← Part of the China money guide
Chinachecked Jul 2026A catch or twoGetting around China: Didi and the metro
Short answer: Didi for taxis, a QR pass for the metro, and the train between cities. Here is how each works, and the one or two things to watch.
At a glance
Best app
Didi (has English)
Pay
Through Alipay or WeChat
Metro
Cheap, QR pass in the app
Between cities
High-speed rail
Use Didi, China's ride app, which has an English option and lets you pay through Alipay or WeChat, so there is no fare haggling or language barrier. The metro in big cities is cheap, fast and pays by a QR pass inside Alipay or WeChat. For street taxis, use the meter or agree the fare first. Between cities, the high-speed rail is excellent, and you book with your passport.
The official route
General guidance on transport and local conditions in China. Confirm current fares and booking steps locally.
US State Department: China country information(opens in a new tab) we earn nothing
Didi first
Didi is how most people get around China's cities, and it is the easy choice for visitors: switch it to English, and pay through your linked Alipay or WeChat, so you see the route and price up front with no cash to fumble.
It needs a data connection, so keep your eSIM topped up. Drivers may call to confirm pickup, which can be tricky across the language gap, so pin your location clearly in the app.
The metro and street taxis
The metro in Beijing, Shanghai and other cities is cheap, clean and signposted in English, and you pay with a QR pass in Alipay or WeChat, or buy a token with cash. It is often the fastest way across a big city.
For street taxis, use the meter or agree the fare before you get in, keep small yuan notes in case the driver prefers cash, and have your destination written in Chinese characters to show, since many drivers do not read English.
Between cities: high-speed rail
China's high-speed rail is one of the best ways to travel, linking cities at speed and often faster than flying once you count airports. Book with your passport, through the official rail app or a booking site, and arrive early for the airport-style security.
For the money side, tipping and setting up the pay apps, see the China money guide.
Common questions
Quick answers.
Is there an Uber in China?
Not Uber itself, but Didi is China's ride app and works the same way, with an English-language option. You link it to Alipay or WeChat and pay in-app, so there is no haggling and no cash needed. It is the easiest way for visitors to get around cities, as long as your eSIM keeps you connected.
How do I pay for the metro in China?
In most big cities you pay with a QR pass inside Alipay or WeChat, which you add once and then scan at the gate, or you can buy a single-journey token at a machine with cash. The metro is cheap, fast and signposted in English, making it one of the best ways to cross a large Chinese city.
Are taxis in China safe and metered?
Registered city taxis are generally fine and use a meter; use the meter or agree the fare before setting off, and keep small yuan notes since some drivers prefer cash. The bigger hurdle is language, so have your destination written in Chinese characters to show the driver, or simply use Didi, which removes the issue.
Should I take the high-speed train between Chinese cities?
Usually yes. China's high-speed rail is fast, comfortable and extensive, and on many routes it beats flying once you count airport time. Book with your passport through the official rail app or a reputable booking site, and arrive early, since stations have airport-style security and passport checks.
More on China
The little money things nobody warns you about.
- Tipping in ChinaChina is not a tipping country. At everyday restaurants and in taxis, no tip is expected, and it can even cause confusion. The exceptions are tour guides and drivers, and high-end hotels. Here is what you actually owe.
- How to pay in ChinaShort answer: your phone, not your wallet. Here is how to set up Alipay and WeChat Pay with your own card before you go, what cash to carry, and where a physical card still helps.
- Do US citizens need a visa for China?Short answer: yes, for a normal trip, and you apply in advance. The one exception is a transit rule that turns a stopover into a 10-day visit. Here is how each works.
- Staying connected in ChinaShort answer: sort this before you land, because it affects how you pay too. Here is why a VPN is the wrong plan in 2026, and why a roaming eSIM is the right one.
Sources, and how this was checked
Last checkedJul 2026
- US State DepartmentChina country information and transport
Our own readApp coverage, metro payment options and rail booking steps are our read from recent traveler reports, not an official transport table, so check current details locally. Checked July 2026.