Didi (滴滴) : China's Uber with 500M+ users for ride-hailing, carpool, and bike-sharing.

China's version of Uber but with a broader range of transportation services, Didi is the dominant ride-hailing platform in China with over 500 million registered users. It offers taxi hailing, express rides, premium rides, carpooling, designated driver services, bus booking, and bike-sharing. Didi was the subject of a major data security incident in 2021 that led to a year-long regulatory investigation, a $1.2 billion fine, and forced removal from app stores.

Can US travelers pre-book Didi before arriving in China?

Download the "DiDi Rider" international app before arriving. It supports English, foreign credit cards, and SMS with drivers (auto-translated). No Chinese SIM required. Available on both iOS and Android app stores globally.

What ride options does Didi offer besides taxis?

Didi offers Express , Premier, Taxi, Carpool (Hitch), Bus, Designated Driving ( for drinkers), and bike-sharing. Prices are typically 30-50% cheaper than Uber in most Chinese cities.

Does Didi have privacy concerns for US users?

Didi was delisted from NYSE and fined .2B by China for data violations. The app collects location and biometric data shared with Chinese regulators. Privacy-conscious US users should weigh these factors before using it.

How does Didi compare to Uber for safety features?

Didi has more stringent safety features than Uber, including real-time ride sharing with emergency contacts, optional audio recording during trips, driver facial recognition checks, and a 24/7 safety response team.

Can I use Didi in China without a Chinese phone number?

It does. Didi has an international app (DiDi Rider) allowing registration with an international number and foreign credit card (Visa/Mastercard). WeChat and Alipay mini-programs also work. The app supports English and auto-translates driver messages.