Make the destination and payment clear before the journey
For a taxi in China, prepare the destination’s Chinese name and full address, choose a legitimate pickup route and understand how the fare will be paid. For an app-booked ride, also match the pickup point and assigned vehicle before getting in.
This guide covers a practical workflow for first-time visitors, using Shanghai’s published transport guidance as a local example. Source text was reviewed on 18 October 2026. It does not provide nationwide fare rules, a live quote or a tested app-registration process.
Decide between a metered taxi and an app-booked ride
| Option | What you arrange | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| A metered taxi from a designated rank or a suitable legal pickup point | Destination with the driver and an accepted payment method | That it is the intended licensed taxi service, the meter is used as applicable and you can obtain a receipt |
| A ride booked through an app | Pickup, destination, service category and booking terms in the app | Assigned vehicle/plate, exact pickup location, displayed price conditions and the order status |
| A pickup arranged by your accommodation or another provider | The service directly with that provider | Written meeting instructions, included charges, contact method and what happens after a delay |
Shanghai’s transport-authority guide describes road hailing and platforms including DiDi, Xiangdao and Gaode. This establishes options in Shanghai; it does not promise that a specific overseas account or app version can book every service.
For airport arrivals, follow the signs and official staff directions for the appropriate taxi rank or app pickup area. Open the Beijing airport guide or Shanghai airport guide before choosing the road leg.
Save a destination a driver can identify
Ask the hotel or venue for its Chinese name, full address and correct entrance. Include the branch or building where names could be confused. Create an address card and keep a readable copy available without a connection.
An example message to show, after filling in your confirmed details:
请带我去这个地址，谢谢。
Please take me to this address, thank you.
[Confirmed Chinese destination and full address]
The wording is a simple communication example, not a guarantee that a driver can identify an incomplete address. If a route or entrance is unclear, ask the property to clarify before the journey.
For an app booking, make the pickup match reality
Set the starting point deliberately. A GPS pin may put you on the wrong side of a large road, at another terminal or at an entrance you cannot reach. Read the pickup instructions and confirm the terminal, floor or meeting area where specified.
Check the selected car category and whether it fits your group and luggage. Before entering, compare the assigned plate and vehicle details with the car. If they do not match, resolve the discrepancy through the service rather than treating a verbal claim as confirmation.
If you move the pickup point, use the app’s process and check any cancellation or waiting-charge conditions before confirming another order.
Keep fare and payment questions separate
For a metered taxi, check the meter and ask about applicable extra charges if the trip involves tolls or other additions. For an app ride, read whether the displayed amount is an estimate or a stated fare and what it excludes. Do not use another traveller’s old airport price as a guaranteed quote.
Shanghai’s guide describes cash acceptance and international-card equipment in part of a named fleet. It does not establish that every taxi accepts your particular bank card. Ask about the intended payment method before relying on it, and keep the payment fallback you prepared.
The FCDO taxi advice recommends metered fares and a receipt. Keep the receipt or completed app order so the vehicle, journey and amount can be traced if something is wrong.
Keep a clear journey record
For a metered taxi, ask for the fare receipt and keep the vehicle details. For an app ride, keep the completed order and its payment record. The English transport guide describes the receipt as a record of the journey and fare.
The Chinese report on bank-card equipment describes a named fleet project, with completed work and later targets separately stated. It is not evidence that every taxi has a working terminal for your card. Ask about payment before depending on a particular method.
Two simple phrases to show, as communication examples:
- 可以用现金付款吗？ — Can I pay in cash?
- 请给我车费发票，谢谢。 — Please give me the taxi fare receipt, thank you.
Keep the address visible separately from the payment discussion. If you need a different payment method, check whether the earlier attempt completed before paying again. These phrases do not resolve a fare dispute or establish which charges apply.
If the ride or payment does not go as expected
Check the order and transaction status before paying the same fare twice. For an app-booked ride, use that app’s official support; DiDi’s contact page directs customers to its Help Center. For a taxi, keep the receipt and vehicle details when seeking help from the responsible local transport service.
If you cannot complete an app booking, ask your accommodation or an official information desk about a suitable alternative. A working phone is useful, but the destination and a payment fallback are what make that alternative usable.
When comparing a road ride with a metro journey, use the Beijing and Shanghai metro guide to check the ticket, transfer and final exit. Keep the taxi destination ready if that journey is unsuitable or unavailable.