Last updated: November 10, 2026
Quick answer: The easiest way to get a taxi in China as a tourist is DiDi, China's version of Uber. Download the DiDi Rider app in English before you fly, sign up with your own phone number, and add a Visa or Mastercard. You can also book DiDi inside Alipay or WeChat. At the airport, skip the people offering rides in the arrivals hall and follow the signs to the ride-hailing pickup area. DiDi only works with mobile data, so have your eSIM on when you land.
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Taxis in China: the key facts
- DiDi is the main ride-hailing app in mainland China. Most taxis and private drivers are on it.
- Use the DiDi Rider app, the international version in English. The Chinese DiDi app is Chinese only and sometimes rejects foreign cards.
- Three ways to pay: a Visa or Mastercard in DiDi Rider, or Alipay or WeChat Pay through their built-in DiDi.
- There's no tipping.
- DiDi doesn't work offline. You need mobile data to book, track the car and chat with the driver.
- Always check the number plate in the app before getting in.
- DiDi works in mainland China only, not in Hong Kong or Macau.
Option 1: the DiDi Rider app (best for most tourists)
- Download DiDi Rider from the App Store or Google Play, at home.
- Sign up with your phone number. You'll get an SMS code, so your home SIM must be able to receive texts.
- Add a Visa or Mastercard as payment.
- Book a ride: enter your destination in English, or paste the Chinese address of your hotel from your booking confirmation. Chinese addresses work best.
- Meet the driver: check the plate, then get in. The app's chat translates messages between English and Chinese.
Option 2: DiDi inside Alipay or WeChat
If your card doesn't work in DiDi Rider, use the DiDi that's built into Alipay or WeChat. Search "DiDi" in either app, book the same way, and pay from your linked card. This is also handy if you've already set up those apps for paying in shops. See our Alipay and WeChat Pay setup guide.
Option 3: a street taxi
Official taxis are still easy to find in big cities, especially at taxi ranks outside stations and hotels. They use a meter. Show your destination in Chinese on your phone, and pay with Alipay, WeChat Pay or cash. Few drivers speak English.
Which ride type to choose
| Ride type | What it is | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Express | Standard private car | Most trips, cheapest |
| Comfort | Newer, larger car | Longer rides, a bit more space |
| Premier | Higher-end car, vetted drivers | Airport trips with luggage, business travel |
| Taxi | Official metered taxi booked through the app | When you want the meter price, it doesn't surge |
| Hitch | Carpool with other passengers | Skip it as a tourist |
Prices go up at rush hour, late at night, in rain and during big holidays like Chinese New Year.
Getting a taxi from the airport
This is where tourists most often get overcharged.
- Ignore anyone offering a taxi in the arrivals hall. These unofficial drivers often charge several times the normal price.
- Follow the signs for ride-hailing pickup (į―įšĶč―Ķ) or the official taxi rank.
- Book DiDi only once you're at the pickup area, since walking there can take 5 to 10 minutes.
- Switch your eSIM on as soon as you land, so you can book from baggage claim.
Why DiDi needs mobile data
Booking, tracking the car, chatting with the driver and paying all happen in the app, live. Airport and street Wi-Fi is unreliable, and many public networks need a Chinese phone number to log in.
The simple setup:
- A travel eSIM for data, installed before you fly and switched on when you land.
- Your home SIM on for texts, for the DiDi and Alipay codes, with data roaming switched off.
A travel eSIM also keeps Google Maps, WhatsApp and Gmail working in China, since it routes your data outside the country. More on that in does Google Maps work in China and what apps work in China.
Get your China eSIM before you fly
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Card declined in DiDi Rider | Try another card brand, or book through Alipay or WeChat instead. |
| Driver can't find you | Use the in-app chat, send your location, or walk towards the car shown in the app. |
| Driver doesn't speak English | The in-app chat translates. Show the destination in Chinese. |
| Plate doesn't match | Don't get in. Cancel and report it in the app. |
| No SMS code at sign-up | Check that your home SIM is on and can receive texts abroad. |
| App won't load | Check your eSIM is set as the data line and data roaming is on for it. |
FAQ
Can foreigners use DiDi in China? Yes. The DiDi Rider app is in English, works with foreign phone numbers, and accepts Visa and Mastercard.
Is DiDi in English? The DiDi Rider app is fully in English, and the in-app chat translates messages with the driver.
Can I pay for DiDi with a foreign credit card? Yes, in the DiDi Rider app. You can also book DiDi inside Alipay or WeChat and pay with the card linked there.
Does DiDi work without internet? No. You need mobile data to book, track and pay, so set up an eSIM or another data option before you arrive.
How do I avoid taxi scams at Chinese airports? Ignore drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall. Use the official taxi rank or the ride-hailing pickup area, and book DiDi in the app.
Do I tip taxi drivers in China? No. Tipping isn't expected in China.
Does DiDi work in Hong Kong? No. DiDi only operates in mainland China. In Hong Kong use local taxis or Uber.