Transportation · common
Why is the DiDi app only in Chinese for me?
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Quick Answer
Symptom: You downloaded DiDi in China and the entire interface is in Simplified Chinese with no English toggle visible in settings.
Cause: The main DiDi Chinese app has no English UI; the English-language "DiDi Rider" app is a separate international build that is geo-restricted outside its launch regions.
Solution: Use the DiDi mini-program inside Alipay or WeChat (English UI, works with foreign card), or install Amap/Baidu Maps which embed an English DiDi booking flow.
What you see
You downloaded DiDi in China and the entire interface is in Simplified Chinese with no English toggle visible in settings.
Why it happens
The main DiDi Chinese app has no English UI; the English-language "DiDi Rider" app is a separate international build that is geo-restricted outside its launch regions.
How to fix
Use the DiDi mini-program inside Alipay or WeChat (English UI, works with foreign card), or install Amap/Baidu Maps which embed an English DiDi booking flow.
Read next
These guides cover the related functionality in full.
DiDi (Ride-hailing)
DiDi is China's Uber; link a foreign Visa or Mastercard in the app to ride in 400+ cities with English-speaking drivers available on request.
Alipay for Foreigners
Download Alipay, link a foreign Visa or Mastercard via the Tour Pass, and complete a $150 minimum top-up to pay at 90%+ of Chinese merchants.
Translation Apps
Pleco (offline dictionary) plus Apple Translate or Google Translate covers 95% of in-person translation needs; download Chinese offline pack before flying.
Other Transportation problems
Why can't I book on 12306 with my foreign card?
You tried to book a high-speed rail ticket on 12306.cn and your foreign Visa/Mastercard is rejected at checkout.
Why is DiDi not accepting my foreign card?
You linked a Visa/Mastercard in DiDi but ride payments fail or the app asks for re-verification every ride.
Why did the high-speed rail ticket machine reject my passport?
At a 12306 self-service kiosk you scan your passport and the screen shows "document not recognized" or no ticket prints.
Why did the taxi driver refuse my destination?
You tell a street taxi your destination in English and the driver waves you off, locks the doors, or drives away.