Updated August 2026 · 4 min read · Based on traveler reports, official documentation, and community discussions. How we research →

How to Use DiDi in China — Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners (2026)

DiDi (滴滴) is China's dominant ride-hailing platform, used by over 550 million registered users. It replaced Uber in China after acquiring its operations in 2016. For foreign visitors, DiDi is the most practical way to get around Chinese cities — it has a full English interface, accepts international Visa and Mastercard directly, and is available in over 400 Chinese cities.

Step 1 — Download DiDi

1. Download the DiDi app

   Available on the App Store and Google Play worldwide. Search "DiDi" or "DiDi Chuxing". The international version is the same app used in China.

2. Register with your phone number

   Open DiDi and tap Register. Enter your international phone number with country code (e.g. +44 for UK, +61 for Australia, +82 for Korea, +81 for Japan, +49 for Germany). Enter the SMS verification code sent to your phone.

3. Set the app language to English

   Tap the menu (top left) → Settings → Language → English. The interface switches immediately.

4. Add your payment method

   Tap Menu → Wallet → Add Card. International Visa and Mastercard are accepted directly — no Chinese bank account or Alipay required. Enter your card number, expiry, and CVV.

5. Enable location permissions

   DiDi needs location access to show available drivers near you. Grant "While Using" location access when prompted.

6. Book your first ride

   Tap the search bar at the bottom of the map. Type your destination in English — DiDi recognises English place names in major cities. Select "Express" (快车) for a standard private car (equivalent to UberX). Review the estimated fare and driver details, then tap Confirm.

7. Meet your driver

   Your driver's name, car model, licence plate, and real-time location appear on the map. Walk to the pin on the map — drivers follow the GPS routing. If there is a language barrier, show the driver your destination on the in-app map.

DiDi Ride Types Explained

• Express (快车) — Standard private car, like UberX. Most common choice for everyday trips.
• Premier (优享) — Higher-end vehicles (Audi, BMW). Slightly more expensive, often worth it for airport runs.
• Taxi (出租车) — Hails registered taxis via app, metered fare. Good option in cities with good taxi supply.
• Carpool (拼车) — Shared ride with other passengers going the same direction. Cheapest option, longer wait times.

Tips from Real DiDi Users

• DiDi fares are displayed before you confirm — the price shown is the final price, no surge surprise after the trip.
• Airport pickups: DiDi has designated pickup zones separate from the taxi rank — check the app for the exact pickup point at your airport.
• If a driver cancels, request again immediately — driver cancellations are common in busy periods but a new driver is usually assigned within 2 minutes.
• Visitors from Korea: DiDi and Grab have a partnership — in some cities you can book DiDi from within the Grab app without downloading DiDi separately.
• Keep a screenshot of your hotel address in Chinese characters — useful if the driver calls and there is a language barrier.
• DiDi's in-app chat has a translation feature for common phrases — use it to communicate pickup instructions.

What If DiDi Is Unavailable?

In smaller cities or during peak demand, DiDi may have limited driver supply. Alternatives worth having on your phone:

• Caocao (曹操出行) — All-electric fleet, Geely-owned. Strong coverage in second-tier cities.
• DiDaChe (嘀嗒出行) — Carpooling focus. Good for inter-city routes and suburban trips.
• Street taxis — Still available in most cities, meter-based. Show destination address in Chinese characters on your phone screen to communicate with the driver.