🚕 How to Use Didi

Updated September 2026 · Tap any step to expand

1
Download the Didi app
▶
Your App Store
🔍 Search "DiDi China"
D
DiDi China: Ride Hailing
Developer: Didi
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Open your phone's app store. Search for "DiDi China: Ride Hailing" and download the official app.

  • iPhone: search "DiDi China: Ride Hailing" in App Store
  • Android: search in Google Play or your phone's store
  • Verify the developer is "Didi"
Important: There are two Didi apps. "DiDi China: Ride Hailing" is for use inside China. "DiDi Rider" is the international version and does NOT work in mainland China.
Can't find it in your app store? Use the official website below.

Official website:

Didi official website
Alternative: You can also use Didi through WeChat mini-programs.
2
Register and add payment
▶
Payment Settings
💚 WeChat Pay
›
🔵 Alipay
›
💳 International Card
›

WeChat Pay and Alipay are recommended for reliability.

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Sign up with your phone number. Then go to Payment Settings and add a payment method.

  • WeChat Pay (recommended if already set up)
  • Alipay
  • International credit card (Visa / Mastercard)
Recommended: If you've already set up WeChat Pay or Alipay, use that.
Common problem: Foreign cards are declined at the end of the ride.
3
Enter destination and ride
▶
Where to?
Destination
Enter destination
Estimated fare¥45 - ¥55
Wait time~3 min
Distance8.5 km
Confirm Ride
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Type your destination in English or Chinese. Confirm the ride.

  • Check the car type before confirming — the app may auto-switch
  • Check the plate number before getting in
  • Pay automatically through the app after arrival
Common problem: The app auto-switches your car type at the last second.
⚠ Common issues you may encounter ▶

The 3 steps above cover the basics. But here's what actually goes wrong:

  • Your SMS verification code never arrives
  • Your foreign card gets declined at the end of the ride
  • The app auto-switches your car type at the last second
  • The driver can't find you and keeps calling in Chinese
  • You got overcharged and don't know how to dispute it
  • You left something in the car
  • Your account gets flagged and you can't book

The full guide covers 12+ issues with step-by-step fixes.

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