Taxis and ride-hailing services are convenient ways to travel in Chinese cities, especially when carrying luggage, travelling with children or returning to your hotel late in the evening.
International visitors generally have two options:
- Book a car through a ride-hailing platform
- Take a licensed metered taxi
Ride-hailing is often easier because the destination, estimated fare, vehicle details and route appear in the app before the journey begins.
Using DiDi in China
DiDi is one of China’s main ride-hailing platforms. International visitors can access it through the DiDi app or through supported services inside Alipay and WeChat.
The available interface and menu names may change, but the general process is simple:
- Confirm your pickup location.
- Enter your destination.
- Select a vehicle category.
- Review the estimated waiting time and fare.
- Confirm the booking.
- Check the vehicle’s licence plate before getting in.
- Complete payment through the platform after the journey.
The driver’s vehicle type, licence plate and location should appear after the booking is accepted. Some services also provide translated in-app messages to help passengers communicate with drivers.
Foreign visitors can use overseas mobile numbers with supported ride-hailing services. International card availability depends on the app, payment platform and card issuer. The current official visitor guide lists DiDi, Alipay and WeChat as ride-hailing options for foreign travellers.
Booking Through Alipay or WeChat
If you already use Alipay or WeChat for payments, you may not need a separate ride-hailing app.
Both platforms provide access to ride-hailing services, although the exact location and name of the feature can vary by language, account and app version.
The booking process is similar:
- Open the ride-hailing or transport service.
- Confirm your pickup point.
- Search for the destination.
- Choose a vehicle type.
- Confirm the order and payment method.
Using an app reduces the need to explain the destination verbally and allows you to follow the route during the journey.
Taking a Traditional Taxi
Licensed taxis remain available in Chinese cities. You can find them at airports, railway stations, hotel entrances and official taxi ranks. In some locations, you may also be able to hail one from the street.
Before entering, check that the vehicle is an official taxi and that the driver uses the meter.
It is helpful to prepare your destination in Chinese. Show the driver:
- The Chinese name of your hotel or attraction
- The full address in Chinese
- A map location or map pin
- A hotel business card, if available
Do not rely only on an English hotel name. Different hotels can have similar translated names, and the driver may need the exact Chinese address.
How to Pay for a Taxi
Common payment methods include:
- Alipay
- Weixin Pay, commonly known as WeChat Pay
- RMB cash
- In-app payment for a ride-hailing booking
Payment options vary between traditional taxis, cities and booking platforms.
For an app-based ride, the fare is normally processed through the payment method connected to the platform. For a street taxi, ask which payment methods are accepted before the journey if you do not have RMB cash available.
Keep a backup payment method in case an international card or mobile payment does not work.
Airport and Railway Station Taxis
At airports and major railway stations, follow signs to the official taxi queue or your app’s designated ride-hailing pickup area.
Ride-hailing cars may not collect passengers directly outside every terminal exit. Large transport hubs often use specific floors, car parks or numbered pickup zones.
After booking:
- Check the pickup zone shown in the app.
- Compare the licence plate with the booking.
- Do not enter a different vehicle because someone claims to be your driver.
- Avoid unlicensed drivers offering rides inside the terminal.
- Ask your hotel or travel company for help if the pickup instructions are unclear.
Confirm the Correct Vehicle
Before entering an app-booked car, compare the licence plate and vehicle description with the information displayed in the app.
The driver may ask you to confirm part of the phone number used for the booking. This is a normal way to make sure the correct passenger has entered the vehicle.
If the licence plate does not match, do not get in.
Useful Chinese Phrases
Please take me to this address.
请带我去这个地址。 Qǐng dài wǒ qù zhège dìzhǐ.
Please use the meter.
请打表。 Qǐng dǎ biǎo.
Please stop here.
请在这里停车。 Qǐng zài zhèlǐ tíngchē.
How much is it?
多少钱？ Duōshao qián?
Can I pay with WeChat Pay?
可以用微信支付吗？ Kěyǐ yòng Wēixìn zhīfù ma?
Please give me a receipt.
请给我发票。 Qǐng gěi wǒ fāpiào.
In most situations, showing the Chinese address on your phone is more reliable than trying to pronounce it.
Practical Taxi Tips
- Install and set up your preferred payment and ride-hailing apps before departure.
- Keep mobile data available so you can book and follow the journey.
- Save your hotel’s Chinese name and address.
- Check the licence plate before entering an app-booked car.
- Use official taxi queues at airports and railway stations.
- Keep some RMB cash and another payment method as backups.
- Allow extra time during rush hour, bad weather and public holidays.
- Ask for a receipt if you leave something in a traditional taxi.
- Contact the platform through the app if an app-booked journey has a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners use DiDi in China?
Yes. International visitors can use supported DiDi services with an overseas mobile number. Registration and payment options may vary according to the app version, account and card issuer.
Do I need a Chinese phone number?
A mainland Chinese phone number is not always required. Supported ride-hailing services allow foreign visitors to register with overseas mobile numbers, although receiving calls or messages from a driver may be easier with reliable mobile service in China.
Can I enter a destination in English?
Some ride-hailing interfaces accept English searches, particularly for major hotels, airports and attractions. However, keeping the destination’s Chinese name and address available is still recommended.
Can taxi drivers speak English?
Some drivers may understand simple English, but it should not be expected. Use the destination displayed in Chinese and communicate through translated in-app messages when available.
Can I pay a taxi driver with cash?
Traditional licensed taxis generally accept RMB cash, although local practices can vary. App-booked journeys are normally paid through the booking platform. Keep more than one payment method available.
Is it safe to take a taxi in China?
Licensed taxis and established ride-hailing platforms are generally convenient options for visitors. Use official taxi ranks, verify the licence plate and avoid accepting rides from unlicensed drivers approaching passengers inside airports or stations.
Should I tip the taxi driver?
Tipping is not normally expected. Pay the metered fare or the amount shown in the booking platform.
Travel with Less Friction
For independent travellers, learning how to use a ride-hailing app can make moving around China much easier.
Guests travelling with Joy Traveller can also rely on pre-arranged private transfers where appropriate, particularly for airport arrivals, remote destinations and journeys with substantial luggage.
Important: App interfaces, payment options and pickup arrangements may change. Follow the current information displayed by the platform, airport, railway station or local transport authority.