China – Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services

How do taxis work in China, and are they safe and reliable for expats?

Regardless of which Chinese city you find yourself in, hopping in a taxi is typically among the quickest and most hassle-free ways to reach your destination. Taxi fares are subject to local government regulation, meaning rates differ somewhat from one city to another. Every licensed taxi operates with a meter, and additional surcharges may be applied during late-night hours, public holidays, or weekends. This framework closely mirrors the regulated metered taxi systems found in cities like Paris, Tokyo, or Sydney — passengers pay what the meter displays, with rates established by municipal transport authorities.

Every Chinese city determines its own starting fare, so while some cities may begin at just 5 RMB, major centres such as Beijing or Shanghai typically open at 13 RMB or higher. The total fare combines this initial charge with increments based on distance travelled and time spent in traffic. One aspect that surprises many newcomers is that taxis in larger Chinese cities effectively operate on two rate tiers — a daytime rate and a higher nighttime rate that activates after a set hour, functioning as a form of built-in surge pricing within the standard meter structure.

Flagging down a taxi in China follows the same basic logic as in most parts of the world — stand near the roadside, extend your arm, and wave down a passing cab. Chinese taxis are broadly safe to use, with drivers generally adhering to local traffic rules. While some drivers in larger cities may have a smattering of English, displaying your destination written in Chinese characters significantly reduces any chance of miscommunication. Saving the address on your phone beforehand is one of the simplest precautions you can take.

A transparent partition dividing the driver’s cab from the rear passenger area is a standard fixture in most Chinese taxis. For your own safety while navigating city traffic, always enter and exit through the door nearest to the pavement, even when seated in the back. Tipping is not part of Chinese taxi culture; drivers neither expect nor customarily receive gratuities from passengers, whether local or foreign, and offering one may simply cause bewilderment.

It is worth holding onto your taxi receipt for a few days after each journey. The receipt carries the vehicle’s registration number, which means that if you accidentally leave belongings behind, your hotel can contact the company to track down the specific driver and arrange the return of your items.

Which ride-hailing apps work in China, and how do I use them?

A small number of major homegrown platforms command China’s ride-hailing market, managing the overwhelming majority of taxi and private-car bookings across the country, alongside a handful of more specialised services. The two platforms most riders will encounter are DiDi Chuxing and Meituan Dache, with various domestic and regional players serving specific niches. Unlike Southeast Asia, where a single cross-border platform such as Grab holds sway, China’s ride-hailing ecosystem is almost entirely local in character. Uber no longer functions as an independent entity in mainland China — in 2016, DiDi absorbed Uber’s Chinese operations in exchange for an equity stake.

By September 2024, DiDi Chuxing had established itself as the unchallenged leader among ride-hailing apps in China, recording close to 94 million monthly active users — a figure more than twice that of its nearest rival, Hello Chuxing. DiDi, as it is commonly known, ranks among the largest ride-hailing businesses anywhere on the planet, offering an extensive range of app-based mobility services that encompass taxi hailing, private car booking, social carpooling, bike sharing, designated driver services, and on-demand delivery.

Within China’s urban landscape, DiDi, Meituan, and Gaode together dominate the market and give both residents and expats reliable options for navigating cities of every size. DiDi is the most flexible and broadly available of these, and crucially it offers a full English-language version of its app. Meituan represents a useful backup in city centres but does not provide English-language support. Gaode functions as an aggregator, allowing users to compare options across multiple providers simultaneously.

Getting started with DiDi as a new arrival is a straightforward process. Open the Apple App Store or Google Play, search for “Didi,” and choose the app labelled “Didi China” — take care not to select Didi Rider, which is designed for users outside mainland China. On first launch, grant the app permission to access your location and set English as the display language. Tap “Account” in the lower-right corner to begin creating your profile. The default sign-up method uses a phone number; international numbers work provided they can receive an SMS verification code. If you have already established a WeChat or Alipay account, logging in through either of those platforms is also an option.

