Travelling to China from Malaysia? Discover how to use DiDi, China’s Grab/Uber alternative. Book rides in English, pay with Malaysian cards, and travel safely.
This guide will show you how to:
- ✅ Download and set up the app in English
- ✅ Pay cashless with Visa/Mastercard/Alipay
- ✅ Book cars, bikes, buses and more
- ✅ Avoid common mistakes
What is DiDi?
DiDi is China’s most popular ride-hailing app, similar to Grab in Malaysia.
- Works in most big Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.).
- Accepts international phone numbers.
- Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, Alipay, Apple Pay.
- You can book cars, e-bikes, buses, and even chauffeur services.
- English interface with auto-translation helps you communicate with drivers.
Perfect for Malaysians who want hassle-free, cashless transport in China.
How to Use DiDi App - Download & Setup DiDi
- Search for “DiDi – Ride Hailing in China” in App Store/Google Play. Be careful of fake copies.
- Register with your Malaysian phone number (foreign numbers work fine).
- Go to Settings → Language → English.
- Enable location (GPS) for accurate pickup.
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How to Use DiDi App - Payment Settings
The Easiest Way: Auto-Pay
- Go to Me → Wallet → Payment Methods.
- Turn on Auto-Deduct so fares are charged automatically.
Payment Options That Work for Malaysians
- Visa / Mastercard / Diners Club → works most of the time.
- Alipay (Tour Pass) → prepaid balance just for tourists, useful if banks block your card.
- Apple Pay → also accepted.
Can I Pay Cash?
- Rarely. Some drivers may accept, but confirm first:
Say “Kěyǐ yòng xiànjīn ma?” (Can I pay cash?) - Safer to stick with cashless auto-pay.
✅Instead of juggling VPNs or hunting for SIM cards, China eSIM lets you stay connected to apps like Google Maps, Instagram, LINE and more from the moment you land.
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How to Use DiDi App - Booking Process
1. Check your pickup pin – some areas have multiple entrances or duplicate places.
2. Enter your destination in English or Pinyin (e.g. “Beijing Railway Station” or “Beijing Huochezhan”).
Choose your ride:
- DiDi Express (快车) – Cheapest, like GrabCar.
- Premier (专车) – Nicer car, free water, good for airport trips.
- Luxe (豪华车) – Mercedes/BMW, luxury service.
- Express Pool (拼车) – Share ride, cheaper.
3. Tap Confirm Request.
4. Screenshot the car plate number and double-check before boarding.
5. Some drivers may ask for the last 4 digits of your phone number to confirm—it helps to have it written down.
How to Use DiDi App - Cancellation Rules
How to Avoid Cancellation Fees
- Cancel within 2 minutes = free.
- After that, cancellation fees start at ¥3–5 (RM2–3).
- If driver cancels, just rebook another ride.
The “Driver Cancelled on Me” Rage
It happens. Maybe your pickup spot is a maze, or they got a better fare. Don’t take it personally—just rebook and wave extra enthusiastically next time.
How to Use DiDi App - Safety & Tips for Malaysians
Credit: Unsplash
- Match the plate number before you get in. If it doesn’t match, cancel.
- Use Share Trip to send ride details to friends/family.
- In case of emergency, tap the SOS button—alerts local police.
- Use auto-translate chat to tell drivers where you are. Example: “I’m wearing a red T-shirt near Exit B.”
- Lost something? Use the Lost Item feature in the app, and offer a small reward (¥20–50) for quicker response.
How to Use DiDi on Alipay & WeChat
Don’t want to install another app? You can use DiDi inside Alipay or WeChat:
How to Book DiDi Rides in Alipay
Step 1: Find the DiDi Mini-Program
- Open Alipay → Tap “Transport” (look for the car icon).
- Choose for “Taxi” → DiDi’ll pop up as a service.
Step 2: Book Your Ride
- Same as the app: Enter pickup/destination, choose car type (Express/Premier), confirm.
- Bonus: Payment is automatic through your Alipay balance or linked card. No setup needed!
