DiDi is China’s top ride-hailing app, similar to Uber, and it works well for foreigners with international phone numbers and credit cards.
This guide explains how foreigners can use the app in English, set up payments with international cards, book rides safely, and access DiDi bikes and buses.
What is DiDi App in China for Foreigners?
DiDi is China's top ride-hailing app (like Uber) that foreigners can use with international phone numbers and credit cards. The English version lets you book cars, bikes, and even buses across most Chinese cities, with cashless payments via Visa/Mastercard or Alipay. It's good for stress-free travel, with real-time translations and upfront pricing to avoid language barriers.
How to Download and Sign In to the DiDi App
Follow these simple steps to start using the DiDi app in China:
Step 1: Download the App
- Open the App Store, Google Play, or your Android app store.
- Search for “DiDi” and download the official app. Check the logo to make sure it is the correct one.
Step 2: Sign In and Register
- Open the app and choose your sign in method.
- You can use a foreign mobile number, Alipay, WeChat, or Apple account.
- If you use a mobile number, make sure international roaming, China eSIM, or a virtual number is active so you can receive the verification code.
- Enter the code to complete your registration.
📱 Arrive connected across China. Access Google Maps, DiDi, and all your apps the moment you land.
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Step 3: Change the Language
- If the app opens in Chinese, switch to English.
- Go to Me → Settings → Language and select English.
How to Set Up Payment Methods in the DiDi App
Step 1: Open the DiDi App
- Go to the home screen of the DiDi app.
- Tap Me, then select Wallet and open Payment Methods.
Step 2: Add a Payment Option
- Choose Add Payment Method.
- You can link one or more of the following:
✅ Supported Payment Options
Type | Examples |
Credit or Debit Cards | Visa, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX, Discover, UnionPay |
Mobile Payments | Alipay, WeChat Pay Score, Apple Pay, DiDi Pay |
Digital & Bank Options | e-CNY, All-in-one Net Bank Cards Payment, QQ Wallet Payment, UnionPay Quick Pass |
Step 3: Set Auto-Payment (Recommended)
- In the Payment Methods menu, turn on Auto Debit.
- This allows DiDi to charge you automatically after each ride, avoiding the need for manual payment.
Step 4: Add Foreign Cards via Alipay (Optional)
- If your foreign card is not accepted directly in DiDi, open the Alipay app.
- Go to Cards and add your Visa or MasterCard.
- Make sure your bank allows international payments and that you can receive the OTP verification code.
- Once linked, select Alipay as your payment option in DiDi.
Step 5: Confirm Setup
- Return to the DiDi app and check that your preferred payment method is active.
- You are now ready to pay automatically after each trip.
How to Book a DiDi Ride in China
Follow these simple steps to book a DiDi ride quickly and safely while travelling in China.
Step 1 Turn on GPS and choose your pickup point
- Enable location services on your phone.
- Pick a clear and easy-to-find spot such as a metro exit, hotel entrance or shopping centre gate.
- Check that the pickup pin is in the right place before confirming.
Step 2 Enter your destination
- Type your destination in English or Pinyin (for example, “Beijing Railway Station” or “Beijing Huochezhan”).
- The app will show route options and estimated fares.
Step 3 Choose your car type
- Express offers simple and affordable rides for everyday trips.
- Premier provides more comfortable cars, ideal for airport transfers or longer journeys.
- Luxe gives you high-end cars for special occasions or business travel.
Step 4 Confirm your booking
- Tap the Confirm button to send your request.
- You will see your driver’s details, car model and number plate.
- Take a quick screenshot for reference.
Step 5 Meet your driver
- When the driver arrives, check the car’s number plate matches the one shown in the app.
- Some drivers may ask you to confirm your identity by showing the last four digits of your phone number on screen.
Step 6 Enjoy your ride
- Sit back and track your journey in real time.
- Payment will be processed automatically through your selected method after the trip ends.
✅Quick Safety Tip
- Always match the car’s licence plate with the one shown in the app before getting in.
- Share your trip details with a friend if travelling late at night.
😊Handy Translation Tips
Here are a few short Chinese phrases you might find useful:
- “你好” (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello
- “谢谢” (Xièxiè) – Thank you
- “可以用现金吗？” (Kěyǐ yòng xiànjīn ma?) – Can I pay in cash?
