How to Take Taxis & Use Didi in China
Book rides in English via Didi mini-program or show driver-ready bilingual address cards without language barriers.
Use the DiDi English mini-program inside Alipay for automated translation, or show our driver-ready bilingual address cards with destination in Chinese.
Pre-Flight Checklist
- ✓ Use Didi within Alipay or standalone Didi app
- ✓ Always save Chinese text addresses for drivers
- ✓ Confirm pickup point (look for pillar numbers at airport/station)
- ✓ Never accept unregistered airport solicitor rides
Step-by-Step Execution Plan
Open Didi Mini-App
Search "DiDi" inside Alipay or download the standalone DiDi English app.
Paste Chinese Address
Copy exact Chinese destination address from your hotel voucher or travel card.
Match License Plate
Check car color and plate number (e.g., 沪A·12345) before entering.
Show Address Card
If taking a regular street taxi, show our full-screen Chinese address card to driver.
Custom Taxi Card Builder (司机大字指示卡)
Most local taxi drivers speak limited or no English · Show-to-driver large print formatCommon First-Time Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Showing drivers English hotel names like "Marriott Pudong" (drivers only know Chinese).
- ⚠️ Getting into unlicensed "black cabs" outside airport arrivals.
- ⚠️ Not waiting at the designated ride-share pick-up zone.
Backup Plan if Something Fails
- ↳ Join the official airport/station taxi queue rather than accepting unmarked solicitor rides.
- ↳ Show our "Call My Hotel" card to have the driver speak directly with hotel front desk.
- ↳ Show "Please send a text message" if the driver calls and cannot speak English.
Transportation Frequently Asked Questions
Do taxi drivers speak English in China?
Most street taxi drivers speak Chinese only. Show our full-screen bilingual address cards or type destination addresses in Chinese directly into the Didi app.
Must street taxis use meters by law?
Yes. Official street taxis in China are legally required to use taximeters. If a driver refuses to turn on the meter, show our "Please turn on the meter" card or exit the vehicle.
How do I find my Didi driver at airports and railway stations?
Follow terminal signs to the designated ride-hailing pick-up zone (网约车上车点) and locate the exact numbered pillar (e.g., Gate 3, Pillar B12) indicated in your app.
Official Sources & Verified Rules
Travel rules and payment integrations are checked against official regulations. Re-verify the primary authorities below:
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