Compare China taxi apps like Didi (AKA Uber in China) & street taxis. Learn how to take China taxi, fare estimates, QR payments, and safety tips for tourists.
How much is China Taxi - App Fare vs Street Taxis
Source from Unsplash
Beijing Taxi Fares
- Base Fare: 13元 (covers first 3 km)
- Distance Charge: 2.3元/km after 3 km.
- Night Surcharge: +20% on base fare and distance charge (23:00–5:00)
Shanghai Taxi Fares
- Base Fare: 14元 (3 km for standard taxis); 16元 (3 km for electric taxis)
- Distance Charge: 2.7元/km after 3 km.
- Night Surcharge: +30% on base fare and distance charge (23:00–5:00)
| # | Regular Taxis | Didi Chuxing |
| Base Fare | Fixed by city regulations (e.g., 14元 in Shanghai) | Lower base fares (e.g., 10元 for Express) but dynamic pricing during peak hours |
| Surge Pricing | None—strictly metered. | Prices spike during rush hours, rain, or high demand |
| Additional Fees | Night surcharges (e.g., +30% after 23:00) and empty return fees for long trips | Optional carpool discounts (up to 50% off) and empty return fees (e.g., +50% after 15 km) |
Example: A 10 km daytime ride in Shanghai costs ~45元 for taxis vs. ~35元 for Didi Express—but Didi could surge to 60元 during rush hour
Regular China Taxis vs. Ride-Hailing Apps
- Regular Taxis: Limited during rush hours or in suburban areas. Reliant on street hails
- Didi: Wider coverage (including suburbs), 24/7 availability, and carpool options to reduce wait times
| Feature | Traditional Taxis | Didi/Meituan |
| Payment Flexibility | Cash or mobile pay | Auto-deduct via app (cards/WeChat) |
| Language Support | Rare English | In-app translation for addresses |
| Pricing | Metered (regulated) | Dynamic pricing (surge possible) |
| Safety | Licensed but harder to track | Real-time tracking and driver IDs |
#1 China Taxi App | Didi Chuxing - How to Ride
Follow these steps to book your first ride:
Step 1: Download the App
- iOS/Android: Search “DiDi” or “滴滴出行” in your app store.
- Alternative: Use Didi’s mini-program directly in WeChat (search “滴滴出行” in WeChat’s “Discover” section).
Step 2: Register
- Sign up with your international phone number (supports +86 and foreign numbers).
- Verify via SMS code.
Step 3: Set Pickup/Drop-off
- Type your destination in English or Chinese (e.g., “Beijing Railway Station” or “北京站”).
- Use landmarks if addresses are unclear (e.g., “near Starbucks, Xidan”).
Step 4: Choose Your Ride
- Swipe to compare options: Express (快车), Premium (专车), etc.
- Check estimated fares and ETAs.
Step 5: Confirm and Track
- Tap “Confirm Ride (确认叫车).”
- Track the driver’s arrival in real-time. Match the license plate and car model to the app details.
Step 6: Payment
- Fare auto-deducts post-ride via your linked payment method.
- Rate the driver (5-star system) for better service matching.
#1 China Taxi App | Didi Chuxing - Taxi Types
Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) is China’s top ride-hailing app, offering multiple services tailored to different budgets and scenarios. Here’s a breakdown:
| Ride Type | Description | Best For |
| Taxi (出租车) | Traditional metered taxi. Fares follow local regulations. | Travelers who prefer regulated pricing. |
| Express (快车) | Budget-friendly private cars. Faster pickup and cheaper than taxis. | Quick, affordable rides across cities. |
| Premium (礼橙专车/豪华车) | Luxury vehicles with professional drivers. Higher cost, premium service. | Business trips or special occasions. |
| Hitch (顺风车) | Carpooling with strangers heading the same way. Cheapest but longer wait times. | Budget travelers or eco-conscious users. |
| Designated Driver (代驾) | A driver comes to take over your car (e.g., after drinking). | Safe rides home after late nights. |
| Bus (巴士) | Pre-booked buses for groups (6+ people). | Corporate events or family outings. |
Pro Tip: Express (快车) is ideal for most travelers. Avoid surge pricing by booking outside rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM).
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#1 China Taxi App | Didi Chuxing - Payment Methods
Didi and Meituan support cashless payments to streamline your ride. Here’s how to pay:
| Payment Method | How It Works |
| WeChat Pay (微信支付) | Link your WeChat account to Didi/Meituan. Charges deduct directly from your wallet. |
| Alipay (支付宝) | Connect your Alipay account for instant payments. |
| Credit/Debit Cards | Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay accepted. Bind cards in-app for auto-pay. |
| DiDi Pay (滴滴支付) | Top up your Didi balance via bank transfer or card. Use funds for future rides. |
| Apple Pay | Supported in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. |
Important: Cash is rarely used. Always confirm payment options with your driver before starting the ride.
