What Is Didi?
DiDi Global is China's largest ride-hailing platform and one of the most widely used transportation apps in the country.
Similar to Uber, Didi allows passengers to:
- Book private cars
- Request taxis
- Choose different vehicle options
- Receive estimated prices
- Pay digitally
- Track drivers in real time
Millions of Chinese residents use Didi every day, making it one of the most convenient ways to travel locally.
Can Foreigners Use Didi in China?
Yes, international visitors can use Didi.
Foreign travellers can generally access Didi services through:
- The Didi app
- The international version of the app
- Didi services integrated within Alipay
Visitors can use Didi for:
✓ Airport transfers
✓ Hotel transportation
✓ City sightseeing
✓ Restaurant visits
✓ Evening travel
✓ Long-distance city transfers
For first-time visitors, ride-hailing is often much easier than trying to explain destinations to taxi drivers.
How Do Foreigners Set Up Didi in China?
Option 1: Use Didi Through Alipay
For many travellers, this is the easiest option.
Steps:
- Download Alipay before travelling
- Complete account registration
- Access Didi through Alipay's transport services
- Enter your destination
- Confirm your ride
This option is convenient because many visitors already need Alipay for mobile payments.
Option 2: Download the Didi App
International visitors can also download the Didi app directly.
You may need:
- A mobile phone number
- Passport information
- Payment method
The exact registration process may vary depending on your nationality and current app requirements.
Can Foreigners Pay for Didi Without a Chinese Bank Account?
Yes.
Many international travellers can pay for Didi using supported international payment methods.
Common options include:
- Linked overseas bank cards
- Alipay payment
- Other supported digital payment methods
Before travelling, it is recommended to prepare your payment setup in advance.
Related guide:
Can Foreigners Use Mobile Payments in China? (Alipay & WeChat Pay Guide)
Is Didi Available in All Chinese Cities?
Didi operates across many cities in China.
It is especially convenient in major destinations such as:
Beijing
Useful for:
- Airport transfers
- Attractions spread across the city
- Late-night transportation
Shanghai
Helpful for:
- Pudong Airport transfers
- Exploring different neighbourhoods
- Restaurant and shopping trips
Chengdu
Convenient for:
- Panda Base visits
- Food experiences
- Local neighbourhood exploration
Xi'an
Useful for:
- Terracotta Warriors transportation
- City sightseeing
Hangzhou
Ideal for:
- West Lake area
- Tea villages
- Nearby cultural sites
Availability may vary in smaller towns and rural areas.
Is Didi Better Than Taking a Taxi in China?
Both options work, but many international travellers prefer ride-hailing apps.
Advantages of Didi:
1. No Language Barrier
You enter your destination digitally.
No need to explain addresses in Chinese.
2. Transparent Pricing
The app usually shows:
- Estimated fare
- Route information
- Driver details
3. Easier Navigation
The destination is already entered into the driver's navigation system.
4. More Convenient Payment
Payment is handled digitally after the journey.
Should You Still Use Traditional Taxis?
Yes.
Traditional taxis remain a reliable option, especially:
- Outside airports
- At train stations
- In smaller cities
Helpful tips:
- Keep your destination address in Chinese
- Carry your hotel card
- Confirm the meter is used
- Avoid unofficial drivers offering rides
How Much Does Didi Cost in China?
Prices depend on:
- City
- Distance
- Time of day
- Traffic conditions
- Vehicle type
Generally, ride-hailing in China is affordable compared with many Western countries.
For example:
A short city ride may cost around the equivalent of a few Australian dollars, while airport transfers naturally cost more.
Tips for Using Didi as a Foreign Traveller
Before Your Trip
✓ Download apps before arrival
✓ Set up payment methods
✓ Save your hotel address in Chinese
✓ Keep your passport details available
During Your Ride
✓ Check the licence plate matches the app
✓ Confirm the driver's name
✓ Keep your destination visible
✓ Save important addresses
Other Ways to Travel Around Chinese Cities
Didi is convenient, but China offers many transportation choices.
Metro
Best for:
- Major cities
- Avoiding traffic
- Budget travel
Cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen have excellent metro systems.
High-Speed Rail
Best for:
- City-to-city travel
- Long distances
- Comfortable journeys
Private Transfers
For travellers seeking maximum comfort, private transfers provide:
- Airport pickup
- English-speaking assistance
- Flexible schedules
- Luggage support
This option is especially suitable for:
- Families
- Older travellers
- Luxury travellers
- Small private groups
How GO EAST Makes Transportation Easy
For international travellers, transportation is not only about getting from A to B.
It is about feeling comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.
GO EAST provides personalised support including:
- Airport arrival assistance
- Private vehicle arrangements
- English-speaking local guides
- Flexible itinerary adjustments
- Transportation coordination throughout your journey
From the moment you arrive in China, we help remove the small uncertainties that can affect your travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tourists use Didi without speaking Chinese?
Yes. The app allows travellers to enter destinations digitally, reducing communication difficulties.
Does Didi work with foreign phone numbers?
Many international visitors can register using overseas phone numbers, although availability may depend on current platform policies.
Can I use Uber in China?
Uber does not operate as a normal ride-hailing service in mainland China. Most travellers use Didi instead.
Is Didi safe for foreigners?
Didi includes standard safety features such as driver information, route tracking and digital records of rides.
Travellers should always confirm vehicle details before entering.
Final Thoughts
China's transportation system may seem unfamiliar before your first visit, but services like Didi make exploring Chinese cities much easier.
With mobile payments, modern metro systems and convenient ride-hailing apps, international travellers can move around China safely and efficiently.
The key is preparation.
Once transportation is no longer a concern, you are free to focus on what truly matters—discovering China's culture, landscapes and local experiences.
At GO EAST, we help international travellers experience China comfortably through thoughtful planning, local expertise and personalised support.