How to Use Taxis and Ride-Hailing in China
Use Didi with mobile pay and Chinese addresses; official taxis when apps fail.
Key takeaway
After **data + pay** work, use **Didi** with your destination in **Chinese** and verify **plate + driver photo**. At airports, **official taxi queues** are safer until apps are ready. Avoid unlicensed “private cars.” Uber is not the default ([Uber question](/questions/can-i-use-uber-in-china)).
Full guide
Transport Hub — Taxis & Didi
| If you are asking… | Open this (one page) |
|---|---|
| Uber in China? | Question: Uber → Didi |
| Taxi / Didi walkthrough | This guide |
| Metro vs HSR vs taxi choice | Transport essential |
| HSR booking & stations | HSR guide |
| Real airport pickup story | Community: Pudong |
Who this is for
Arrivals and city moves when metro is impractical (late night, luggage, rain).
What to do next
Airport arrival (PVG/PEK/SZX pattern)
- Follow Taxi / 出租车 signs to the official queue—ignore anyone who approaches you in the hall.
- Join the line; an attendant may assign a car in some airports.
- Show hotel name in Chinese (screenshot from booking or Amap).
- Confirm meter starts or agreed airport flat rate where posted.
- Pay by QR at end (Alipay/WeChat) or cash if driver accepts—have both ready.
- Get receipt (发票 fāpiào) if your employer needs it.
Recognize a licensed taxi
- Roof light and company logo on door
- Meter visible and running (or official airport flat-fee sticker)
- Driver badge with photo on dashboard
- Plate matches registration card if shown
Didi workflow (step-by-step)
- Install DiDi / DiDi Global from official store; register with SMS number.
- Link Alipay or WeChat Pay under Wallet settings.
- Set pickup at your exact metro exit letter or hotel gate—not just street name.
- Choose service tier (Express 快车 is common).
- Before entering, match last 3 digits of plate + driver photo on app screen.
- Share trip link with hotel or friend if riding late at night.
- Pay inside app automatically; if auto-pay fails, app prompts manual QR pay.
Official taxi workflow
- Queue at rank; open rear door yourself in most cities.
- Hand phone showing Chinese address or hotel card.
- Say “请打表 (qǐng dǎ biǎo, please use meter)” if unsure.
- At destination, scan driver QR or pay cash; tip not required.
Fare expectations (rough, tier-1 cities)
| Trip | Ballpark (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Airport → downtown (20–40 km) | ¥80–180 |
| Cross-city 8 km day | ¥25–45 |
| Late night surcharge | +20% in some cities |
Use app estimate before boarding—disputes are easier with Didi in-app receipt.
Avoid unlicensed cars (airport & nightlife)
| Red flag | Safer move |
|---|---|
| Someone approaches you inside the terminal hall offering “cheap taxi” | Walk to the official taxi queue or use Didi after data works |
| No roof light or meter | Decline; find licensed rank or app ride |
| Driver shows a paper price far below app estimate | Often ends in pressure for cash tip or detour—use in-app booking |
| “Shared ride” with strangers to your hotel | Skip unless it is a platform-booked carpool inside Didi |
| Plate on car does not match app | Do not enter; cancel and rebook |
At nightclubs and tourist streets, use in-app pickup at a lit storefront (convenience store, hotel gate) rather than accepting curbside offers.
Night rides and safety
- Share live trip link from Didi with hotel or a contact.
- Sit rear seat; keep bag on your side, not in open trunk unattended.
- If route diverges wildly on the map, ask “请按导航走 (qǐng àn dǎoháng zǒu)” or end trip and exit in a busy area.
- Women traveling solo: prefer well-lit pickup points and daytime airport queues when possible.
Driver phrases (save on phone)
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| Please use meter | 请打表 | qǐng dǎ biǎo |
| Here is OK | 这里可以 | zhèlǐ kěyǐ |
| Open trunk | 请开后备箱 | qǐng kāi hòubèixiāng |
| I have a Didi booking | 我约了滴滴 | wǒ yuē le Dīdī |
How to do it
Install Didi and link pay
Save Chinese hotel address
Verify plate before entry
Use official taxi queue if apps fail
Watch for
English-only addresses
Unlicensed airport cars
Wrong pickup pin
What may vary
Taxi cash rules and app versions vary by city.
Backup plan
Metro; hotel concierge calling licensed taxi; walk to nearest official rank.
FAQ
Can Didi drivers read English addresses?
Use Chinese characters—pinyin often fails.
Do taxis accept cash?
Declining but still possible; QR pay is more common.