Once your account is active, booking a ride is intuitive. The home screen presents a map where you enter your pickup location and destination — both English text and pasted Chinese addresses are accepted. The app then presents a selection of vehicle categories, ranging from budget Express options to premium Luxe rides, each displaying an estimated fare and projected waiting time. When your driver arrives, cross-check the licence plate against the details shown in the app. The driver may ask you to confirm the last four digits of the booking phone number, typically in Chinese — keeping this noted in a separate app to show the driver can save time.

For expats unfamiliar with the language, DiDi’s built-in bilingual communication tools are a major asset. Users with international numbers can register and access the English interface without difficulty. The in-app messaging function automatically translates exchanges between rider and driver in both English and Chinese, making even complex instructions easy to convey. Local taxi operator apps in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou also offer direct cab booking and dedicated airport channels for those who prefer them.

Where can I find taxis and book rides in the capital city and major expat areas of China?

China is home to numerous cities that host substantial expat communities. The principal hubs — Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Hangzhou — all benefit from well-developed taxi and ride-hailing infrastructure. Whether you need to cross a congested Beijing boulevard or get home from a late night out in Chengdu, DiDi is the ride-hailing tool that both locals and foreigners turn to as a matter of course.

Beijing, as China’s capital and one of its largest international communities, is abundantly served by taxis that can be flagged from the street or found at organised ranks outside metro exits, hotels, shopping centres, and key landmarks. Legitimate Beijing taxis carry licence plates beginning with “京B.” DiDi is the go-to ride-hailing app across the city. Beijing has also authorised robotaxi services on designated test corridors linking the autonomous driving demonstration zone with Beijing South Railway Station and Beijing Daxing International Airport. For those who prefer phone-based dispatch, the Beijing Taxi Association maintains a hotline, though most residents find app booking far more practical.

Shanghai operates one of China’s most tightly regulated and well-organised taxi networks. A small number of large, professionally managed companies define the benchmark for quality in the city’s cab industry. Selecting one of these established operators almost always results in a more professional experience — courteous drivers, well-maintained vehicles, and strict adherence to metered fares. Among the most reputable are Dazhong (大众), whose sky-blue and turquoise livery makes them instantly identifiable and who are consistently praised for service quality; Qiangsheng (强生), whose predominantly green fleet is a familiar sight across the city; and Jinjiang (锦江), which runs a large fleet of white taxis and provides dependable coverage throughout Shanghai. Both DiDi and Meituan operate vigorously in Shanghai. Taxi ranks are found at Pudong and Hongqiao airports, all major railway stations, and hotels citywide.

Guangzhou and Shenzhen, the two powerhouse cities of Guangdong Province, are major centres for business and manufacturing and attract large numbers of foreign residents. Both cities maintain substantial metered taxi fleets with strong DiDi penetration. Street hailing and hotel ranks are widely available, and Guangzhou’s local taxi operator apps often provide direct booking alongside dedicated airport service channels.

Chengdu, Hangzhou, and comparable second-tier cities are equally well provisioned with taxis and DiDi coverage. In smaller cities lower down the urban hierarchy, aggregated booking services or niche local apps can help when the main platforms have fewer available drivers. In genuinely rural areas or very small towns, taxis may be difficult to find, and engaging a local private driver or boarding a shared minibus may be the more sensible approach.

How much does a taxi or ride-hailing trip cost in China?

The standard daytime base fare in China’s major cities sits at roughly ¥10–¥14 (approximately $1.50–$2.00 USD) covering the first 2–3 km (as of 2025). As noted earlier, individual cities set their own starting rates — some begin as low as 5 RMB, while large cities such as Beijing and Shanghai open at 13 RMB or above. Beyond the initial distance, a per-kilometre charge accumulates, and the meter continues to tick during stationary traffic, much as it would in cities like Melbourne or Toronto.

For a concrete illustration: a 10 km daytime journey in Shanghai costs roughly ¥45 by metered taxi compared with approximately ¥35 via DiDi Express under normal conditions — though DiDi can climb to ¥60 during peak-hour surges (as of 2025). This makes clear that app-based ride-hailing is not automatically cheaper than a traditional taxi, particularly when demand-based pricing is active.

