How to use DiDi in China as a foreigner: Complete Guide

Navigating China's vibrant cities can be challenging without speaking Mandarin. Enter Didi, the country's go-to ride-hailing app, similar to Grab or Uber. With an English interface and a range of options from budget cars to luxury transfers, Didi makes getting around stress-free.

This guide covers everything foreigners need to know to use Didi in China, from account setup and payment to essential safety tips. We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

What is DiDi in China?

DiDi, officially known as DiDi Chuxing, is China’s leading private car hire platform that’s similar to Uber or Grab. This “super-app” is the one you’ll need for getting around the cities. From private car rides, taxis, ridesharing, and bike sharing, DiDi has become an essential tool for both locals and foreigners to get around easily. DiDi has more than 550 million users around the world across its various platforms.¹

DiDi was created in 2012 and expanded rapidly, merging with a rival in 2015 and acquiring Uber’s operations in China a year later. Today, DiDi is the number one ride-hailing platform in China and one of the most influential in the world.²

What services does DiDi offer?

DiDi has a huge range of services³ that go above and beyond ride-hailing.

Core ride-hailing services

• DiDi Taxi - Launched in 2012, DiDi Taxi provides over 500 taxi companies in China, Japan, and Brazil with an intelligent dispatching system.
• DiDi Express - This service matches riders travelling in the same direction with a shared car.
• DiDi Premier: This premium service includes a 24/7 customer service hotline in Mandarin and English for additional services like child seats, riders with mobility restrictions, and arrangements for guide dogs.
• DiDi Luxe - This premium service offers mid to high-end cars that come with their own drivers.

Other mobility and convenience services

• Designated driving - This service lets customers who own a vehicle hire a chauffeur.
• DiDi Bus - This platform offers real-time minibus pooling services, customised bus services, and intelligent bus dispatching systems.
• Bike-sharing - The bike-sharing platform for Didi’s bikes and e-bikes that integrates other companies like Ofo and Bluegogo.
• DiDi Food - Their food delivery service that is available in China, Mexico, and Brazil.

Can foreigners use DiDi in China?

Yes, DiDi is easy for foreigners to use. The app has a full English interface for both sign-up and booking, and it features a handy built-in translator to help you communicate with your driver.

How to use DiDi in China as a foreigner: Step-by-step

Ready to get started with China’s number one ride-hailing app? Here’s how.

Step 1: Download the DiDi app

Go to your app store (like the Apple App Store or Google Play) and search for "DiDi." You may see several DiDi-related apps; be sure to download the official ride-hailing app for passengers, which usually features a bright orange logo.

Step 2: Set up your account with a phone number

Next, you’ll be asked to set up your account, and you’ll need a phone number. International numbers are fine. When you receive the code, key it in for verification, and you’ll get access to the app.

Step 3: Add a payment method

When you get into the app, the next thing you do is add a payment method. Click on “Wallet” then “Payment Methods.” There, you’ll see a list of all the ways you can pay, including using your credit card or a Wise card to save on foreign transaction fees.

Step 4: How to book a ride with the DiDi app

Like other apps, DiDi will automatically acquire your pickup location, but you can also amend it on the map. You can key in your destination’s address or also pick it on the map.

Step 5: Communicating with your driver

Once you’ve made your booking, you can communicate with your driver by either tapping the “Phone” icon to make a call or the “Message” icon to send an in-app message. The texting function comes with an in-built English translator. Mobile numbers are kept anonymous for privacy reasons, so you’ll need to use the app to get in touch.

Step 6: Completing your trip and checking your receipt

Once you’ve reached your destination, simply jump out of the cab, tip if you like, and leave. Depending on your payment method, you’ll be billed accordingly. You can check the trip details and get the receipt through the app, or request an invoice if, for example, you need to make an expense claim.

👀 Need to set up your payment method before you can ride? See our complete guide on using WeChat Pay & Alipay.

💳 Click here to order a Wise card

How to use DiDi on Alipay and WeChat (No app download needed)

If you have Alipay or WeChat, using DiDi is even easier. Both of these apps have a mini-program that will give you access to all of DiDi’s features without having to download the main app.

How to use DiDi on Alipay

1. First, open your Alipay app. Find the DiDi program by searching for DD on the homepage or going to the “More” section and looking for the DiDi icon.
2. You’ll be asked to grant the DiDi mini-program permission to use your location.
3. Then, log in to your DiDi account using your phone number. You may need to verify some details if you are a first-time user in China.
4. Enter your pickup location and destination.
5. Select your ride type and confirm your request.
6. Wait for a driver to accept, then the app will display the driver’s information and estimated arrival time.
7. Once you’ve reached your destination, the fare will be deducted from your linked Alipay account or credit card on file.

How to use DiDi on WeChat

1. Open WeChat, and look for the “Discover” icon on the bottom navigation bar.
2. Scroll down and look for Mini Programs.
3. Search for DiDi. If you can’t find DiDi, try typing "滴滴出行" (DiDi Chuxing) and select the service
4. Allow DiDi to access your location. Your pickup location will be set automatically to this, but you can move the pin around and adjust it.
5. Key in your destination.
6. Select your ride type and confirm your booking.
7. Once a driver accepts, the driver’s details and estimated arrival time will be displayed.
8. When you’ve reached your destination, the payment will automatically be deducted from your WeChat Pay account.

Pay for transport, food, and shopping with the Wise card to maximise your SGD to CNY conversions

The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including MYR, JPY, CNY, and USD so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up SGD to get started.

Virtual cards are free and can be added to your Google or Apple Pay wallet, while a physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 8.50 SGD. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as 2 free ATM withdrawals to the value of 350 SGD each month, before low fees start.

While abroad, you can choose to spend with directly in SGD and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.26%.

💳 Get your Wise card

Frequently asked questions

Is DiDi cheap in China?

Yes, DiDi is generally an affordable transportation option in China and is often cheaper than traditional taxis. The final fare depends heavily on the service you select, with Express being the most cost-effective choice for everyday rides, while Premier is a more expensive, premium option.

Keep in mind that DiDi uses dynamic pricing, so fares will increase during peak commute times, in high-demand areas, and during bad weather. For the best value, travel during off-peak hours and always check the app for available coupons or promotions before you book.

Can you use an international credit card on DiDi?
Yes, you can use an international credit card or a Wise card on DiDi. Some international cards charge foreign transaction fees, so check before you pay. The Wise card allows you to pay in the local currency, helping you avoid any hidden fees and get the mid-market exchange rate.

Is DiDi safe in China?
DiDi takes safety very seriously and has invested significantly in safety measures⁴. The app features an SOS button where you can immediately reach law enforcement services. You can also share your trip with someone you trust with their live GPS tracking. Phone numbers are hidden, and your specific pick-up and drop-off locations will be hidden after your trip.

The picture of your driver must be matched against the approved profile picture to ensure that it is not someone else, and all drivers have to go through rigorous safety verifications and background checks.

Their 24/7 Incident Response Team is also on hand if you require immediate assistance. Now, you can even record your ride with their audio recording function if you allow them to do so. Recordings will stay on your device for 30 days unless you delete them sooner, and no one can access them unless you send them in for a report.