A Complete Guide to Using Ride-Hailing Services in China for Foreign Tourists

In modern China, ride-hailing services have become one of the most mainstream and convenient transportation options, covering over 400 cities from first-tier metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai to small and medium-sized towns. DiDi Chuxing, which holds more than 70% of the market share, is the top choice for foreign tourists. Compared with traditional taxis, ride-hailing services eliminate the need to hail on the street, offer English interfaces and automatic translation, and support international payment methods. Mastering how to use these services will solve the troubles of language barriers and inconvenient payments, making your trip to China smoother whether you’re transferring from the subway, visiting scenic spots, or traveling to and from the airport.

The first step is to make preliminary preparations, focusing on internet access, app download, and registration. It is recommended to purchase a Chinese eSIM in advance to get stable network access upon arrival, ensuring the normal operation of location tracking, ride booking, and real-time communication. The leading ride-hailing platform is DiDi Chuxing. You can download the official app by searching for “DiDi – Ride Hailing in China” on the App Store or Google Play, and be careful to avoid counterfeit apps. The registration process is very convenient—no Chinese phone number is required. Simply select the corresponding country code, enter your foreign phone number, and verify it with the SMS code received. After logging in, switch to English mode in the settings. Subsequent operations and communication with drivers will be supported by automatic translation, greatly reducing language barriers.

Binding a payment method is a crucial step in using ride-hailing services. Currently, DiDi supports a variety of international payment channels to meet the needs of different tourists. The most recommended method is to bind an international credit card such as Visa, Mastercard, or Diners Club. Go to “Me – Wallet – Payment Methods” in the app and fill in the card information as prompted. Enabling the automatic deduction function allows the fare to be deducted directly after the trip, eliminating the need for additional settlement after getting off the car, which is time-saving and safe. If you encounter difficulties with credit card payment, you can use Alipay Tour Pass (a prepaid card for foreigners) or bind Apple Pay. It should be noted that except for taxis, most ride types such as Express and Premier rarely accept cash, and drivers may not be able to provide change. Therefore, online payment is preferred.

The ride-booking process is straightforward, and mastering the details can avoid unnecessary troubles. After opening the app, the system will automatically locate your current position. If there is a location deviation, you can manually drag the map pin to the exact pickup point. Especially in complex areas such as airports and stations, it is recommended to mark the specific exit (e.g., “Exit B, Terminal 3, Beijing Capital International Airport”). When entering the destination, English, Pinyin, or Chinese is acceptable. For example, you can enter “Beijing Railway Station”, “Beijing Huochezhan”, or “北京站”. The system will automatically match the best result, and it is advisable to check both the English and Chinese addresses to confirm accuracy. Then select a ride type according to your needs: Express is the most cost-effective, suitable for daily short trips, with a 30-minute ride in Beijing costing about 35-50 RMB; Premier offers cleaner vehicles and free drinking water, with prices 20-30% higher than Express, ideal for airport transfers or business trips; Luxe provides Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and other high-end models with professional drivers, priced 2-3 times that of Express for special occasions; Express Pool can save 30-50% of the cost, suitable for tourists who are not in a hurry.

Safety tips and emergency handling skills are also important. After successfully placing an order, be sure to take a screenshot of the license plate number, vehicle model, and driver information. Carefully check these details before getting in the car—do not board if the information does not match. During the trip, you can use the “Share Trip” function to send your real-time location to relatives and friends. The built-in SOS one-click alarm function in the app can directly connect to 110, ensuring travel safety. If you need to communicate with the driver, you can send messages through the app’s built-in chat function, which will be automatically translated. For example, informing the driver “I am at Exit B, wearing a red T-shirt” can achieve accurate connection. If you lose items during the trip, you can contact the driver through the app’s lost and found function. Appropriately giving a tip of 20-50 RMB can increase the chance of retrieving the items. When canceling an order, it is free within 2 minutes; a handling fee of 3-5 RMB will be charged if canceled after 2 minutes. If the driver cancels the order, simply book again without overthinking.

In addition, DiDi offers diversified travel services to meet different scenario needs. DiDi Bikes (Qingju) are bright green electric bikes, costing only 1.5 RMB for 30 minutes, suitable for short trips from subway stations to hotels. DiDi Buses cover fixed routes with fares ranging from 2-5 RMB, ideal for intercity travel on a budget. Designated driver services can solve the problem of traveling after drinking, with fees around 100-200 RMB. If you don’t want to download an additional app, you can also use DiDi’s mini-program through WeChat or Alipay: search for “DiDi Chuxing” in “Discover – Mini Programs” on WeChat, or click “Transport – Taxi” on Alipay and select DiDi. After logging in, you can book a ride using the same process, with payment methods corresponding to WeChat Pay and Alipay balance respectively. With these skills, you can use Chinese ride-hailing services as flexibly as locals and enjoy a convenient travel experience.