Airport transfers represent a more substantial expense. A typical daytime cab ride from Pudong International Airport to central Shanghai — say, People’s Square or The Bund — falls in the range of ¥150–¥200 (roughly $21–$28 USD) and takes between 45 and 60 minutes depending on traffic (as of 2025). Motorway tolls for the airport expressway are ordinarily added to the metered total, so a small surcharge on top of the meter reading is normal.

Taxi fares throughout China are subject to local government oversight, with rates varying by city. All licensed taxis are required to use meters, and surcharges may be levied at night, on weekends, or during public holidays. Always verify current fare structures with your local municipal transport authority or the Ministry of Transport of China, as tariffs are revised from time to time. DiDi displays an estimated fare before you confirm your booking, which makes cost planning straightforward for app-based trips.

Steering clear of surge pricing is largely a matter of timing — try to book outside the morning and evening rush hours (7–9 AM and 5–7 PM). Opting for DiDi’s carpooling (拼车) feature can trim your fare by as much as 40%, though you should allow extra time for the additional pickups and drop-offs this involves. As tipping is not standard practice in China’s taxi culture, simply pay the metered or app fare and go.

Are there any common scams or safety issues with taxis in China that expats should know about?

The great majority of licensed taxis in China are honest operations offering fair, affordable rides. That said, a handful of well-documented scams do exist, and familiarising yourself with them before you land will allow you to handle any such situation calmly and confidently.

The most pervasive threat is the unlicensed driver, colloquially known as a “black cab.” Around major airports and railway stations, these individuals hover in arrivals halls and specifically target foreign travellers, offering rides in what may appear to be a perfectly respectable private vehicle. Accepting such an offer typically results in a wildly inflated fare — often two to five times the metered rate — or a hefty flat charge. Reports of unsuspecting travellers being charged ¥300–¥400 for rides from Beijing Capital Airport that a legitimate metered taxi would complete for around ¥100 are far from uncommon.

The deliberate refusal to use the meter is another widespread trick, most often encountered at airports, railway stations, and popular tourist spots. Rather than activating the meter, the driver attempts to agree on an inflated flat fare before the journey begins. The correct response is to calmly but firmly demand the meter is switched on by saying “Qǐng dǎ biǎo” (请打表). If the driver will not comply, get out and find a different cab without hesitation. Under no circumstances should you accept a negotiated fare for an ordinary city journey.

Some taxi meters are deliberately interfered with so that they accumulate charges at a faster rate than officially permitted. A related tactic is the detour scam, whereby the driver follows a needlessly roundabout route to inflate the meter reading. The most effective defence is to open a mapping application — Baidu Maps, Amap, or Google Maps — on your smartphone and follow the journey in real time. If the route deviates significantly from the logical path to your destination, show your phone to the driver and question the course being taken.

At airports and major stations, the cardinal rule is to use only the official taxi queue and pay no attention to unsolicited approaches from strangers. Anyone who accosts passengers inside a terminal offering a ride is almost certainly operating an illegal black cab or is a licensed driver seeking to extract an inflated flat fee. Always follow the clearly posted signage directing passengers to the authorised taxi rank.

In Beijing, checking for a licence plate beginning with “京B” is a reliable way to confirm a taxi is legitimate. Any vehicle approaching you without such a plate is not a legal cab. Across all Chinese cities, genuine licensed taxis display the driver’s photo ID and operating licence on the dashboard. While cash remains an accepted form of payment in most taxis, Chinese mobile payment platforms have become far more common. If you do pay with cash, stick to smaller notes — denominations of 50 RMB or below — as some drivers decline to break a 100 RMB note.

How do I pay for taxis and ride-hailing services in China — cash, card, or app?

Payment in China has shifted decisively toward digital mobile systems, and this trend is especially pronounced in transport. Mobile wallets — principally Alipay and WeChat Pay — are the most universally accepted methods and are strongly recommended for their speed and simplicity. Getting at least one of these set up is one of the single most important practical tasks for any expat arriving in China.

Many ride-hailing apps accept international bank cards, though acceptance varies depending on your card issuer and the region you are in; you will need to link your card details within the app and complete any required verification steps. Cash remains viable for licensed street taxis in most cities, though it is less commonly used for private-car bookings via ride-hailing platforms. For conventional street taxis in Shanghai, both RMB banknotes and the Shanghai Public Transportation Card are valid. Some Shanghai taxis also accept card payments — it is worth asking the driver before you set off.

