Taking a taxi in China can be a unique experience, especially in bustling cities like Beijing and Shanghai, where hailing a taxi and navigating traffic during rush hour can be challenging. Apps in the taxi industry, such as Didi and WikiTaxi, offer a convenient and efficient solution, allowing travelers to input their destination in Chinese and get picked up quickly.
In our previous post, we introduced how to use Didi app in WeChat and Alipay, here, we emphasize downloading Didi App as a standalone app and use it to take taxi in China. But you can also access Didi service in WeChat.
Why Use Didi to Take Taxi in China: Pro Drivers
Didi is trusted more than the traditional taxi in China. During rush hours and rainy days, it can be challenging to find taxis, so consider using taxi apps such as Didi for a more reliable taxi service compared to traditional taxis.
Users can link their debit cards to their Didi account for automatic fare deduction after each ride. Foreigners benefit from Didi’s ease of use, as the app supports location searches and translations. It’s available at any time and location, even in rural areas.
Unlike taxis, where language can be a barrier, Didi allows you to paste the destination in Chinese, ensuring accuracy. Didi also offers high-end services with professional drivers, providing a premium experience.
Didi App Download
Make sure you download the correct version of the Didi app. Find and install the “DiDi-Greater China” app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store. This version is essential because the standard app relies on Google Maps, which is blocked in China.
Registration
After downloading the app, users need to register by selecting their country and entering their phone number. A verification code will be sent via SMS. This process is simple, requiring minimal information and, can be completed quickly.
Language Settings
Let’s see how you can switch the language in the app from Chinese to English. By navigating to the “Me 我的” section, clicking on “settings 设置,” and selecting “language,” users can change the app’s interface to English, making it more user-friendly for non-Chinese speakers.
Payment Methods
1. Binding International Credit/Debit Card
Users can link their international credit cards, debit cards, WeChat Pay, or Alipay for payments. Also, you can link your debit card to your account and have the taxi fare automatically deducted after each ride. Linking Alipay or WeChat Pay can be done by following tutorials. If the mentioned methods fail, Didi accepts international credit cards, which can be added by filling in card details.
2. Alipay and WeChat Pay
There are step-by-step guides available for using Didi through Alipay and WeChat. For Alipay, users must ensure their location is detected accurately and can use translation tools if needed. WeChat, although less reliable for foreigners, can be used similarly by linking a bank card and using the ride-hailing feature.
Using the App
To use Didi, users must enable location services and verify their current location in the app. The Didi app simplifies the taxi booking process by allowing users to enter their destination and confirm the ride with just a few taps. They can then enter their destination in English or Chinese, select from seven service options, and confirm the ride. The app shows the driver’s details, car type, color, and license plate for easy identification.
Various types of cars are used for taxi services, including Hyundai, Volkswagen, Sonata, Elantra, Citroen, Passat, Santana, and Jetta, ensuring a wide range of options. Emphasizing car safety, the app provides information about the taxi driver, car model, and registration plate.
Additional Services
Didi offers various services that go beyond what traditional taxi companies provide, including ride-sharing, bike-sharing, intercity carpooling, and driving services for when users are unable to drive themselves. It is highly advisable to choose the right service based on the travel distance and number of people so that it is cost-effective and convenient.
Tips on Taking Taxi in China
1. Safety Tips
To ensure safety, it is advisable to double-check the pick-up location and to verify the car and driver details provided in the app. Passengers should be aware of local taxi regulations to ensure they are using licensed and safe taxi services. Wave to the driver to ensure they spot you, and it is also important to set accurate location settings due to language differences and international calling costs. It is also important to look for legal taxis in certain colors, such as dark blue, to avoid illegal taxis.
Most Chinese taxi drivers do not speak English. To avoid confusion, have your destination written in Chinese characters. For example, if you are going to Fudan University, you can say “Qǐng dào FuDan Dàxué” (请到复旦大学). This ensures that taxi drivers understand where you want to go, as pronunciation differences can lead to misunderstandings. Having a business card for your hotel or destination can be very convenient to show the driver the address in Chinese.
2. Hotel Cards
When staying at a hotel, get a hotel card from the reception. This card usually includes the hotel’s address in Chinese and the reception’s phone number, which can help the taxi driver if they need directions.
3. Alternative Transportation
While the metro system in China is efficient, it closes around 11 PM. Travelers can easily find a taxi stand at major transportation hubs in the city, such as airports and railway stations. The convenience of finding taxis in Chinese cities makes it easy for travelers to get around. If you are out late, especially after social events like bars or karaoke (KTV), you will need a taxi to return to your accommodation.
The experience of a taxi ride in China can vary for different customers, so it’s important to choose licensed taxis to ensure safety and avoid illegal services.