Today, I wanna share some experience about using the DiDi app to take a ride, just because some of my friends don’t know how to use it. It is really a convenient app.
Download the App
So, first, I grabbed my phone and opened the app store. Typed “DiDi” in the search bar and hit enter. There it was, the DiDi app. Clicked “Install” and waited for it to download. It didn’t take long, just a couple of minutes. I think I can find it on Baidu if someone can’t find it in app store, just try to search “didi app” on Baidu and download it from the first link, it’s easy.
Set up the Account
Once it was installed, I opened the app. It asked me to sign up, so I entered my phone number and created a password. They sent me a verification code, which I entered to confirm my number. Oh, someone say DiDi, Uber in China, allows foreigners register using an overseas credit card and phone number, that’s cool. I know DiDi app is currently available in English, Spanish, Japanese and Russian. I can change the language by heading to the sidebar menu > Settings > Language.
Book a Ride
With my account all set, I was ready to book a ride. On the main screen, I entered my destination in the “Where to?” box. The app showed me a few options like DiDi Express, Premier, and Luxe. I usually just go with Express ’cause it’s the cheapest. Tapped on Express, and it showed me the estimated fare and how long it would take for a driver to arrive. If you want to use Taxi, DiDi also has this option, you can find it, it’s called Didi Taxi.
Wait for the Driver
After confirming the ride, I watched the little car icon on the map move towards my location. It was kinda cool to see where the driver was in real-time. The app also gave me the driver’s name, photo, and car details, so I knew who to look out for. It usually takes about 5-10 minutes for the driver to arrive, depending on where you are.
Enjoy the Ride
When the driver arrived, I checked the license plate to make sure it matched the one in the app. Hopped in, and we were on our way. The driver was friendly, and the ride was smooth. I just sat back and enjoyed the journey. I think safety is very important, someone has wrote a post about Safe Riding with Didi: Best Practices for Passengers, I will read it later.
Pay for the Ride
Once we reached my destination, the app calculated the final fare. I had already linked my credit card to my account, so the payment was processed automatically. I also had the option to add a tip, which I sometimes do if the service was good. I heard that I can use an overseas credit card, it’s true.
Rate the Driver
After the ride, the app asked me to rate the driver and provide feedback. I usually give a 5-star rating if everything went well. It’s a good way to let DiDi know about your experience and help them improve their service.
That’s basically it! Using DiDi is pretty straightforward. It’s a convenient and reliable way to get around, especially if you don’t have a car or don’t feel like driving. I highly recommend giving it a try if you haven’t already.