Within DiDi specifically, the app provides a range of payment options including Alipay, WeChat Pay, credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and other methods. DiDi does not accept cash for its private-car services. Foreign-issued cards can in principle be added to the app, though user reports indicate the process is not always entirely smooth — consulting the DiDi app directly for the most up-to-date guidance on accepted international cards is the safest approach.

UnionPay is broadly accepted, but foreign cards may trigger an additional SMS verification step. If you have only just arrived and have not yet configured a local payment app, carrying a supply of small-denomination RMB notes as a backup is sensible. Experienced expats consistently advise getting mobile payments sorted as soon as possible and keeping smaller notes on hand if cash is your fallback — advice that reflects the wider expat community’s experience of navigating fare disputes.

Are there alternatives to taxis and ride-hailing for getting around China as an expat?

China has poured enormous investment into urban public transport, and for a great many everyday journeys, the metro or a city bus will get you there faster, more cheaply, and more predictably than any taxi — particularly during the morning and evening rush hours when road congestion can be severe.

WeChat and Alipay now serve as the primary ticketing tools for public transport in much of China, and a growing number of cities are beginning to accept international credit cards for tap-in, tap-out metro access. The metro systems in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Hangzhou are expansive, efficient, safe, and inexpensive. A journey that might consume 40 minutes in a taxi during peak traffic can frequently be completed in 20 minutes underground.

For travel between cities, high-speed rail (高铁, gāotiě) is the standout option — incomparably faster than road transport for intercity distances and part of one of the most extensive high-speed networks anywhere in the world. Every expat living in China should make it a priority to become familiar with booking and using high-speed trains.

City buses are inexpensive and reach neighbourhoods that the metro does not, though using them effectively requires a degree of local knowledge, and they are as susceptible to road congestion as taxis. Electric scooters and shared bicycles — available through apps such as HelloBike or Meituan Bikes — are highly popular for short urban trips and excel at threading through narrow streets and alleyways. Motorcycle taxis (摩托车) and tuk-tuks (三轮车) are still a fixture in smaller cities and rural areas, though they operate with less oversight — always settle on a fare before boarding.

Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxi service had deployed more than 400 fully driverless vehicles in Wuhan as of October 2024, operating across a zone exceeding 3,000 square kilometres within the city. Autonomous taxi services are progressively rolling out across select pilot cities and may well become a mainstream choice for expats in the years ahead.

What do expats say about using taxis and ride-hailing services day-to-day in China?

Among long-term foreign residents, the prevailing view is that DiDi fundamentally changes the experience of moving around China, most of all for those who have yet to develop Mandarin proficiency. As China’s largest ride-hailing platform, DiDi is a daily fixture for locals, expats, and visitors in equal measure. The app’s English-language interface and integrated translation features remove a significant portion of the language-related friction that once made conventional taxis daunting for newcomers.

The built-in auto-translation function converts messages between passengers and drivers in real time, enabling smooth communication even without a word of shared language. One of the features expats appreciate most is the in-app chat with live translation. Many regulars have developed a habit of snapping a quick photo of themselves standing beneath a visible nearby sign, which they send to the driver so they can be identified easily in a crowd — the driver typically replies with a thumbs-up to confirm they have spotted the right person.

Airport journeys are generally regarded as dependable when booked through DiDi, though experienced expats are emphatic about booking via the app rather than entertaining approaches from drivers inside the terminal. At airports and train stations, individuals who claim to be offering DiDi rides in person are best avoided entirely — because these are off-app arrangements, no fare record exists in the system and charges are completely opaque. Booking directly through the app at all times is the only way to ensure full transparency and accountability.

In residential neighbourhoods and non-tourist districts, both street taxis and DiDi tend to function without complication. The language barrier with traditional taxi drivers remains one of the most frequently cited challenges for newly arrived expats who have not yet begun learning Mandarin. The near-universal recommendation across expat forums and community groups is to keep your destination saved in Chinese characters in a notes app ready to show any driver. Shanghai’s taxi network in particular is widely regarded as highly trustworthy, owing to robust regulatory oversight and the professionalism of the major operating companies — though staying informed about potential scams and knowing how to report or recover from them remains worthwhile wherever you are.

