Overview
Getting around Chinese cities as a foreigner requires understanding your transportation options. Didi and traditional taxis both serve the same purpose but offer very different user experiences. Here's how to choose the right one for different situations.
Didi: China's Dominant Ride-Hailing Service
Didi Chuxing is far more than just China's Uber — it handles millions of rides daily across hundreds of cities. For foreign travelers, Didi offers significant advantages: the app works in English, handles Chinese addresses automatically, supports international phone numbers, and accepts multiple payment methods including foreign credit cards through Alipay.
Traditional Taxis: Still a Valid Option
Taxis remain plentiful in Chinese cities and offer the advantage of spontaneity — no app needed, just flag one down. They're generally safe and metered. The main challenge is the language barrier when telling drivers where you want to go, and ensuring they use the meter correctly.
When to Use Each
Didi excels when you need to go somewhere specific and can plan ahead, especially from airports or train stations, when traveling to unfamiliar areas, or when you want price transparency. Traditional taxis work well for short spontaneous trips, areas with poor app connectivity, or when you see an empty taxi and don't want to wait for Didi to arrive.