There are two simple routes: hail a DiDi through the Alipay mini program, or take a metered street taxi with your destination written in Chinese. Both work for visitors who prepare a little at home.
After a long flight, a taxi queue can feel like an exam. A clear routine makes it feel like a small errand.
How do you hail DiDi without a Chinese number?
Foreign visitors commonly open DiDi inside Alipay, which charges the linked Alipay account and needs no Chinese phone number[1]. That is the easiest path for most Malaysians.
Set up Alipay before you fly, following our Alipay set-up guide. Our page on using DiDi as a Malaysian covers the booking screens in more detail.
How do you take a street taxi?
Walk to the official taxi queue, or ask your hotel to call one. Show the driver your destination in Chinese characters and, if you have it, the phone number of the place.
Fares are metered, and passengers usually pay the exact meter fare[2]. Tipping is not customary on the mainland and can feel awkward for drivers[3].
What should you show the driver?
Keep these three things ready on your phone and on paper.
- The destination name and address in Chinese.
- The phone number of the hotel, restaurant or ticket office.
- A map pin from your map app, which our maps guide explains.
Our bilingual hotel and transfer sheet puts all of this on one page.
What if the app or card fails?
Carry some renminbi cash in small notes as your backup, and keep the hotel’s address as a screenshot. Our payment backup plan for seniors lists what to carry.
For a tired family arriving late with heavy bags, a pre-arranged hotel pick-up can be calmer than any queue. Compare the two in our guide to hotel pick-up versus a station taxi.
What should you do at the end of the ride?
Take thirty seconds before you step out.
- Check the fare on the meter or the app matches what you are charged.
- Ask for a receipt if you may need one.
- Look at the seat, footwell and boot for bags and phones.
Then take a photo of the licence plate if you are travelling alone, and message someone you trust.
Browse the preparation topic page for the next step on your list.