Taxi Riding Guide in China

Effortless and Safe Taxi Travel Tips for Business Visitors. By following these guidelines, you can navigate China’s taxi services efficiently and safely during your business travels.

1. How to Hail a Taxi

1.1 Ride-Hailing Apps (Recommended)

• • DiDi Chuxing:
    1. Download and register for the DiDi app (English interface available).
    2. Enter your destination (voice input or Chinese text supported).
    3. Select your preferred car type (Express, Premium, Taxi, etc.).
    4. Confirm the destination with the driver upon boarding and pay after the ride.
  • Other Platforms: Meituan Dache and CaoCao Travel are also widely used in major cities, with similar operations.

1.2 Street Hailing

• • Look for taxis with a “Vacant” sign on the roof and wave to hail.
  • Note taxi colors vary by city (e.g., yellow in Beijing, blue in Shanghai).

1.3 Hotel/Mall Taxi Services

• • High-end hotels and shopping malls often have designated taxi stands; ask the concierge for assistance.

2. Payment Methods

2.1 Mobile Payments (Recommended)

• • WeChat Pay/Alipay:
    1. After the ride, scan the driver’s payment QR code.
    2. Complete the transaction via WeChat or Alipay.
    3. Request an electronic invoice directly through the app.

2.2 Cash Payment

• • Carry small denominations of cash (RMB) to avoid change issues.
  • Ask for a “Printed Invoice” if needed.

3. Key Etiquette & Safety Tips

3.1 Metered Fare

• • Taxis must use a taximeter. Fares vary by city (e.g., Beijing starts at ¥13 for the first 3 km).
  • If the driver refuses to use the meter, politely decline the ride or file a complaint.

3.2 Communication

• • Prepare the destination address in Chinese or as a map screenshot for the driver.
  • Use translation apps (e.g., Google Translate) to bridge language gaps.

3.3 Safety Precautions

• • Verify the driver’s ID and vehicle details match the app’s information.
  • Prefer licensed taxis or premium ride-hailing services for nighttime travel.

4. Problem Resolution

1. Avoiding Unnecessary Detours
   • Politely remind the driver to follow the navigation route.
   • If disputes arise, keep the invoice and contact the local transportation hotline (12328).
2. Lost Items
   • Contact DiDi customer service (+86 400-000-0999) or the taxi company immediately with the ride details.
3. Billing Disputes
   • Double-check the meter fare and retain the invoice as proof.
   • File a complaint with the transportation authority if overcharged.

5. Useful Contacts & Tools

• DiDi Customer Service: +86 400-000-0999 (English service by appointment).
• Transportation Complaint Hotline: 12328 (nationwide, English support available).
• Translation Apps: Google Translate or Baidu Translate for communication assistance.