Last updated: July 21, 2026. Disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links — if you book a private car through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. DiDi itself is a free app. Fares and app steps change, so double-check in the app before you ride.
DiDi Chuxing (滴滴出行) is China’s Uber — the country’s most popular ride-hailing app, and one of the easiest ways for foreign travelers to get around. It works in English, shows the price before you confirm, and handles payment digitally so you never have to haggle or fumble for cash. This guide — drawing on the official Shanghai government how-to and WildChina — covers setup, payment, ride types, prices and tips.
What DiDi is & why you need it
Street taxis in China can be hard to hail, rarely speak English and want cash. DiDi solves all three: you set your destination in the app, see the fare up front, ride, and pay automatically. It covers hundreds of cities and is the default way locals and savvy travelers get around town.
Two ways to use DiDi: the app or a mini program
Option 1 — the DiDi app. In the App Store or Google Play, search “DiDi” and install “DiDi China” (not “DiDi Rider,” which is for outside the mainland). Open it, allow location, and set the language to English. You can log in with an international phone number (it must be able to receive an SMS code) or via WeChat/Alipay.
Option 2 — via Alipay or WeChat (recommended). Both apps host DiDi as a built-in mini program, so you don’t need to download anything. WildChina recommends Alipay because its DiDi mini program doesn’t require a Chinese phone number. Just open Alipay (set up with your passport and a linked card), search “DiDi,” allow location, and book. The Shanghai government guide shows the same via WeChat: open WeChat → Services → Ride Hailing, then set the language to English under Me → Settings → General → Language → English.
Setting up payment
In the DiDi app, tap Account → Wallet → Payment Methods. You’ll see options including Alipay, WeChat Pay, credit/debit card and Apple Pay. If you book DiDi inside Alipay, you don’t need to add anything — the ride simply charges to your Alipay balance automatically. Setting up Alipay (or WeChat Pay) with your passport before you travel is the single best thing you can do to make DiDi painless.
How to book a ride, step by step
1. The app auto-detects your pickup point — drag the pin to fine-tune it. 2. Type your destination (most places are recognized in English or Chinese; you can tap + to add multiple stops, often cheaper than separate trips). 3. Choose a ride type — the price is shown before you confirm. 4. Tap Confirm to request a driver. 5. When the car arrives, check the license plate matches the app. The driver may ask for the last four digits of your booking phone number (often in Chinese) — keep it noted so you can show them.
DiDi ride types & prices
Approximate fares below are for orientation, checked July 2026 — actual prices vary by city, time of day and demand, and DiDi always shows the exact fare before you confirm. Ride options (names vary slightly by city):
| Ride type | Best for | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Economy / Express | The most affordable everyday rides | $ |
| Standard | Regular everyday cars | $ |
| Comfort | Cleaner, newer vehicles | $$ |
| Premium | High-end cars, top-rated drivers | $$$ |
| Priority | Shorter waiting time | $$ |
| 6-Seater / Large Car | Van seating up to 6 — good for groups or luggage | $$ |
| Taxi | A regular metered taxi (cash accepted) | $ |
Rough example fares (Economy/Express): a short city ride (~5 km) runs about ¥25–35 (≈ $3.7–$5.2); a cross-town trip (~12 km) about ¥45–70 (≈ $6.6–$10); an airport run (~30 km) about ¥90–130 (≈ $13–$19). Premium and peak-hour rides cost more.
DiDi is free to use, but if you’d rather pre-book a private car with an English-speaking driver (handy for airport pickups or day trips), you can arrange one on Klook:
No Chinese? No problem
DiDi has a built-in translation tool that automatically translates messages between you and the driver, so you can communicate even without a word of Chinese. If something goes wrong, DiDi offers 24/7 in-app English customer service (under Account → Help) plus a dedicated safety hotline for emergencies.
DiDi vs. taxis and the metro
For point-to-point trips, DiDi wins on convenience: cashless, English, price up front, and a record of your driver. Street taxis are fine but usually want cash and little English. The metro is by far the cheapest way across big cities and avoids traffic — pair a metro ride with a short DiDi hop for the last mile.
Tips for a smooth ride
- Set up Alipay first (with your passport) — it unlocks DiDi without a Chinese phone number and handles payment automatically.
- Save your destination in Chinese (hotel address, etc.) in a notes app to show the driver if needed.
- Always match the license plate before getting in, and share your trip for safety.
- You don’t need a VPN for DiDi, Alipay or WeChat — they all work normally on Chinese networks.
- Keep your passport with you when traveling in China.
DiDi Prices at a Glance — as of July 21, 2026 (USD)
| Trip | Approx. distance | Economy/Express fare |
|---|---|---|
| Short city ride | ~5 km | ¥25–35 (≈ $3.7–$5.2) |
| Cross-town trip | ~12 km | ¥45–70 (≈ $6.6–$10) |
| Airport run | ~30 km | ¥90–130 (≈ $13–$19) |
Comfort, Premium, Priority and 6-Seater options cost more than Economy/Express; a metered street Taxi booked through the app is usually similar or a touch cheaper. Prices vary by city, time of day and demand, and surge pricing can roughly double the fare at rush hour — always confirm the current price in the app before you ride (checked July 21, 2026).
Book your trip with live prices
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use DiDi in English? Yes — set the app (or the Alipay/WeChat mini program) to English under settings.
Do I need a Chinese phone number or bank account? No — the dedicated DiDi International app registers with just your international mobile number and a linked Visa/Mastercard, or you can use the DiDi mini program inside Alipay with your passport and a foreign card.
How do I pay for a DiDi ride? Automatically, via Alipay, WeChat Pay or a linked international card — no cash needed, and the fare is shown before you confirm.
Is DiDi cheaper than a taxi? Usually similar or a little cheaper, and you see the price before you ride instead of watching a meter.
How much does a typical DiDi ride cost? As of July 21, 2026, a short ~5 km city ride runs roughly ¥25–35 (≈ $3.7–$5.2) on Economy/Express; a ~30 km airport run is roughly ¥90–130 (≈ $13–$19). Actual prices vary by city, time of day and demand.
What if my international card is declined? Try the Alipay Tour Pass, a prepaid balance built for tourists, as a backup payment method, or link WeChat Pay or Alipay to an international card instead.
Related Guides
FAQ
Can I use DiDi in China with a foreign phone number and an international credit card?
Yes. You can register for the official “DiDi – Ride Hailing in China” app using your international mobile number (enable international roaming to receive the SMS verification code if you’re already in China), and switch the app language to English in the settings. DiDi supports international payment methods including Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and Diners Club credit/debit cards, plus Apple Pay, WeChat Pay, and Alipay linked to an international card.
What is the best way to pay for a DiDi ride as a foreign traveler in 2026?
DiDi is almost entirely cashless, and most car types (Express, Premium) require online payment. It’s recommended to enable auto-pay/auto-deduct under Account → Wallet → Payment Methods so the fare is charged automatically after your ride. Note that auto-pay is capped at 500 RMB per transaction for security. Cash is rarely accepted and is mainly limited to traditional taxis.
What should I do if my international card is declined on DiDi?
If your international card is declined, the Alipay Tour Pass — a prepaid balance for tourists — is a recommended backup payment method. You can also link WeChat Pay or Alipay to an international card as an alternative. For any specific card or account issues, check the official DiDi app or site for the latest supported options.
See also: Shanghai Travel Guide
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