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Useful Apps

DiDi for Travelers in China

Book a ride, find your driver and make getting around feel easier.

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After dinner across town, a morning of shopping or a long train journey, having a car take you to your hotel can be a welcome part of the day.

DiDi lets you arrange that ride on your phone. Its China app offers English, overseas mobile-number registration and international-card payments. You can also access DiDi through Alipay or WeChat.1, 2, 3, 4

On this page

When You’ll Use It

A break from walking

Move between neighborhoods when it starts raining, your bags get heavier or your feet have had enough.

An easy ride back

Finish dinner at your own pace, then check the available rides back to your hotel.

Travel with luggage

Consider a car for a station or airport journey. Allow time for traffic, and check space for everyone’s bags.

Book a Ride

Set your pickup point and destination.

Meet Your Driver

Follow your driver and use translated messages.

Payment Methods

Check the payment options available to you.

Adapted from official promotional screens. Interfaces, payment options and trip terms may vary.

Adapted screens: DiDi China App Store visuals

Set Up Before Your Trip

  1. Get the China app

    Use the download links on this page for DiDi China: Ride Hailing. Select English in the language settings and register with your mobile number and country code. Make sure that number can receive verification texts.1, 2, 4

  2. Choose how to pay

    Add an eligible international card in DiDi, or use DiDi within Alipay or WeChat with the corresponding wallet ready. Follow any account or payment-authorization prompts. You only need one working booking route to begin.1, 3, 4

  3. Prepare for your first journey

    Allow location access, arrange mobile data and keep your hotel’s Chinese name and address handy. Open the app before departure so you can sort out setup while you still have time.

For connection options, read Internet & Mobile Data.

Your First Ride

  1. Find the right destination

    Search for your hotel, restaurant or attraction, then check the address and branch. For a flight or train, match the airport terminal or full station name to your booking.

  2. Check where you will meet

    Confirm the pickup point before requesting. At a hotel or mall, choose an entrance where cars can stop and make sure you are on the correct side of the road.

  3. Compare the ride options

    Review the available categories, prices and vehicle details before confirming. Choose for your group and luggage. Read the fare information shown; if you later cancel, check any charge displayed before completing the cancellation.4, 6

  4. Follow the arriving car

    Once a driver accepts, check the car details and license plate in your trip screen. Keep the app open for messages. When the car arrives, match its plate before getting in.3

Meet Your Driver

A small detail can make meeting easier: the hotel’s main entrance, a particular mall exit or the correct floor of a parking area. Send a short message such as “I’m beside the hotel entrance.” DiDi’s chat translates between English and Chinese; this is useful if a phone conversation is difficult.2

At airports and large stations, check the designated ride-hailing pickup area and follow the local signs. Allow time to reach it, and confirm the terminal, level and meeting point shown for your booking.5, 7

The driver may ask for the last four digits of the phone number linked to your ride. Have them ready to show. After arrival, check the order’s payment status and complete any outstanding payment prompt before closing the app.3

If You Get Stuck

The verification text does not arrive

Check the country code and number, then confirm that your mobile line can receive texts. Follow any retry timer shown. If you already use Alipay or WeChat, their DiDi entry is another option, though it may still request phone authorization.

The driver cannot find me

Compare your position with the pickup point, including the entrance and floor. Message one clear landmark or entrance number. If you move, tell the driver where you are going so you are not looking for each other in different places.

My payment fails or the bill looks wrong

Open the completed trip and check its payment status and fare details. For a failed payment, review the selected method and follow the error prompt. For an unfamiliar charge or unresolved issue, contact DiDi’s in-app English support from the relevant trip.2

Sources & Updates

Sources checked on 25 October 2026. App screens, available services and payment options may change. Use the pickup instructions, fare details and cancellation terms shown for your booking.

Sources by section and question