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🚕 Taxis and rides
DiDi
As of September 2026 · app interfaces and menu names may change
For travellers the simplest way is to use DiDi directly in Alipay. There DiDi runs as a so-called mini-programme; you don't need your own account and pay automatically with the card linked in Alipay.
⚠ There are DiDi apps for other countries that don't work in China. If you want a separate app, make sure it's meant for mainland China. Going via Alipay avoids this problem.
What you need
- Alipay is set up and a card is linked
- Internet on your phone (eSIM or roaming)
- The Chinese names of your destinations — ready to copy on this website's place pages
Step by step
Step 1 — Find DiDi in Alipay
- Open Alipay.
- Type “DiDi” (or 滴滴出行) in the search field at the top.
- Open the DiDi mini-programme.
- Allow location access — otherwise DiDi doesn't know where you are.
SCREENSHOT 01 — Alipay – search for DiDiPlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Step 2 — Enter the destination
- Tap the destination field.
- Paste the destination's Chinese name, e.g. copied from a place page on this website.
- Choose the right place from the suggestions — check name and location on the map.
English search terms often work, but not always. The Chinese name is almost always unambiguous.
SCREENSHOT 02 — Destination with Chinese namePlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Step 3 — Check the pick-up point
- DiDi suggests a pick-up point. Check on the map whether it's right.
- At large hotels or stations, move the point to an easily reachable entrance.
- If DiDi suggests fixed pick-up points (airport, station), choose one of them.
SCREENSHOT 03 — Pick-up point on the mapPlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Step 4 — Order the ride
- Choose the vehicle class — “Express” (快车) is usually the cheapest.
- Check the price shown or the estimate.
- Order and wait until a driver accepts.
- Note the number plate, car model and colour DiDi shows.
SCREENSHOT 04 — Vehicle class and pricePlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Step 5 — Get in and pay
- Compare the number plate before getting in.
- If the driver calls and speaks Chinese: stay calm, write a short message in the app or use the translator.
- At the destination payment runs automatically via Alipay.
- Rate the ride afterwards — that helps the drivers too.
SCREENSHOT 05 — Driver on the way – number platePlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Typical pitfalls
| Driver can't find you | Set the pick-up point more precisely, go to an entrance, write a short message — a screenshot of the hotel entrance helps. |
| Wrong destination found | Always search with the Chinese name and check the location on the map. |
| No drivers in the countryside | Order early in the evening and in villages, or plan the return trip in advance. |
| Payment fails | Check the card in Alipay, check the bank approval, add a second card. |
Video
🎬 Video to follow — a tested tutorial video will appear here.
Quick checklist before departure
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