How to Use Didi in China as a Foreigner

Short answer

Didi works like Uber — you enter a destination, a driver comes to you, you ride, you pay through the app. The international version supports English and foreign credit cards. The tricky parts: finding the pickup point at airports, and communicating with drivers who only speak Chinese.

Setting up before you fly

• Download "DiDi" from your app store (the international version has an English interface).
• Sign up with your phone number and link a payment method — international Visa/Mastercard usually works.
• You can also use Didi through the Alipay mini-program (search "DiDi" inside Alipay) if you already have Alipay set up.
• Test that you can open the app and see the map. You won't be able to book a ride until you're in China, but at least confirm it loads.

Booking your first ride

• Type your destination in English or paste the Chinese address. Chinese address works better — drivers see it in Chinese anyway.
• Choose "Express" for a normal car (cheapest), "Premier" for a nicer car, or "Taxi" to hail a regular taxi through the app.
• Confirm the pickup point. At airports, this is usually a specific pillar number or zone in the parking structure. The app will tell you.
• Wait time is usually 3-10 minutes in cities. At airports during peak hours, it can be longer.

The pickup point problem

• Airport pickup points are the #1 frustration. They're usually in a parking garage, not at the curb. Follow signs for 网约车 (wǎngyuēchē = ride-hailing).
• The app shows a zone letter/number (like "P1-B2" or "Zone D"). Go there and wait. The driver's plate number shows in the app.
• If you can't find it, look for other people staring at their phones in a parking area. That's probably the spot.
• At train stations, pickup points are usually outside the station. Walk out the main exit and check the app for the pin location.

When the driver calls you

• Drivers often call to confirm your exact location. They'll speak Chinese. Don't panic.
• Option 1: Use the in-app messaging to send your location pin or a text message (it has translation features).
• Option 2: Answer the phone and say "我在这里等" (wǒ zài zhèlǐ děng — "I'm waiting here"). Then just wait at the pin location.
• Option 3: If you're at the right spot, just wait. Most drivers will find you by the GPS pin within a few minutes.
• Pro tip: Wave when you see a car with the matching plate number. Makes it easier for both of you.

Payment and tipping

• Payment is automatic through the app when the ride ends. No cash needed if your card is linked.
• If your card fails, you can pay cash — tell the driver "现金" (xiànjīn = cash). Have small bills ready.
• Tipping is not expected or common in China. The fare is the fare.
• Check the fare estimate before confirming. Express rides in cities are usually ¥15-60 for normal distances. Airport to city center: ¥100-250.

When Didi doesn't work

• No internet = no Didi. Have a backup plan (taxi queue, metro, hotel shuttle).
• Peak hours (morning/evening rush, rain, holidays) can mean 10-20 minute waits or surge pricing.
• Some drivers cancel if the pickup is confusing. If it happens twice, just walk to the taxi queue.
• At airports late at night: the taxi queue is often faster and simpler than waiting for a Didi in a confusing parking garage.

Next step

Didi is great once it's working, but don't make it your only transport plan. Build your checklist to make sure you have backup options for getting to your hotel.