Can foreigners use Didi with a foreign phone number?
Yes — download Didi (滴滴出行), register with your foreign phone number (SMS verification works internationally), switch to English in settings, and add payment via Alipay or WeChat Pay. Didi is China's Uber — cheaper, safer, and more reliable than street taxis. Airport pickups are excellent. No Chinese phone number required.
Quick answer
Yes — download Didi (滴滴出行), register with your foreign phone number (SMS verification works internationally), switch to English in settings, and add payment via Alipay or WeChat Pay. Didi is China's Uber — cheaper, safer, and more reliable than street taxis. Airport pickups are excellent. No Chinese phone number required.
Detailed answer
Setup Guide for Foreigners
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Download 'Didi' (滴滴出行) from App Store or Google Play. There are two versions: the main app (Chinese) and 'Didi Global' (English). The main app has an English mode — use that one for better availability.
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Register with your foreign phone number. Select your country code, enter your number, receive SMS code. International SMS works for most countries.
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Switch to English: Tap profile icon (top left) → Settings (设置) → Language (语言) → select English. Restart the app.
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Add payment: Profile → Wallet → Payment Methods → Add Alipay or WeChat Pay. You must have Alipay/WeChat set up first (with your foreign card). Didi does NOT accept credit cards directly.
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Set your pickup location: The app uses GPS to detect your location. You can also type an address or drop a pin on the map.
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Choose ride type: Express (快车, cheapest, shared), Premier (专车, nicer car, more expensive), Taxi (出租车, metered), Designated Driving (代驾, if you need a driver for your own car).
Using Didi — Tips & Tricks
Confirm pickup point: The driver will call or message you (in Chinese) when arriving. Show the driver's car plate and color to identify the car. Stand at a clear, visible location — drivers often can't stop exactly at your pin.
Communication: Use the in-app translation feature — type in English, it translates to Chinese for the driver. Or use 'I'm here' button to share your exact location.
Payment: Auto-deducts from your Alipay/WeChat at the end of the ride. No cash needed. You'll receive a receipt by email/app.
Airport pickup: Use 'Airport' mode — select your terminal, the driver meets you at the designated pickup area. Much cheaper than airport taxis (¥80–150 vs ¥200–400).
Share trip: Use 'Share Trip' to send your real-time location to a friend — safety feature.
Surge pricing: During rush hour (7–9am, 5–7pm) and bad weather, prices may increase 1.2–2x. The app shows the multiplier before you confirm.
Didi vs Street Taxi vs Other Options
Didi Express: 30–50% cheaper than taxis. Driver-rated, route tracked, cashless. Best for most trips. Wait time 2–10 min in cities.
Street taxi: More expensive, some drivers don't use meters (especially near tourist sites), language barrier, cash only sometimes. Use only if Didi isn't available.
Didi Premier: 2x price of Express, but newer cars, professional drivers, water/mints provided. Good for business or when you want reliability.
Didi Taxi: Hails a regular taxi through the app — you pay the meter price + small service fee. Good when Express cars are scarce.
Black cars (unlicensed): Avoid — especially at airports and train stations. They charge 2–5x normal price and are not insured. Always use Didi or official taxi stand.
Alternative apps: Meituan Taxi (美团打车) and Caocao (曹操出行) also work. Didi has the largest market share (~90%), so it has the most drivers.