How to Take a Taxi in China
Published: April 29, 2026
Short Answer
The easiest way to get a taxi in China is through the Didi app (China's Uber), which works like a ride-hailing service with transparent pricing and GPS tracking. Traditional street hails are still possible but harder for non-Chinese speakers. Most rides cost 15-50 RMB ($2-$7) within city limits, and payment is almost exclusively through WeChat Pay or Alipay.
Taxi cabs on a busy street in Shanghai
Deep Dive
Didi: Your Best Friend
Didi (滴滴) is the dominant ride-hailing app in China, functioning much like Uber or Lyft. Here's why it's essential:
- No language barrier: Enter your destination in English or Chinese; the driver follows GPS
- Transparent pricing: You see the fare before confirming -- no meter disputes
- Multiple ride types: Express (economy), Premier (premium), Taxi (metered cab), and Hitch (carpooling)
- Safety features: Trip sharing, driver verification, and in-app emergency button
Setup tips:
- Download Didi before arriving in China
- It works with international phone numbers but pairs better with a Chinese SIM
- Link your WeChat Pay or Alipay for automatic payment
- The app interface can be switched to English
Street Hailing a Taxi
Traditional taxis are still plentiful in most cities. Look for cars with a illuminated taxi sign on the roof. Key tips:
- Green light means available; red light means occupied
- Stand on the correct side of the road facing traffic flow
- Have your destination written in Chinese characters on your phone to show the driver
- Some drivers may refuse rides to far-away or congested destinations -- this is common and not personal
Payment Methods
This is the biggest practical challenge for foreign visitors:
- WeChat Pay / Alipay: Over 95% of taxi transactions. Link your international card to either app before your trip
- Cash: Legally must be accepted, but some drivers claim they have no change. Carry small bills (10s and 20s)
- Didi: Automatically charges your linked payment method -- no cash needed
Common Chinese Phrases for Taxis
Having these phrases ready makes taxi rides much smoother:
- "去这个地方" (qù zhège dìfāng) -- "Go to this place" (show phone screen)
- "多少钱?" (duōshao qián?) -- "How much?"
- "停这里" (tíng zhèlǐ) -- "Stop here"
- "左转" (zuǒ zhuǎn) -- "Turn left"
- "右转" (yòu zhuǎn) -- "Turn right"
- "直走" (zhí zǒu) -- "Go straight"
- "请打表" (qǐng dǎ biǎo) -- "Please use the meter"
- "发票" (fāpiào) -- "Receipt" (if you need one for expenses)
Avoiding Common Issues
Overcharging: The meter should start at 11-14 RMB (varies by city). If a driver offers a flat rate instead of using the meter, decline and find another cab or use Didi.
The long route: Some drivers take longer routes to increase the fare. Keep Google Maps or Gaode Maps (高德地图) open to track your route.
Refusal to use meter: Especially common near train stations and airports. Politely insist on the meter ("请打表") or walk to the official taxi stand.
Tipping: Not expected or customary in China. The fare on the meter is the final price.
Price Expectations
Typical fares in major cities:
- Short hop (2-3 km): 15-20 RMB ($2-$3)
- Cross-city (10-15 km): 35-60 RMB ($5-$8)
- Airport to downtown: 80-200 RMB depending on city and distance
- Late-night surcharge: 20-30% premium after 11 PM in most cities
Didi vs. Traditional Taxi: Which to Choose?
| Factor | Didi | Street Hail |
|-----|---|----|
| Language barrier | Low (GPS navigation) | High (need Chinese) |
| Payment | Cashless, automatic | Cash or app |
| Wait time | 3-8 minutes | Varies |
| Pricing | Upfront, no surprises | Metered (can vary) |
| Availability | 24/7 in major cities | Less available late night |
Recommendation: Use Didi for 90% of your rides. Reserve street hails for when you're in a hurry and see an empty cab nearby.