Ride-Hailing Guide
How to use DiDi, Alipay Ride & WeChat Ride in China
DiDi is China's Uber. It's the most popular ride-hailing app with a full English interface. You can also hail rides directly inside Alipay or WeChat without installing a separate app.
Download DiDi (English Version)
Get the ride-hailing app — or use it inside Alipay/WeChat
- ▸ Search "DiDi" in App Store or Google Play — look for "DiDi Greater China"
- ▸ Download and install the app
- ▸ Open DiDi and select English as your language on first launch
- ▸ Alternatively: open Alipay → search "DiDi" to use the mini-program (no separate install)
💡 Pro Tip: If DiDi isn't available in your app store region, switch your App Store country temporarily or use the Alipay mini-program version — it has the same functionality and accepts Alipay payment directly.
Register with Your Phone Number
International phone numbers work — no Chinese number needed
- ▸ Tap "Sign Up" or "Register" on the DiDi welcome screen
- ▸ Enter your international phone number with country code
- ▸ Verify via SMS code — arrives within 30 seconds
- ▸ Set your name and profile photo (optional)
💡 Pro Tip: Use the same phone number you registered with Alipay or WeChat. This makes payment linking seamless, and you'll only need one phone number for everything.
Add Payment Method
Link Alipay, WeChat Pay, or international card
- ▸ Go to Profile → Payment Methods → Add Payment
- ▸ Select Alipay — best option for tourists, pre-linked to your card
- ▸ Or select WeChat Pay — same convenience if you use WeChat more
- ▸ International credit/debit cards accepted directly in DiDi (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
💡 Pro Tip: Linking Alipay is the smoothest — your ride charges go directly to your already-set-up Alipay account. No need to add your card again in DiDi separately.
Enter Your Destination in English
Type in English — the app auto-translates for the driver
- ▸ Open DiDi and confirm your pickup location (GPS auto-detects)
- ▸ Type your destination in English — e.g. "Shanghai Tower" or "Beijing Capital Airport T3"
- ▸ The app translates the destination into Chinese for the driver
- ▸ Adjust the pickup pin if GPS is slightly off
- ▸ Select from suggested destinations if they appear
💡 Pro Tip: For hotels and landmarks, use the official English name. DiDi has a large database of translated locations. If your destination doesn't appear, type the address or use the map to drop a pin.
Confirm Price & Select Car Type
Choose your ride type — from budget to premium
- ▸ Review the estimated price range shown on screen
- ▸ Select car type: Express (cheapest), Premier (nicer car), or Taxi (metered)
- ▸ Express: 10-40 RMB for city trips, wait 2-5 minutes
- ▸ Premier: 20-60 RMB, nicer car, slightly longer wait
- ▸ Taxi: metered fare, yellow/green car, usually available
💡 Pro Tip: Express is the sweet spot for tourists — affordable, fast, and the cars are clean and air-conditioned. Premier is great for airport transfers or when you have luggage. Taxis can be hailed through DiDi too.
Track Driver & Share Trip for Safety
Monitor your ride and share your location with a friend
- ▸ Once booked, you'll see the driver's photo, car plate number, and ETA
- ▸ Watch the driver approach on the live map
- ▸ Tap "Share Trip" to send your live location to a friend or family member
- ▸ In-app chat with the driver — DiDi auto-translates messages
- ▸ At drop-off, the payment is automatic — no need to handle cash or scan anything
💡 Pro Tip: Always match the license plate number on the app with the actual car before getting in. Chinese plates are blue with white characters. Sharing your trip is automatic if you enable it in Settings.
🚗
You're Ready to Ride!
✨ DiDi works in 400+ Chinese cities — coverage is nearly universal.
✨ Surge pricing happens during rain and rush hour — check the estimate before booking.
✨ You can call the driver through the app if you can't find each other.
✨ DiDi also offers bike-sharing, express delivery, and food delivery in some cities.
✨ Payment is automatic — you just get out at your destination. Tip is NOT expected.
DiDi vs Alipay Ride vs WeChat Ride
Three ways to hail a ride — pick what works for you
🚗 DiDi App
- ✅ Full English interface
- ✅ 400+ cities coverage
- ✅ Multiple car types
- ✅ Trip sharing & safety
- ⚠️ Separate app to install
📱 Alipay Ride
- ✅ Already in Alipay
- ✅ Same payment method
- ✅ Good city coverage
- ⚠️ Limited English
- ⚠️ Fewer car options
💬 WeChat Ride
- ✅ Already in WeChat
- ✅ Easy access via mini-program
- ⚠️ Chinese interface only
- ⚠️ Limited coverage
- ⚠️ Basic features
💡 Pro Tip: Install DiDi for the best experience, but keep Alipay Ride as a backup. If DiDi can't find a driver (rare but happens in smaller cities), switch to the Alipay mini-program — it taps into a different driver network.