Planning a trip to China and worried about getting around without speaking Mandarin? DiDi is the go-to ride-hailing app in China in 2025.
Whether you’re planning a short trip to Beijing or exploring off-the-beaten-track cities, this guide covers everything you need to know about how to use DiDi in China as a foreigner, what to expect, and how to pay.
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TL;DR: Your Quick DiDi Guide
- What is DiDi? China’s leading ride-hailing app.
- Still works in 2025? Yes, fully operational and foreigner-friendly.
- Can foreigners use it? Yup — use the DiDi mini program on WeChat.
- Cheaper than taxis? Usually yes, and more convenient.
- How to pay? Use WeChat Pay, Alipay, or a multi-currency card like YouTrip.
- Other services? Bikes, chauffeurs, deliveries, and more.
What is DiDi in China?
DiDi Chuxing (滴滴出行) is China’s largest ride-hailing platform — think of it as China’s version of Grab or Gojek. Founded in 2012, DiDi now offers a wide range of transportation services, including:
- Private cars and taxis
- Hitch (carpooling)
- Chauffeur services
- Bike and e-scooter rentals
- Intercity rides
Delivery and logistics
It’s used by over 550 million users across China and has even expanded globally to Latin America, Japan, and Australia.
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Does DiDi still work in China in 2025?
Yes. DiDi is fully operational in China in 2025. While DiDi faced some regulatory speed bumps, it’s back in full swing in 2025.
The app has improved its safety features, supports foreign users, and now integrates seamlessly with WeChat — making it super easy to book rides even without a local SIM
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Can foreigners use DiDi in China?
Absolutely! You can use DiDi in China as a foreigner — even without a Chinese phone number or local bank account. Simply use DiDi through the WeChat mini program. Here’s how 👇
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How to access DiDi in WeChat
1️⃣ Open WeChat
2️⃣ Tap ‘Pay and Services’ → Scroll to Travel & Transportation → DiDi Ride Hailing
- If it’s not visible, tap on ‘Discover’ → ‘Mini Programs’ → manually search for ‘DiDi’ and add to favourites for easy access
3️⃣ Allow location access and switch to English in settings
4️⃣ Make sure WeChat Pay is activated
How to Use DiDi in China: Read – How to set up your WeChat account
How to use DiDi in China for ride bookings (A Step-by-Step Guide):
Image credits: Unsplash
1️⃣ Open the DiDi mini program in WeChat
2️⃣ Enter your pickup and drop-off locations
- Though the interface is in English, you may have to type your address in Chinese for more accurate results
- You can also drop a pin if the location name doesn’t appear
3️⃣ Pick a ride type
- Budget: Discount Express
- Standard: Express, DiDi Flash, Taxi
- Premium: Select, Premier
- Other: 6-Seater, Luxe 6-Seater
Prices are shown upfront before you book
4️⃣ Book and track your ride
- The app shows your driver’s name, plate number, and estimated arrival time
- In-app translation tools are available to help you communicate with your driver
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Is DiDi cheaper than a taxi in China?
Yes — in most cases, DiDi is more affordable than flagging down a local taxi in China.
On average, DiDi fares are ~10-20% cheaper than metered taxis, especially in urban areas. Plus, with upfront pricing, there’s no risk of meter scams or route manipulation 👀
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Key features of the DiDi app (China)
- International usage
- Supports international phone numbers and cards
- Available in English, Japanese, and Spanish
- The DiDi Global app works in select overseas markets (e.g. Mexico, Brazil, Japan)
- WeChat Integration
- Seamless bookings within WeChat Mini Programs
- Easy payments using WeChat Pay
- Trip updates via WeChat messages
- Tech & Safety
- SOS emergency button in-app
- Real-time GPS tracking
- AI voice assistants for the hearing-impaired
- Facial recognition for drivers
- Background checks and in-app reviews
- Other services
- DiDi Bike: Rent e-bikes and scooters in major cities
- DiDi Luxe: Premium cars with trained chauffeurs
- DiDi Bus: Ride-sharing on fixed shuttle routes
- DiDi Delivery: Package courier services (China-only)
How to Use DiDi in China: Check out the Best Things To Do In Guangzhou, China
Tips for first-time DiDi users
- Use the hotel WiFi if you don’t have mobile data
- In rural areas, ride availability may be limited — book ahead or expect longer waiting times
- Screenshot your ride details before your board
How to Use DiDi in China: Read – Alipay For Foreigners: How To Use Alipay In China
What to do if DiDi isn’t available?
While DiDi dominates the market, you can try these alternatives if the app doesn’t work:
- Meituan Taxi (美团打车): Popular in Shanghai
- Gaode Map/AutoNavi (高德地图): Offers ride-hailing integration
- T3 Go (T3出行): Newer ride-sharing platform in Tier 2 cities
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FAQs:
Q: Do I need to download a separate app?
A: Nope! You can download the DiDi app directly, but it’s more convenient to use the DiDi Mini Program in WeChat.
Q: Do I need a Chinese SIM card?
A: No, you can use your foreign mobile number to register your WeChat account in advance. Make sure to activate it before your trip, as a verification code will be sent to your phone number!
Q: Can I pay with a foreign card?
A: Yes, just link your foreign debit/credit card to WeChat Pay.
💡 Tip: Link your YouTrip card to WeChat Pay for the best CNY rates with zero FX fees!
👉 Here’s how to link your foreign card to WeChat Pay
Q: Can I use DiDi from the airport?
A: Yes, but there may be specific pickup points you’d need to find.
Before your trip:
- Activate your WeChat account
- Link your YouTrip card to WeChat Pay for the best CNY exchange rates
Final Verdict: Is DiDi Worth Using in China?
If you’re wondering, “Is DiDi worth it in China?”, the answer is a big YES.
✅ Easy to use for foreigners
✅ More affordable than taxis
✅ Safe, reliable, and tech-driven
✅ Available in over 400 Chinese cities
Whether you’re navigating the crowded streets of Shanghai or trying to hail a ride in Chengdu, DiDi makes getting around China smooth and stress-free, especially for non-Mandarin speakers.
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Need a multi-currency card for China?
YouTrip is Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet with competitive exchange rates and zero foreign transaction fees.
If you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.
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Happy travels!
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