Chinese Phrases for Taxis, Didi and Subway in China | Degree in China

Chinese Phrases for Taxis, Didi and Subway in China

Getting around is easy once you know a few words. Didi is China’s ride app and needs no cash; for taxis, showing the destination in Chinese saves a lot of confusion.

When you want to say中文PinyinEnglish
How do I get to …?去…怎么走qù … zěn me zǒuHow do I get to …?
Hail a taxi打车dǎ chēTake a taxi / hail a cab
Please call me a car帮我叫辆车bāng wǒ jiào liàng chēPlease order me a car (Didi)
Where do I get on?我在哪里上车wǒ zài nǎ lǐ shàng chēWhere do I board?
Please stop here请在这里停qǐng zài zhè lǐ tíngPlease stop here
How much is it?多少钱duō shǎo qiánHow much is it?
Subway station地铁站dì tiě zhànMetro station
Destination目的地mù dì dìDestination
Navigation导航dǎo hángNavigation
Receipt发票fā piàoReceipt / invoice
滴滴 (Didi) is the local ride app: set pickup and destination in the app, pay in app, no cash. For taxis, show the destination in Chinese (a screenshot works) because many drivers do not speak English.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Didi safe for foreigners?
Yes, it is the standard ride app. The app shows the plate, route, and fare, and you pay in app.
Do taxi drivers speak English?
Usually not. Show the destination in Chinese or pin it in the map app and show the screen.
Which subway app should I use?
Most cities use a local metro app, or Alipipay / WeChat mini-programs for QR-code entry. A paper card also works.