In an earlier post, we introduced you to getting Alipay, a crucial app that lets you pay for cashless provisions and services whilst living in China. Once you've got the hang of that, it's time to look at some of the fantastic opportunities that it opens up. One of these is the app known as Didi 滴滴, the most popular and convenient taxi service app in China. With this incredible service, gone are the days where you are awkwardly standing about on a street at night hoping to hail down a taxi. Now, according to your preference, it can be arranged at the tap of a button!

Using Didi

How do you use Didi? When you first opt the app, before you can book anything it will ask you to type in your location, which will come from an extensive list of pre-set addresses in China. Once you've typed this in, you can then pinpoint your exact location on a GPS style map. Afterwards, the same will then apply to the location you wish to travel to. After this is over, you will have the opportunity to choose the type of car, you want. Here is where Didi's advantages go beyond that of a normal taxi service, let's explore what options there are:

Selecting your vehicle

1) Pre-paid Didi Cars: This is Didi's standard service, consisting of a white sedan that you pay a set fee for in advance, than rather by a meter. This is advantageous as not only is the vehicle of a higher quality, but it also prevents you from being ripped off and thus is in general, cheaper. To use this service, as hinted above you need to have access to Alipay and pay over the application. These drivers will not take your paper cash!

2) Standard Taxis: If you still fancy a classic taxi service, then don't worry you still have this opportunity available! Once a driver selects your request, there is a possibility he may call you to confirm it. Unlike the above, this still involves the standard paid meter and accordingly, you can use cash for it. Still, you can use alipay or wechatpay if you wish.

3) Luxury vehicles: Fancy something a bit more upmarket? Didi has this too.  For higher prices, higher quality services are available which include a range of executive like cars, as well as a black van type vehicle. These can be good for special occassions, typically they start at around 300-800 rmb depending on which type of service you choose. Again, these services are prepaid only.

Regardless of what service you choose, after selecting, your request will be sent across a number of drivers in the approximate area. Naturally, due to other users on the app at the same time, there is a possibility you will be placed on a waiting list, one which will be displayed in a given numerical order (2nd... 3rd, etc). This varies according to the time and place. Don't panic though, again it is better than sitting in a cold and likely dark street, waiting for a stroke of luck for when the next taxi might be coming...

Enjoy the ride!

Didi is an application that is bound to make your China life a lot more convenient. If you can't find a taxi on the street, then phoning one as a foreigner is simply too difficult unless your language skills are very, very good. If you are stuck in a strange location and cannot find any where back, what can you do? Easy, tap for a Didi! This makes life here a lot less stressful. We hope it can be one factor that encourages you to pursue your studies here in China!