Didi is China’s most popular ride-hailing platform and functions similarly to Uber.
For most visitors, Didi is the easiest way to travel within cities because destinations, pricing, navigation, and payment are all handled directly through the app.
Option 1: Download the Didi App
You can download the international version of Didi directly from:
- App Store (iPhone)
- Google Play (Android)
Search for:
DiDi: Ride Hailing in China
📷 Screenshot
[Insert Official Didi Download Screenshot]
Step 1. Register Your Account
Open the app and sign up using your mobile phone number.
International phone numbers are supported.
After entering your number, you will receive a verification code by SMS.
📷 Screenshot
[Insert Official Didi Registration Screenshot]
Step 2. Request a Ride
Enter:
- Your pickup location
- Your destination
Then select your preferred vehicle type.
📷 Screenshot
[Insert Official Didi Booking Screenshot]
Common Vehicle Types
Express (Recommended)
The most commonly used and economical option.
Suitable for most visitors.
Taxi
Traditional licensed taxis dispatched through Didi.
Premier
Higher-end vehicles with additional comfort.
6-Seater
Recommended for families, groups, or travelers with large luggage.
Step 3. Set Up Payment
Before your first ride, add a payment method.
Open:
Me → Wallet → Payment Methods
Then add your bank card.
Supported international cards may include:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- JCB
- Diners Club
📷 Screenshot
[Insert Official Didi Payment Setup Screenshot]
Alternative Method: Use Didi Through Alipay
If you already have Alipay installed, you do not need to download the Didi app.
Step 1
Open Alipay.
Step 2
Search for:
“Didi”
Step 3
Open the Didi Mini Program.
Step 4
Enter your destination and request a ride.
Payment will be completed automatically through Alipay.
📷 Screenshot
[Insert Didi in Alipay Screenshot]
Alternative Method: Use Didi Through WeChat
Step 1
Open WeChat.
Step 2
Search for:
“Didi”
Step 3
Open the Didi Mini Program.
Step 4
Request your ride.
Payment will be completed through WeChat Pay.
📷 Screenshot
[Insert Didi in WeChat Screenshot]
How Do I Find My Driver?
After booking, Didi will display:
- Driver name
- Vehicle model
- License plate number
- Estimated arrival time
Before entering the vehicle, always confirm that the license plate matches the information shown in the app.
📷 Screenshot
[Insert Driver Information Screenshot]
What If I Cannot Speak Chinese?
Most visitors can use Didi without speaking Chinese.
Because:
- Pickup location is automatically generated
- Destinations can often be entered in English
- Driver information is displayed in the app
- In-app messaging and translation features are available in many situations
Need Help?
Didi provides 24/7 customer support.
Open:
Me → Customer Service
to contact customer support.
📷 Screenshot
[Insert Customer Service Screenshot]
EasyMate Tips for Using Didi Safely
Tip 1. Avoid Unofficial Drivers
At airports, railway stations, and popular tourist attractions, you may be approached by individuals offering private transportation services.
EasyMate strongly recommends avoiding unofficial drivers or unlicensed vehicles.
Using Didi provides:
- Driver identification
- Vehicle information
- GPS tracking
- Recorded trip details
- Transparent pricing
which makes it significantly safer and more reliable.
Tip 2. Be Cautious with Street-Hailed Taxis
Most taxi drivers are honest, but some visitors report problems such as:
- Taking longer routes
- Refusing to use the meter
- Requesting unusually high fares
These situations are more likely to occur around:
- Airports
- Railway stations
- Major tourist attractions
For first-time visitors, Didi is usually the safer and more predictable option.
Tip 3. Didi Taxis Are Generally Reliable
Many licensed taxi drivers also accept bookings through Didi.
If you book a taxi through Didi, the trip information, route, and fare are recorded in the system, which greatly reduces the risk of disputes.
Therefore, taxis booked through Didi are generally considered reliable and safe to use.
Tip 4. Follow the Route Shown in the App
After your trip begins, the route displayed in Didi should normally be followed.
If a driver suggests a significant route change without a clear reason, it is reasonable to ask for an explanation.
Most trips proceed exactly according to the route shown in the app.
Tip 5. The Fare Is Usually Fixed Before the Trip Begins
In most cases, the estimated fare is displayed before you confirm the booking.
Once the driver accepts the ride:
- The fare is calculated by the Didi system.
- Payment is processed automatically after the trip.
- No cash payment is required.
Additional charges such as toll roads or expressway fees can usually be added through the Didi system and will appear in the trip details.
You should not be asked to pay extra cash directly to the driver.
Tip 6. Amap Also Offers Ride-Hailing Services
In addition to Didi, Amap (Gaode Maps) also provides ride-hailing services through its platform.
However, EasyMate generally recommends Didi for first-time visitors because:
- It is China’s largest ride-hailing platform.
- It offers a dedicated international version.
- Customer support for international visitors is more established.
- The user experience is often simpler for foreign travelers.
For most visitors, Didi remains the preferred choice.