Set against the ride-hailing ecosystems of other regions — Grab across Southeast Asia or Bolt across much of Europe — DiDi earns consistent praise from expats as a reliable and fairly priced tool for everyday urban travel. The primary adjustment for most newcomers is learning to use Alipay or WeChat Pay, which quickly becomes as natural as any other daily habit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Uber operate in mainland China?

No. Uber has no independent presence in mainland China. DiDi Chuxing acquired Uber’s Chinese operations in 2016, and DiDi now functions as the country’s dominant ride-hailing platform, operating in over 400 cities in a manner broadly comparable to how Uber functions elsewhere. Uber continues to operate in Hong Kong.

How do I get from the airport to the city by taxi in China?

Head to the designated taxi rank by following the official signage — always join the formal queue and never accept ride offers from individuals who approach you inside the terminal, as these are almost invariably unlicensed “black cabs” charging far above standard rates. As an alternative, book a DiDi pickup from the dedicated ride-hailing zone within the airport. In Shanghai, a typical daytime taxi from Pudong Airport to the city centre costs approximately ¥150–¥200 (as of 2025). Before the car pulls away, always verify that the meter has been activated.

Is it safe to take a taxi alone at night in China?

China is broadly regarded as a safe country for independent travel, including solo late-night taxi journeys. Serious incidents involving taxis are uncommon. The risks that do exist are predominantly financial in nature — overcharging or unnecessary detours — rather than physical. Booking through DiDi after dark is especially advisable, since every trip is logged and tracked within the app, creating a clear layer of accountability. You can further enhance your peace of mind by sharing your live trip status with a friend or family member using the app’s built-in trip-sharing feature.

What should I do if a driver refuses to use the meter?

Calmly but firmly request that the meter be turned on by saying “Qǐng dǎ biǎo” (请打表) — “Please use the meter.” If the driver still refuses, leave the vehicle immediately and look for another cab. Never consent to a flat negotiated fare for a routine city journey, as such fares are almost always inflated. At an airport or train station, walk to the official taxi rank, where drivers face greater scrutiny and are more likely to comply with regulations.

How do I set up DiDi as a foreigner with no Chinese phone number?

DiDi allows registration with international phone numbers as long as the number is capable of receiving an SMS verification code. Download “DiDi China” from the Apple App Store or Google Play, choose English as your language on first launch, select your country dialling code, enter your number, and input the verification code you receive. If you have already created a WeChat or Alipay account, you may also use either of those to log in directly.

Can I pay for taxis and DiDi with a foreign credit card?

DiDi officially accepts international bank cards alongside Alipay, WeChat Pay, Apple Pay, and credit and debit cards. In practice, adding a foreign card to the app does not always proceed without a hitch — consult the DiDi app for the latest information on which international cards are currently supported. For licensed street taxis, RMB cash is accepted universally, and card payments are possible in some larger cities. For the smoothest and most reliable payment experience, setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay connected to an international card or bank account is the approach most strongly recommended for expats newly arrived in China.

Are there taxis available in smaller Chinese cities?

Taxis and ride-hailing services can be found in virtually all Chinese cities and towns, though availability unsurprisingly thins out in genuinely remote areas. DiDi serves more than 400 cities, and regional apps or aggregated booking platforms can fill the gaps in second- and third-tier cities where the major platforms have a smaller driver pool. In truly rural locations, shared minibuses, motorcycle taxis, or pre-arranged private drivers are likely to be the most practical alternatives.

How do I avoid being overcharged in a Chinese taxi?

Insist on the meter every time — check that it has been started as soon as the journey begins. Keep a navigation app open on your phone to monitor the route as you travel and catch any unnecessary detours. When paying with cash, use smaller-denomination notes and avoid handing over large bills. Even better, use DiDi or another ride-hailing app where the estimated fare is shown upfront and payment is processed automatically through your linked account, leaving virtually no scope for post-trip disputes.