How to Use DiDi in China

What Is DiDi?

DiDi is China's largest ride-hailing platform and works similarly to Uber, Bolt, or Lyft. Millions of people use DiDi every day to travel between airports, train stations, hospitals, hotels, and tourist attractions.

For foreign visitors, DiDi is often the easiest and most comfortable way to travel around Chinese cities.

Can Foreigners Use DiDi?

Yes. Foreign visitors can use DiDi in China. The service can be accessed through:

• DiDi App
• WeChat Mini Program
• Alipay Mini Program

Most international visitors use WeChat Pay or Alipay to pay for rides.

How to Register

1. Download the DiDi App.
2. Choose your country code.
3. Enter your mobile phone number.
4. Verify by SMS.
5. Enable location services.

Payment Methods

DiDi generally supports:

• Alipay
• WeChat Pay
• Visa
• Mastercard
• Apple Pay (limited availability)

Alipay and WeChat Pay remain the most reliable options.

How to Book a Ride

1. Open DiDi.
2. Confirm your pickup location.
3. Enter your destination.
4. Select a vehicle type.
5. Confirm the ride.
6. Check the license plate before entering.

Airport Pickup

Most airports in China have designated ride-hailing pickup areas.

Follow airport signs marked:

• Online Taxi
• Ride-Hailing
• 网约车

The app may ask you to select a pickup gate, floor, or parking area.

What If the Driver Doesn't Speak English?

Most DiDi drivers do not speak English. This is normal.

Simply enter the destination correctly in the app.

Useful phrases:

• 你好，我是乘客 (Hello, I am the passenger.)
• 请按照导航走 (Please follow the navigation.)
• 这是医院地址 (This is the hospital address.)
• 请在这里停车 (Please stop here.)

Using DiDi for Hospital Visits

DiDi is particularly useful for hospital appointments because many large hospitals have multiple entrances and buildings.

Always prepare the hospital name and address in Chinese before booking.