How to Order Takeout with Meituan in China & Other Services Guide

Ever been in China with a growing appetite but no clue how to order delivery? Or maybe you’re craving a local-favorite hotpot spot but want to snag a discount first? Enter Meituan. It’s essentially like having a local best friend in your pocket, guiding you toward authentic meals and hidden gems without the 'tourist tax.' It’s a total game-changer for saving both time and money. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through downloading the app, placing your first food order, and finding the best local deals for your next adventure.

What is Meituan?

Think of Meituan as China’s ultimate "everything app." It’s the go-to for locals to order food, snag discounts on dining, and book everything from a haircut to a hotel room. While you might use Dianping to scout out reviews and top-rated spots, Meituan is where you go to actually buy the deals and place orders. It’s essentially a digital local discount card and delivery service rolled into one.

How to Navigate Meituan in English?

While Meituan doesn’t offer a native English interface, you can easily get around using these workarounds:

1. Use WeChat or Alipay Mini Programs: > WeChat: Open the Meituan Mini Program, tap the three dots (...) in the top corner, and select "Translate". This works best if your phone's system language is already set to English.
2. • Alipay: Access Meituan through Alipay's Mini Program; depending on your settings, a "Translate" button may appear automatically.
2. Use External Translation Tools:
3. • Screenshots: Capture your screen and upload it to Google Translate or Youdao for a quick readout.
   • Screen Overlays: Use real-time translation apps that "float" over Meituan to translate menus instantly as you scroll.

Can I Use Meituan Without a Chinese Number?

Delivery person on scooter with yellow jacket and black jacket. Via Unsplash (by Van Tien Le)

You don’t need to have a Chinese cell number to order from Meituan. So you just need to download the app from App Store, or Google play. NOT thru WeChat. Sign up for the app with my home cell number and got ID verified with my passport. You can either link your home credit card in advance, or choose either WeChat or Alipay when you need to pay.

Tip: In the note to merchant, just type in DO NOT CALL, (不要打電話), then also add your hotel name and room number. Then the rider will not call you upon arrival. But you need to inform hotel front desk to notify you when order is arrived. Suggest to have “do not call” in Chinese as well, guess not all delivery man can read English. You can ask hotel front desk to type “不要打電話” in your cell - Notes, then you can copy & paste every time.

How to Download and Set Up the Meituan App (iOS & Android)

Step 1: Get the App

• iOS: Switch your App Store region to China and search for “美团” or “Meituan.”
• Android: Download it via the Play Store (if available in your region) or a trusted APK site.
• Pro-Tip: The app is entirely in Chinese. To navigate easily, use a translator overlay app or your phone’s built-in screenshot translation feature.

Step 2: Sign Up/Create and Account: Head to the “我的” (My) tab and tap “点击登录” (Login). You can usually register with an international phone number to receive a verification SMS.

Step 3: Pin Your Location Set your city and delivery address using the map pin. If you’re unsure of the Chinese address, simply copy and paste it from your hotel booking or a map app.

Step 4: Connect Your Payments Meituan integrates perfectly with Alipay and WeChat Pay, both of which now support international credit cards. Ensure your card is linked in those apps first, and your Meituan checkouts will be effortless.

How to Order Food on Meituan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before you start, always double-check that your delivery address is current—especially if you’ve recently changed cities!

• Access Delivery: Look for the “外卖” (Waimai) icon; it’s usually the first option on the home screen.
• Find Your Meal: Browse local spots or search for a specific craving. Pro-tip: Stick to restaurants with high star ratings and delivery times under 45 minutes for the best experience.

• Watch the Minimums: Most shops have a small delivery fee (approx. ¥3–¥6) and a minimum spend requirement, which is usually easy to meet with a main dish and a drink.
• Customize & Checkout: Tap “选规格” to choose your options (like spice level or size). Review your cart, tap "去结算" (Proceed to Pay), and check for any auto-applied coupons. You can also add notes for the driver here.

• Seamless Payment: Pay instantly via Alipay or WeChat Pay. You’ll receive a confirmation as soon as it clears.
• Real-Time Tracking: Watch your rider’s progress on the live map. If you can't communicate with the rider in Chinese, you can leave a message (eg. 请放在大堂-Please leave it in the lobby) when you complete the order.
• Rate Your Food: Leaving a star rating helps the community and can unlock more discounts for your next order.

How to Use Meituan Dining Vouchers?

• Step 1: Tap the "Dining Deals" category on the home screen.
• Step 2: Search for a restaurant or browse local top-picks to see available discounts.

• Step 3: Review the terms, including the menu items covered, expiration dates, and whether a prior reservation is required.
• Step 4: Complete your purchase using Alipay or WeChat Pay. Find your active vouchers in the "My Orders" (我的订单) area.

• Step 5: Present the voucher code to the restaurant staff before you start your meal to ensure it is validated.
• Step 6: Enjoy your discounted meal. Any spending beyond the voucher's value can be settled separately at the restaurant.

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