How to Book Taxis in China: Top Apps & Uber Alternatives
Is Uber available in China? For many travelers, it’s the go-to way to get around, but you won't find it in mainland China. This guide covers the best ride-hailing apps for your next adventure in China. We’ll show you how to use them, how to handle payments, and what else you can expect along the way. Read on to get started!
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Is Uber Available in China?
Actually, no! Uber no longer offers rides in mainland China, so you'll want to plan for other ways to get around during your adventure!
- You won't find the Uber China app on Chinese app stores.
- Heads up, travelers! Just a quick reminder that the global Uber app doesn't support ride requests in China at the moment.
- As part of the acquisition, Uber’s drivers, users, and data were all transitioned over to Didi Chuxing.
The Best Ride-Hailing Apps for Travelers in China
App | English-speaking support | Works with phone numbers from around the globe | Payment options | Best for | Adventure Rating |
Yes, it comes with a full English interface! | Yes | WeChat Pay, Alipay, and sometimes Visa or Mastercard. | The most effortless, Uber-like experience | ⭐ Easiest | |
Yes | Yes | WeChat Pay, Alipay | For savvy travelers: compare prices like a pro | ⭐⭐ Moderate | |
Meituan Taxi | Not really—it's mostly Chinese. | Yes | WeChat Pay, Alipay | Budget-friendly rides and extensive driver coverage to help you explore with ease. | ⭐⭐ Moderate |
WeChat taxi mini programs | Yes | Yes | WeChat Pay | Request a ride without the hassle of downloading a new app | ⭐⭐ Moderate |
Top Pick: Didi China (Ride Hailing)
If you only download one taxi app for your China travels, make it Didi.
Credit: from Silicon UK | Enjoy your first ride-hailing trip with Didi China
- Full English interface for a seamless experience
- Ready to start your journey? You can sign up using your own phone number.
- Translate driver messages instantly in the app
- Experience this in almost all major Chinese cities, and even discover it in smaller, charming destinations.
- Pick the perfect ride for your adventure—choose from economy, premium, carpool, regular taxi, and more.
Top 2: WeChat Taxi Mini Programs
Inside WeChat, you'll find handy built-in apps called WeChat mini programs, where you can hail a taxi without downloading anything else.
Credit: from The WeChat Agency | Experience the convenience of WeChat mini programs
- It’s super convenient if you’re already using WeChat Pay!
- Just a heads-up, though—this only works with WeChat Pay.
- A fantastic backup to have in your pocket for those times Didi just can't find a driver.
Top 3: Amap (Gaode)
Think of Gaode as China’s version of Google Maps—it’s your essential companion for navigating the country with ease!
Credit: Gizmochina | Planning a road trip? Compare prices on Amap to help map out your next adventure!
- It offers incredibly accurate maps and routing, making it a breeze to navigate your way through China!
- Ready to explore? Sign in to Amap using your Apple ID, Facebook, or WeChat account and start your next adventure!
Top 4: Meituan Taxi
Meituan is your ultimate travel companion in China, a popular all-in-one platform that makes it a breeze to order food, book travel, check out reviews, and hail a ride.
Credit: Yicai Global | Meituan Taxi App
- It’s often cheaper than Didi
- You'll discover a vast network of drivers ready to whisk you away on your next adventure.
- Chinese (simplified) and Chinese (traditional)
- Best suited for experienced travelers
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How to Use Didi: A Step-by-Step Guide
Download Didi to access more services
- Download the “Didi China: Ride Hailing” app from your app store to start your adventure!
- Enter your phone number (we support numbers from around the globe).
- Add your payment method: WeChat Pay, Alipay, or card.
- Enter your pick-up and destination
- Select the ride that fits your style
- Meet your driver
- Enjoy the ride and exit
- Your payment is handled automatically, so you can just hop out and keep exploring!
China Taxi Apps vs. Street Taxis: Which Should You Choose?
Credit: from CGTN | Getting around Beijing by taxi can be a fun, authentic local experience, too!
Feature | China Taxi Apps | Traditional Taxis |
Language | English-language options | Most drivers here only speak Chinese, so it's a great idea to have a translation app handy for your journey! |
Payment | Pay with your mobile wallet—no cash needed! | Pay with cash or QR code. |
Reliability | Easier to snag | It can be a bit more challenging during rainy weather or peak hours! |
- Waiting time: In the city, you’ll usually find a ride-share waiting for you in just 3-10 minutes. Hailing a cab on the street can be a total breeze in bustling areas, though you might find it takes a bit longer once the sun sets or if you’re venturing off the beaten path.
- Fare: Ride-hailing apps in China offer transparent, upfront fare estimates, while street taxis can be a bit more unpredictable, with costs varying based on your route and the time of day.
Essential Tips for Using Ride-Hailing Apps in China
- Save your hotel address in Chinese
- When entering your destination, feel free to use well-known landmarks to help us find you!
- Don't forget to screenshot your destination—it's a total lifesaver when you need to ask locals for directions!
- Keep in mind that fares tend to climb during rush hour!
- Be sure to link your international card to WeChat Pay or Alipay before you head out for your first ride!
- When heading to airports or train stations, use a taxi app to keep your journey stress-free.
- For peace of mind during your late-night adventures, ride-sharing apps are a safer way to get around.
- But always keep some RMB handy as a backup for those spontaneous street taxi rides!
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FAQs about China Taxi App
Is there Uber in China taxi apps?
No — Uber no longer provides rides in mainland China. Foreigners should use local China taxi apps instead.Which is the best China taxi app for travelers?
Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) is the top choice, offering English support, foreign phone number registration, and wide city coverage.Can I register a foreign phone number and card on a China taxi app?
Yes — many China taxi apps allow foreign numbers and link foreign credit or debit cards, though options vary by city.How do I pay for rides using a China taxi app?
Payments are usually digital via WeChat Pay or Alipay, which can be linked to foreign cards; cash is rarely accepted.What should I do if the driver doesn’t speak English on a China taxi app?
Use in-app translation features, or paste your destination in Chinese; apps also show license plate and route details to avoid confusion.
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