How to Use DiDi in WeChat
- Go to WeChat → Discover → Mini Programs → Search “滴滴出行” (DiDi Chuxing), paste 滴滴 in Chinese! You can't search with didi. Pay with WeChat Pay seamlessly.
- Use WeChat’s “Translate” tool (screenshot the page → tap “Translate”).
- Pro tip: Save these characters for car types: 快车 (Express), 专车 (Premier).
How to Use DiDi - Choose Car Type
Picking the right ride on DiDi is like choosing between instant noodles (cheap and reliable) and a fancy hotpot (splurge-worthy). Here’s the lowdown:
Express (快车)
- What you get: Basic cars (think Toyota/Hyundai), no frills.
- Price: Cheapest. A 30-minute ride in Beijing ≈ ¥35-50.
- Best for: Solo travelers, short trips, or when you’re pretending to be on a budget.
Premier (专车)
- What you get: Cleaner cars (often Buick or VW), free water, quieter drivers.
- Price: 20-30% pricier than Express. Same ride ≈ ¥60-80.
- Best for: Airport runs, business trips, or when you need AC to survive summer.
Luxe (豪华车)
- What you get: Mercedes-Benz, umbrellas, phone chargers, drivers in suits.
- Price: 2-3x Express. Flex for special occasions.
- Best for: Impressing your date or drowning in luxury after a brutal flight delay.
Express Pool (拼车)
- What you get: Shared rides with strangers (awkward silence included).
- Price: 30-50% off Express.
- Best for: Saving cash when you’re not in a hurry.
Pro Tip: After selecting a car type, swipe left to see all options. Some cities even offer vans or EVs!
How Much Does DiDi Cost
DiDi’s pricing is straightforward, but a few quirks can catch travelers off guard. Here’s what you need to know:
- Base Fare: Starts at ¥10-15 (varies by city).
- Per Kilometer: ¥2-4 (cheaper than traditional taxis).
- Per Minute: ¥0.5-1 during traffic jams.
- Surge Pricing: Avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM (weekdays) when fares spike up to 2x.
Real-World Example:
A 20-minute, 8km ride in Beijing:
- Express: ¥30-40
- Premier: ¥50-70
- Luxe: ¥100+
How to Use DiDi - More than just Taxi
Source from Unsplash
DiDi isn’t just cars. Think of it as your all-in-one transport cheat code:
Didi Bike (青桔)
Bright green e-bikes/scooters. ¥1.5 for 30 minutes.
Perfect for short hops (subway station → hotel).
DiDi Bus
Fixed routes, ¥2-5 rides. Use Google Translate to decode stops.
Pro tip: Great for cross-city adventures on a budget.
Designated Drivers (代驾)
Drank too much? A driver arrives to drive YOUR car home. ¥100-200.
DiDi Luxe
Mercedes-Benz rides with bottled water, phone chargers, and drivers in suits. Flex for special occasions.
International Rides
Pre-book rides in Japan, Australia, Mexico, etc., if your trip extends beyond China.
Final Tips for Malaysians
✅ Download DiDi before your trip.
✅ Set up payment in advance—Alipay Tour Pass is a good backup.
✅ Avoid rush hour (7–9 AM & 5–7 PM).
✅ Always check car plate before boarding.
✅ Use English + Pinyin for destinations.
With DiDi, Malaysians can travel around China almost as easily as using Grab at home—minus the language stress.
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FAQs about DiDi App
Can a foreigner use DiDi in China?
Yes! Foreigners can use DiDi with their passport and international phone number. The app has English language support.Do I need a China number to use DiDi?
No. You can register with any international number, but you'll need to enable roaming to receive the SMS verification code when signing up.How do I pay with DiDi app in China?
You can pay by: International credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) Alipay Tour Pass WeChat Pay (if connected to foreign card) Cash (though most drivers prefer cashless)Does DiDi work everywhere in China?
DiDi works in most cities (including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu), but availability decreases in remote rural areas. Major tourist destinations are all covered.