Quick Answer
Download DiDi (China's Uber) — it has a full English interface and accepts Visa/Mastercard directly. No Chinese phone number needed. For cheaper rides, also try Gaode Maps (also known internationally as "Amap") which aggregates multiple providers and is ~20% cheaper. You need mobile data and ideally Alipay set up first.
Why You Need This
Can't communicate your destination to taxi drivers — they don't speak English
Don't know how to hail a ride — standing on the street waving doesn't work well anymore
Worried about being overcharged or taken on a longer route as a foreigner
Street taxis often drive past you because they prefer app-booked rides with guaranteed payment
Can't read Chinese addresses to tell the driver where you're going
Surge pricing during rush hour and rain can be confusing without knowing alternatives
Compare at a Glance
| Feature | DiDi (滴滴) | Gaode Maps (高德地图) | DiDi via Alipay | Street Taxi (路边打车) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Metered fare (¥15-50 for city rides) | ~20% cheaper than DiDi | Same as DiDi app | Metered fare |
| Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Best For | Best for Foreigners | Cheapest Option | No Extra Download | Emergency Only |
Recommended Solutions
DiDi (滴滴)
Best for ForeignersMetered fare (¥15-50 for city rides)
✅ Pros
- +Easiest to use in English
- +Pay with foreign credit card directly
- +Safety features built in
- +Type destination in English
❌ Cons
- −Slightly more expensive than Gaode
- −Surge pricing during peak hours
- −Only searches DiDi drivers
📺 Video Tutorial
Gaode Maps (高德地图)
Cheapest Option~20% cheaper than DiDi
✅ Pros
- +Compares prices from many providers
- +Often 20% cheaper
- +Shorter wait due to more drivers
- +Works as GPS navigation too
❌ Cons
- −English interface is newer/less polished
- −Payment via Alipay only
- −More complex than DiDi
DiDi via Alipay
No Extra DownloadSame as DiDi app
✅ Pros
- +No extra app to install
- +Alipay handles payment
- +Good backup if DiDi app glitches
❌ Cons
- −Interface is Chinese-heavy
- −Less intuitive than standalone app
- −Needs Alipay set up first
Street Taxi (路边打车)
Emergency OnlyMetered fare
✅ Pros
- +No phone or app needed
- +Available at airports and hotels
- +Can pay cash in emergencies
❌ Cons
- −Drivers rarely speak English
- −May not stop for foreigners waving
- −Risk of longer routes
- −Hard to communicate destination
Step-by-Step Guide
Set Up Payment First
DiDi accepts Visa/Mastercard directly. But for the best experience, set up Alipay first — it works with DiDi, Gaode, and almost every transport app in China.
Download DiDi App
Download DiDi from App Store or Google Play. Register with your email or phone number. The app automatically shows an English interface when your phone language is English.
Enter Your Destination
Type your destination in English (e.g., 'The Bund, Shanghai') — DiDi will translate it. Pro tip: screenshot the Chinese name of your destination from Google Maps or your hotel, in case voice input is needed.
Choose Car Type & Confirm
Select 'Express' (cheapest), 'Premier' (nicer car), or 'Luxe' (luxury). Check the estimated fare. Tap 'Confirm' to request a ride. You'll see the driver's car model, plate number, and ETA.
Meet Your Driver
Wait at the pickup point shown in the app. The driver may call — if you can't communicate, just show your app screen with the booking details. Match the plate number to make sure it's the right car.
Ride & Pay
Payment is automatic through your linked card or Alipay. No need to hand over cash or negotiate fare. At the end of the ride, the app shows your fare and you can rate the driver.
💡 Pro Tips
- 💡
Screenshot your destination's Chinese name before getting in — show it to the driver if the app GPS is confusing
- 💡
Use DiDi for convenience, switch to Gaode when you want to save money (especially for longer rides)
- 💡
Avoid rush hour (7-9am, 5-7pm) — surge pricing can double fares and wait times are much longer
- 💡
If a driver calls and you can't speak Chinese, just say 'OK' and wait — they usually figure it out from the app
- 💡
Always check the license plate matches your app booking before getting in any car
- 💡
For airport trips, book 'Airport Service' in DiDi — fixed price, no surge, driver waits for you
- 💡
If DiDi can't find a driver, try Gaode Maps — it searches dozens of providers at once
- 💡
Subway + DiDi combo is the most efficient: take subway for long distances, DiDi for the last mile
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a Chinese phone number to use DiDi?
No! You can register with any international phone number or email. You don't need a Chinese SIM card. However, you do need mobile data (eSIM) for the app to work.
Q: How do I communicate with the driver if they call?
Most drivers call to confirm your pickup location. Options: (1) Just say 'OK' — they can see your GPS on their app, (2) Show your phone screen with the booking details, (3) Use the in-app chat which has auto-translate, (4) Learn two phrases: '我在这里' (wǒ zài zhè lǐ = I'm here) and '到了' (dào le = arrived). Check our Language Survival guide for more phrases.
Q: Is DiDi safe for foreigners?
Very safe. DiDi has full-trip audio monitoring, driver ID verification, real-time GPS tracking, and a one-tap SOS button connected to 110 (police). All drivers are licensed and background-checked. Millions of expats use it daily without issues.
Q: How much does a typical ride cost?
City rides are ¥15-50 ($2-7) depending on distance. Airport trips are ¥100-200 ($14-28). This is much cheaper than taxis in most Western countries. Gaode Maps is typically 20% cheaper than DiDi for the same route.
Q: Can I pay with cash in a DiDi?
DiDi is designed for cashless payment (credit card or Alipay). Street taxis accept cash, but drivers often can't make change for large bills. Best to have Alipay or WeChat Pay set up.
Q: What if no DiDi driver accepts my ride?
During peak hours this can happen. Solutions: (1) Try Gaode Maps — it searches many more driver pools, (2) Add ¥5-10 'tip' in DiDi to attract drivers, (3) Walk to a busier road for pickup, (4) Try a different car type (Premier drivers are often faster to accept).
Q: What is Amap? Is it the same as Gaode?
Yes! Amap is the international English brand name for 高德地图 (Gaode Maps). It's the same app — you may see it labeled as 'Amap' in English app stores and 'Gaode' or '高德' in Chinese. It's China's most popular navigation and ride-hailing aggregator app, often cheaper than DiDi because it searches dozens of car providers simultaneously.
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