Get around with local ride-hailing apps, curated for travelers visiting China.
DiDi is the default ride-hailing service for visitors across major and secondary mainland cities.
English-language car and taxi booking across mainland cities with overseas numbers and international cards.
Use the listing named DiDi China: Ride Hailing, not the separate international DiDi Rider app. The mainland app currently supports an English interface, overseas mobile numbers, bilingual driver messaging, international bank cards and English customer service. The same service is available as a mini program in Alipay and WeChat if you prefer not to add another app. AMap Global can also aggregate multiple licensed operators, but its map is more valuable than its ride marketplace, so it is listed under navigation rather than duplicated here.
Uber, Lyft, Bolt and Grab do not provide mainland ride-hailing. At airports and large railway stations, cars usually collect passengers from a signed online ride-hailing zone rather than the ordinary arrivals curb. Reach the correct building, level and numbered bay before confirming a ride, then compare the plate in the app. The pickup walk can be substantial.
Ordinary metered taxis remain a valid fallback and can accept cash, although drivers may not speak English. Supply is broad in cities and less predictable in rural areas, at remote sights and late at night. Save the destination's Chinese name and full address because English landmark search is not reliable for every property.
Not available here Uber sold its mainland China operation to DiDi in 2016. Use the dedicated DiDi China app or its service inside Alipay or WeChat.
DiDi China is the top-rated ride hailing app in China. English-language car and taxi booking across mainland cities with overseas numbers and international cards.
Bento recommends one ride hailing app in China, checked in 2026.
These apps need data
Guac eSIM covers China with plans from $0.58 per GB. Install it before you land and activate instantly.
Use Octopus to pay, Citymapper to travel, and MyObservatory for official weather warnings
Rail-first travel, flexible IC cards, official Shinkansen booking, and disaster alerts
Use Naver Map, visitor-ready taxi and dining apps, and a separate transit balance
Official bus tracking, metered taxis and typhoon alerts for Macau
Cash, a physical EasyCard and a few well-chosen apps cover most trips
