The last subway is back in the depot and anyone who wants to visit one of the numerous bars or get home needs a taxi. Those who rely on Uber are usually out of luck. In contrast to Western countries, the range is limited and the app is currently facing a lot of opposition from the authorities.
Ordering a taxi via Didi Chuxing has so far been a major challenge for expats and tourists who do not know Chinese. The popular app is still only available in Chinese. As the digital magazine Technode reports, the company is planning an English version for spring 2017. Initially, only a few important parts will be available in English, before a complete app in English is released in the summer. However, anyone who wants to use the app now will have to resort to the Chinese version.

WeChat wallet to pay taxi fares more easily

To pay faster and more easily at Didi Chuxing, it is worth opening an Alipay account or a WeChat wallet. To use the WeChat wallet, you need a Chinese bank card. WeChat will first ask you for your name. Important: You must enter exactly the name you have registered with the bank. Pay attention to upper and lower case, as some banks only use uppercase letters to register your name.

As a foreigner, you should select “Passport” as the ID type, as WeChat only accepts Chinese ID cards. When entering the phone number, it should be the number linked to your bank account. You should also have access to this number, as WeChat will send you a security code for identification.

When WeChat then asks you to set a six-digit password for the wallet, you should choose one that is different from that of your bank account. If you are staying in China for a longer time, opening a WeChat wallet is recommended.

Select your destination. Enter your phone number. Let’s go

Until recently, you had to download the Didi Chuxing app from the Google Play store, the Apple Store,e or the Didi Chuxing website, but now you can also access the app directly via WeChat. However, downloading it is advisable as you can then access the app directly.

If you want to order a taxi, select in the navigation bar after opening the app. In addition, Didi Chuxing offers other options, such as a private chauffeur. However, as a foreigner without excellent Chinese skills, you will probably rarely use these.

Didi now asks you to specify your location and destination. You can type in the exact destination (street, house number, apartment block) (you need a pinyin keyboard for this) or select it using an interactive map. Alternatively, you can enter the street in English in Didi and later send the driver a piece of paper with the exact address.

Tip for bargain hunters: Accept passengers

You now have the option of specifying whether you will use the taxi alone or are willing to accept passengers, which will reduce the price. So that Didi can start the search, the app asks you for your phone number. If you are using Didi for the first time, the app will ask you to identify yourself using a verification code. After successful identification, you will receive a message with a verification pin.

A map will then open with the taxis that are near you. If you want to cancel your request, click on it. If you want to continue with your order, click on 支付 and you will now have the option of selecting the payment method. The driver will now receive an SMS that you have ordered him. If the driver has problems finding you, you can also contact him by phone. After you arrive at your destination, don’t forget to check out on Didi and rate the driver.