Traveling in China? Didi (滴滴 – Dīdī), China’s top ride-hailing app, is your best friend! But navigating it can be tricky for newcomers. Don’t worry — we’ll guide you step-by-step while teaching you key Chinese terms!

Step 1: Download & Set Up

Download Didi (available on App Store/Google Play). Register with your phone number (foreign numbers work!). Enable location services (定位 – dìngwèi) and allow app permissions.

Add payment method:

Link a Chinese bank card (中国银行卡 – Zhōngguó yínháng kǎ)

Or use WeChat Pay (微信支付 – Wēixìn zhīfù) / Alipay (支付宝 – Zhīfùbǎo).

Tip: Set payment to 自动扣费 (zìdòng kòufèi – auto-pay) to avoid delays!

 

Step 2: Booking Your Ride

Open the app and choose:

快车 (Kuàichē): Standard car (cheapest).

专车 (Zhuānchē): Premium car (cleaner, pricier).

出租车 (Chūzūchē): Official taxi (metered fare).

 

Enter your destination (目的地 – mùdìdì):

Type in English (e.g., "Beijing Railway Station") — the app translates automatically!

Or paste a Chinese address (地址 – dìzhǐ).

Confirm pickup location (上车地点 – shàngchē dìdiǎn).

Tap 呼叫快车 (Hūjiào kuàichē – Call a car)!

 

Step 3: During the Ride

Check the license plate (车牌号 – chēpái hào) to find your car.

Show the driver your destination on the app if needed.

 

Use simple phrases:

“请在这里停” (Qǐng zài zhèlǐ tíng) – “Please stop here.”

“前面左转” (Qiánmiàn zuǒ zhuǎn) – “Turn left ahead.”

Track the route (路线 – lùxiàn) via GPS.

 

Step 4: Payment & Rating

Fare is auto-paid via your chosen method.

Check the receipt (账单 – zhàngdān) in the app.

Rate your driver (评分 – píngfēn) (5 stars = 五星 – wǔ xīng).

 

Got issues?

Contact support (客服 – kèfú) in the app.

Say: “我的订单有问题” (Wǒ de dìngdān yǒu wèntí) – “My order has a problem.”