Does Uber work in China?
NO — Uber does NOT operate in mainland China. Uber sold its China business to Didi in 2016 and exited the market. Use Didi (滴滴出行) instead — it's China's dominant ride-hailing app with English interface, foreign phone registration, and Alipay/WeChat payment. Didi is cheaper, has more drivers, and is more reliable than Uber ever was in China. Download Didi before arrival.
Quick answer
NO — Uber does NOT operate in mainland China. Uber sold its China business to Didi in 2016 and exited the market. Use Didi (滴滴出行) instead — it's China's dominant ride-hailing app with English interface, foreign phone registration, and Alipay/WeChat payment. Didi is cheaper, has more drivers, and is more reliable than Uber ever was in China. Download Didi before arrival.
Detailed answer
Uber's Exit from China
Uber launched in China in 2014 but faced fierce competition from Didi (then Didi Kuaidi). Both companies burned billions in subsidies to gain market share.
In August 2016, Uber sold its China operations to Didi in a merger deal. Uber received a 17.7% stake in Didi, and Didi invested $1 billion in Uber.
Uber China app was shut down. All Uber China drivers and riders migrated to Didi. Uber no longer has any operations or drivers in mainland China.
Uber app will show 'no cars available' or fail to connect if you try to use it in China. It will not work even with a VPN.
Hong Kong & Macau: Uber DOES operate in Hong Kong and Macau (separate markets). If you're visiting Hong Kong, Uber works there normally.
Didi now has ~90% market share in China's ride-hailing market. It's the only practical option for app-based rides.
Didi vs Uber — Comparison
Didi advantages: More drivers (shorter wait times, 2–5 min in cities), lower prices (30–50% cheaper than Uber was), English interface, accepts foreign phone numbers, integrates with Alipay/WeChat, multiple vehicle types (Express, Premier, Taxi, Designated Driving).
Didi safety: All drivers licensed and background-checked, GPS tracking, share trip with friends, emergency button, 24/7 customer service. Safer than street taxis.
Didi payment: Auto-deducts from Alipay/WeChat. No cash needed. Receipts emailed. Can add multiple payment methods.
What Uber did better: Global app consistency (you already know how to use it), credit card payment directly (Didi requires Alipay/WeChat first).
Other ride-hailing apps: Meituan Taxi (美团打车) and Caocao (曹操出行) are alternatives, but Didi has far more drivers. Use Didi as primary.
If you already have Uber app: Delete it or ignore it in China. It won't work. Download Didi from App Store or Google Play before arrival.
Quick Didi Setup for Foreigners
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Download 'Didi' (滴滴出行) from App Store or Google Play before arrival.
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Register with your foreign phone number — select country code, enter number, receive SMS code.
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Switch to English: Profile (top left) → Settings → Language → English.
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Add payment: Profile → Wallet → Payment Methods → Add Alipay or WeChat Pay. (Must have Alipay/WeChat set up first with your foreign card.)
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Book a ride: Enter destination, confirm pickup point, choose Express (cheapest) or Premier (nicer), confirm. Driver arrives in 2–10 minutes.
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At destination: Payment auto-deducts. Rate your driver. Done.
Tip: Use 'Airport' mode for airport pickups — select your terminal, driver meets you at designated pickup area. Much cheaper than airport taxis.