Shanghai Travel: Your 2026 Guide to Using Alipay for DiDi Taxis

Exploring Shanghai, China?

Make your trip smoother with this guide to

Using Alipay for DiDi Taxis!

AliPay DiDi Travel

Hey there, fellow travelers! It's your travel expert, ready to share some insider tips for your Shanghai adventure. Today, we're diving into one of the most convenient ways to get around this bustling city: using DiDi Taxi through the Alipay app. If you're planning a trip to Shanghai, you'll likely use DiDi at some point, and knowing how to hail a ride with Alipay will save you a ton of hassle.

What is DiDi Taxi?

Think of DiDi as China's version of Uber or Lyft – it's the dominant ride-hailing service across the country.

🚖 Using DiDi Taxi via Alipay is perfect for:

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✔︎ Travelers who already have Alipay installed.

✔︎ Anyone who wants to avoid downloading yet another app!

How to Use DiDi Taxi with Alipay

1. First, make sure you have the Alipay app installed and your card registered.

⬇️ Check out our detailed guide below for setup.

Essential Apps for Shanghai Travel: Alipay Registration, Card Linking, and Usage Guidem.blog.naver.com

Once your card is registered, you should see a verified mark on your profile, similar to the highlighted section in the picture. This indicates that your real-name verification is complete and you're ready to use Alipay.

2. Navigate to the DiDi Travel page and search for your destination.

Tap on DiDi Travel, highlighted in pink.

In the field that asks, "Where are you going?" enter your destination. It's best to have your destinations saved in English or Chinese beforehand, perhaps in a notes app or marked as favorites on a map app like Gaode Maps.

If your taxi can't reach the exact spot, DiDi will suggest a nearby drop-off point. Always confirm this before you proceed.

If it's your first time using DiDi through Alipay, you might see a consent screen like the one pictured. Simply agree to the terms to continue.

Choosing Your Vehicle

You'll see various vehicle options, ranging from the most affordable to more luxurious choices. You can select the one that best suits your needs and budget. While "Discount Express" (Economy) is the cheapest, some travelers have reported issues with strong cigarette smells. If you're sensitive to odors, many recommend opting for "Premier" (Business) or higher. ✨It's all about your personal preference!✨

Personally, I usually try for the cheapest option first. If a car isn't available, I'll upgrade, but I haven't noticed a significant difference in service. ✨

Confirming Your Ride

Once you've hailed a taxi and it arrives, the driver might ask for the last few digits of your phone number to confirm your identity. While it's a common practice, I've only been asked once myself, so don't fret if it doesn't happen every time.

For those who want to be extra prepared, here are the Chinese numbers:

Payment

Once your ride is complete, the payment screen will pop up. Simply enter your password to finalize the payment.

DiDi Taxi: Pre-paid vs. Post-paid Rides

Sometimes you'll pay for your DiDi ride upfront, and other times you'll pay after you've reached your destination. It seems to be a bit random! If you pay beforehand, it's a pre-paid taxi; if you pay after, it's post-paid. For longer journeys, you might initially pay an estimated fare, with a refund or an additional charge processed later based on the actual distance.

Important DiDi Taxi Tip

In China, there's a fine for not wearing a seatbelt for every passenger. So, whether you're in the front or back seat, make sure everyone buckles up!

✔︎ My Shanghai DiDi Taxi Experience​

Once I started using DiDi, I found myself constantly choosing the convenience of a taxi over the subway – it's just so easy! ✨

Be aware that sometimes you might face incredibly long wait times, occasionally with over 180 taxis ahead of you. It's rare, but it happens!

Oh, and a pro tip: try to avoid hailing a taxi from Tianzifang. The wait for a ride can feel like an eternity, and getting out of that area is a whole other challenge.

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©2026 Global Explorer. All rights reserved.

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