Can I Use Uber in China?
No for mainland daily use—use Didi; official taxi queue until pay and data work.
Key takeaway
**No—not as your default ride app on the mainland.** Uber **exited China operations in 2016** (merged into Didi). Use **Didi 滴滴** or **DiDi Global** with **Alipay/WeChat Pay** and **Chinese addresses**. Until pay works: **official taxi queue** or **metro** ([taxi guide](/guides/how-to-take-a-taxi-in-china)).
Full guide
Detailed Answer
Read this if you need Uber yes/no—not Didi screen-by-screen setup (taxi guide, transport essential).
| Expectation (Uber abroad) | Mainland reality |
|---|---|
| Open Uber, GPS works | Open Didi + Amap pin in Chinese |
| English address OK | Chinese characters for drivers |
| Apple Pay | Alipay / WeChat Pay in app |
| Any curbside pickup | Airports: signed pickup zones or taxi queue |
DiDi Global may work with some overseas numbers—install and test before flying, not at PVG curb.
Hong Kong/Macau use different apps—this page is mainland only.
Who this is for
- Muscle memory: open Uber after every flight
- Wondering if Lyft/Uber works like US/EU
- Airport touts offering “cheap private car”
What to do next
- Taxi & Didi guide — full workflow.
- Maps question — Chinese addresses.
- First day guide — landing order.
How to do it
Install Didi before travel
Link Alipay or WeChat Pay
Use Chinese address from Amap
Use taxi guide for full workflow
Watch for
Uber expectation
English-only destination
Unlicensed airport rides
What may vary
DiDi Global availability varies by region.
Backup plan
Official taxi queue; metro; hotel concierge pickup.
FAQ
China equivalent of Uber?
**Didi.**
Cash in Didi?
Usually **in-app pay**—set up wallets first.