show the available ride options for your location. Select the service you want and check the estimated fare before booking. The available ride types can vary depending on the city, time, and location, so you may not see the same options everywhere in China.

Step 7: Confirm and Book Your Ride

Check the pickup point, destination, ride type, and estimated fare. If everything is correct, confirm the booking and wait for a driver to accept the request. Once a driver is assigned, the app will display the driver's information and vehicle details.

Step 8: Find and Verify Your Driver

Before getting into the vehicle, compare the information in the app with the actual car. Check the:

• Driver's name
• License plate number
• Vehicle model or other identifying details
• Pickup location

After you get into the car, the driver may ask for the last four digits of the phone number used to book the ride to verify the passenger and order. Simply provide the four digits shown at the end of your registered phone number.

How to Pay for DiDi in China

For foreign travelers, the main payment options are international bank cards, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. The exact options can vary depending on whether you use the standalone DiDi app or access DiDi through a payment platform.

• Pay with an International Bank Card

If the DiDi app allows you to add an international card, you can add your card as a payment method before booking a ride. After the trip ends, the fare can be charged to the card linked to your account. It's best to add and verify your card before you need to book a ride, rather than trying to set it up while waiting for a car.

• Pay Through Alipay or WeChat Pay

You can also use DiDi through Alipay or WeChat, where the ride fare is charged through the payment method linked to the relevant account. This can be convenient if you already plan to use Alipay or WeChat for other purchases in China, as you can manage your payment methods in one place.

What If Your Payment Fails?

If a payment does not go through, first check whether:

• Your bank card is supported and has not expired.
• Your card issuer has not declined the transaction.
• Your Alipay or WeChat account has a valid payment method.
• You have a stable internet connection when completing the payment.

If the problem continues, try another supported payment method rather than repeatedly submitting the same failed transaction.

How to Stay Connected with Your DiDi Driver

When using DiDi in China with an international phone number, staying connected after booking is important. If the driver cannot find you or needs to clarify the pickup location, you may need to communicate through the app rather than relying on a regular local phone call.

Why You Need a Data Connection

An active mobile data connection allows you to:

• Receive updates when a driver accepts your request or changes location
• Track the driver's location while waiting
• Receive and respond to messages through the app
• Check or update your pickup location if the driver cannot find you
• Use the app's communication features during the pickup

How a Travel eSIM Helps

A travel eSIM can provide mobile data in mainland China without requiring you to purchase and install a local physical SIM card. Once activated and connected to a supported local network, you can use the data connection for DiDi and other travel apps.

For foreign travelers, this means you can:

• Stay connected after leaving the airport or train station
• Use DiDi without relying on public Wi-Fi
• Communicate with your driver through the app
• Continue using maps and other navigation apps during your trip

Traveling to China?

Stay connected with ByteSIM China eSIM — use DiDi, maps, and travel apps without relying on public Wi-Fi.

Explore ByteSIM eSIM →

Using DiDi at Chinese Airports and Train Stations

Using DiDi at an airport or train station is similar to booking a regular ride, but finding the correct pickup point can be more challenging. Large transport hubs often have multiple entrances, exits, parking areas, and designated ride-hailing zones.

1. Check the Pickup Location Before Booking

Before confirming your ride, check the pickup point shown in the DiDi app rather than relying only on your current GPS location. At airports and train stations, the designated pickup area may be some distance from the arrival hall or station exit. Follow signs for Ride Hailing, Online Car-Hailing, or 网约车 to find the correct area.

2. Follow the App if the Pickup Point Changes

After booking, check the pickup information in the app for any updated instructions. If the driver asks you to move to another nearby location, use the map and in-app messages to confirm where you should meet. Allow extra time to reach the pickup area, especially at large airports and railway stations where walking from the terminal or platform can take several minutes.

What to Do If You Cannot Use DiDi in China

If you cannot use DiDi during your trip, you still have several ways to get around China. The best alternative depends on where you are and how quickly you need a ride.

• Take a Traditional Taxi

Traditional taxis are widely available in major Chinese cities, especially around airports, railway stations, hotels, and popular tourist areas. Look for an official taxi stand or designated taxi queue rather than accepting rides from unofficial drivers.

• Use Public Transportation

For trips within cities, metro systems and buses can be practical alternatives to ride-hailing. Major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen have extensive metro networks. Google Maps may not provide the most useful local transit information in mainland China. For more detailed route planning, consider using Amap (Gaode Maps) or Baidu Maps, which provide local information for metro, bus, walking, and driving routes.

• Ask Your Hotel for Help

If you are having trouble arranging transportation, your hotel can often help you call a taxi or provide the destination address in Chinese. This can be particularly useful when traveling to a location that is difficult to explain to a driver.

• Arrange Airport or Hotel Transfers in Advance

For airport arrivals or late-night travel, booking a private transfer in advance can be a useful backup if you do not want to rely on DiDi. This is especially practical when traveling with several people or carrying large amounts of luggage.

Tips for Using DiDi in China as a Foreigner

A few practical habits can make DiDi easier to use, especially when you are unfamiliar with Chinese addresses, transport hubs, or local pickup procedures.

• Save your hotel and destination addresses in Chinese. Chinese names or addresses can make it easier to select the correct location in DiDi and communicate with drivers if needed.
• Allow extra time at airports and train stations. Finding the designated ride-hailing area can take longer than expected, particularly at large transport hubs.
• Keep your phone charged. Your phone is needed for booking, navigation, driver communication, and payment, so avoid arriving at your destination with a low battery.
• Check the destination before confirming the ride. Large hotels, attractions, shopping malls, and railway stations may have multiple entrances, so make sure the selected location matches where you actually want to go.
• Keep a backup transportation option in mind. If you cannot complete a DiDi booking because of payment, app, or connectivity issues, use an official taxi, public transportation, or a pre-arranged transfer instead.

FAQ

Can I book DiDi for someone else in China?

Yes, you can generally arrange a ride for another person through DiDi. Make sure the passenger knows the pickup location, destination, and vehicle information so they can identify the correct car when it arrives.

Can I schedule a DiDi ride in advance?

Availability for scheduled rides depends on the city and service type. If the option is available in your DiDi interface, you can select a future pickup time when booking. For important airport transfers, consider arranging transportation with a dedicated transfer service as a backup.

Can I use DiDi in smaller cities in China?

DiDi coverage varies by city and service type. Major cities generally have more ride options, while availability may be more limited in smaller cities or rural areas. Check the app for available services before relying on DiDi for a specific journey.

Can I change my destination after the ride starts?

Depending on the ride and app interface, you may be able to update the destination after the trip begins. If the option is unavailable, communicate the change to the driver through the app and confirm any additional fare before continuing.

Can I take luggage in a DiDi?

Yes, standard DiDi vehicles can usually accommodate normal travel luggage, but vehicle size varies. If you are traveling with several large suitcases, consider choosing a larger vehicle option when available.

What if I need help communicating with my DiDi driver?

Use the in-app communication features whenever possible. Having your hotel name, destination, or pickup location written in Chinese can also make communication easier if you need to clarify where to meet.

© DiDi Travel Guide — Getting around China made simple.