- “我在地铁站出口” (Wǒ zài dìtiě zhàn chūkǒu) – I’m at the metro station exit
How to Use DiDi on Alipay and WeChat
Don’t wanna download another app? No problem. DiDi’s mini-programs in Alipay and WeChat let you book rides without cluttering your phone.
How to Use DiDi in Alipay
- Open the Alipay app
- In the top search bar, type "DiDi" (滴滴出行) → select the DiDi mini-program
- Or tap Transport → Taxi → the app will open Amap Taxi
- Enter your pickup location and destination
- Confirm your ride and pay using your linked international card or Alipay balance
How to Use DiDi in WeChat
- Open the WeChat app
- Tap Me → Pay and Services → Travel and Transportation → DiDi Ride-Hailing
- Enter your pickup point and destination
- Confirm your ride and pay via your linked international card or WeChat Pay
How to Choose DiDi Car Type
Picking the right ride on DiDi is like choosing between instant noodles (cheap and reliable) and a fancy hotpot (splurge-worthy). Here’s the lowdown:
Express (快车)
- What you get: Basic cars (think Toyota/Hyundai), no frills.
- Price: Cheapest. A 30-minute ride in Beijing ≈ ¥35-50.
- Best for: Solo travelers, short trips, or when you’re pretending to be on a budget.
Premier (专车)
- What you get: Cleaner cars (often Buick or VW), free water, quieter drivers.
- Price: 20-30% pricier than Express. Same ride ≈ ¥60-80.
- Best for: Airport runs, business trips, or when you need AC to survive summer.
Luxe (豪华车)
- What you get: Mercedes-Benz, umbrellas, phone chargers, drivers in suits.
- Price: 2-3x Express. Flex for special occasions.
- Best for: Impressing your date or drowning in luxury after a brutal flight delay.
Express Pool (拼车)
- What you get: Shared rides with strangers (awkward silence included).
- Price: 30-50% off Express.
- Best for: Saving cash when you’re not in a hurry.
Pro Tip: After selecting a car type, swipe left to see all options. Some cities even offer vans or EVs!
How Much Does DiDi Cost
DiDi’s pricing is straightforward, but a few quirks can catch travellers off guard. Here’s what you need to know:
- Base Fare: Starts at ¥10-15 (varies by city).
- Per Kilometre: ¥2-4 (cheaper than traditional taxis).
- Per Minute: ¥0.5-1 during traffic jams.
- Surge Pricing: Avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM (weekdays) when fares spike up to 2x.
Real-World Example:
A 20-minute, 8km ride in Beijing:
- Express: ¥30-40
- Premier: ¥50-70
- Luxe: ¥100+
How to Use DiDi: More than just Taxi
DiDi isn’t just cars. Think of it as your all-in-one transport cheat code:
Didi Bike (青桔)
Bright green e-bikes/scooters. ¥1.5 for 30 minutes.
Perfect for short hops (subway station → hotel).
DiDi Bus
Fixed routes, ¥2-5 rides. Use Google Translate to decode stops.
Pro tip: Great for cross-city adventures on a budget.
Designated Drivers (代驾)
Drank too much? A driver arrives to drive YOUR car home. ¥100-200.
DiDi Luxe
Mercedes-Benz rides with bottled water, phone chargers, and drivers in suits. Flex for special occasions.
International Rides
Pre-book rides in Japan, Australia, Mexico, etc., if your trip extends beyond China.
Best Hotels in China
DiDi App FAQs
How can foreigners use DiDi in China
Foreigners can use DiDi with an international phone number and a linked credit or debit card. The English version of the app makes booking easy.
Can you use DiDi without a China number
Yes, you can sign up using your foreign phone number. No Chinese SIM is needed.
How do I pay with DiDi
You can pay with your foreign credit or debit cards, Alipay, WeChat Pay, or Apple Pay. Some drivers may accept cash but it is less common.
What are DiDi cancellation rules
Cancel within 2 minutes of booking for free. After that, fees start at ¥3–5 (£0.35–£0.45).
What if the driver cancels on me?
It may be due to your pickup location or a better fare. Stay patient and the system will assign another nearby vehicle.