#2 China Taxi App | Meituan Taxi - How to Ride
Follow these steps to book your first ride:
Step 1: Download the App
- Android: Get Meituan from Google Play or Chinese app stores (e.g., Huawei AppGallery).
- iOS: Download from the Apple App Store.
- Alternative: Use Meituan’s mini-program within WeChat (search “美团打车”).
Step 2: Create an Account
- Sign up with your international phone number (including Taiwanese numbers).
- Enable SMS permissions to receive verification codes.
Step 3: Set Up Payment
- Go to “Wallet” (钱包) > “Payment Methods” (支付方式).
- Link WeChat Pay, Alipay, or a credit/debit card.
Step 4: Book Your Ride
- Open the Meituan app and tap “Taxi” (打车).
- Enter pickup/drop-off locations. Use landmarks (e.g., “near Beijing Hotel”) if addresses are unclear.
- Select your ride type (Economy, Comfort, etc.).
- Confirm the fare estimate and tap “Call a Car” (叫车).
Step 5: Track and Ride
- Match the driver’s license plate and car model to the app details.
- Share your trip in real-time via WeChat for safety.
Step 6: Post-Ride
- Payment auto-deducts from your linked method.
- Rate the driver (1–5 stars) to improve future matches.
#2 China Taxi App | Meituan - Taxi Types
Credit: Unsplash
Meituan offers a range of vehicles to match budgets and travel needs:
| Ride Type | Description | Best For |
| Economy (经济出行) | Affordable, no-frills rides. Ideal for short trips. | Everyday commuting. |
| Comfort (舒适出行) | Mid-tier cars with extra legroom and amenities. | Travelers prioritizing comfort. |
| Premium (高级出行) | Luxury vehicles (e.g., Audi, Mercedes) with professional drivers. | Business meetings or special events. |
| Business (商務出行) | Top-tier service with VIP treatment and premium car models. | Corporate travelers. |
| Carpool (拼车) | Share rides with others heading the same way. Split costs, longer routes. | Budget travelers or eco-conscious users. |
| Designated Driver (代驾) | A driver takes over your car (e.g., after drinking). | Safe rides home post-events. |
| Large Vehicles (大型车辆) | SUVs or vans for groups or bulky luggage. | Families or travelers with lots of gear. |
Pro Tip: Carpool (拼车) cuts costs by up to 40%, but add buffer time for pickups/drop-offs.
#2 China Taxi App | Meituan - Payment Methods
Meituan supports most international and local payment options:
| Payment Method | How It Works |
| WeChat Pay (微信支付) | Link your WeChat wallet for instant deductions. |
| Alipay (支付宝) | Seamless payments via Alipay balance or linked cards. |
| Credit/Debit Cards | Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay accepted. Bind cards in-app for auto-pay. |
| Meituan Pay (美團支付) | Top up your Meituan balance via bank transfer or card. Use funds for rides. |
| Apple Pay | Available in select cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou. |
Important: UnionPay is widely accepted, but foreign cards may require SMS verification.
Useful Phrases for China Taxi Ride
Save these phrases on your phone to show drivers or practice pronunciation:
1. Basic Ride Requests
- 我要去这里 (Wǒ yào qù zhèlǐ)
"I need to go to there"
Then show the Chinese address on ur phone, and confirm with the drive. - 请打表 (Qǐng dǎ biǎo)
"Please use the meter."
Use this to avoid overcharging in traditional taxis - 可以支付宝/微信支付吗？(Kěyǐ Zhīfùbǎo/Wēixìn zhīfù ma?)
"Can I pay with Alipay/WeChat?"
95% of drivers accept mobile payments, but confirm first
2. Navigation & Urgency
- 请在这里停车 (Qǐng zài zhèlǐ tíng chē)
"Please stop here."
Use for drop-offs at landmarks instead of exact addresses - 能开快点吗？(Néng kāi kuài diǎn ma?)
"Can you drive faster?"
Add urgency: 我要迟到了！(Wǒ yào chídào le!) – "I’m late!" - 别绕路 (Bié rào lù)
"Don’t take a longer route."
Say this firmly if you suspect detours
3. Fare & Safety
- 多少钱？(Duōshǎo qián?)
"How much is the fare?"
Always ask before paying cash - 别乱打表 (Bié luàn dǎ biǎo)
"Don’t tamper with the meter."
Use if the fare seems suspiciously high - 我要投诉你 (Wǒ yào tóusù ni)
"I want to file a complaint."
Use this phrase for unlicensed "black taxis" or scams