Use each app for the right job
Amap is the map and route-planning layer; Didi is the focused ride-hailing layer. Amap can also aggregate ride options, but beginners should first understand pickup and destination pins before comparing every provider.
Save destinations in Chinese
Use the Chinese venue name and full address. Large malls, hospitals, railway stations and residential compounds have multiple gates; save the exact entrance you need, not just the complex name.
- 上车点
- Pickup point
- 目的地
- Destination
- 北门
- North gate
- 行程分享
- Share trip
Plan public transport door to door
Set the actual weekday and departure time. Add walking to the station, security, transfers, waiting and the final walk. Check the last service and an alternative route before a late return.
Use Amap layers and landmarks
Switch between transit, walking, cycling and driving to understand barriers such as rivers, elevated roads and gated compounds. Street-level photos, exit numbers and nearby shops can make a pickup point easier to communicate.
Set up Didi before you need it
The official expatriate guide says Didi’s Greater China app supports foreign mobile-number registration and international cards. Complete setup and a short daytime ride before relying on it for an airport or late night.
Choose a pickup point the car can reach
Do not drop the pin inside a pedestrian area. Move it to the correct gate or designated ride-hailing zone, then send a short in-app message if needed.
Before entering and during the ride
Match the plate, car and driver shown in the app. Share the trip for higher-risk situations, wear a seat belt and keep communication and route changes inside the app.
Fees and disputes
Tolls, waiting and airport charges can affect the final fare. If something looks wrong, use the trip receipt and in-app support; do not settle a disputed extra fee through an undocumented private transfer.
SOURCES & CHECKS
Official references used for changeable rules and service details:
Official expatriate living guide Amap official websiteNever send passwords, SMS codes or payment details to a stranger. Be cautious if someone asks you to leave the official platform or confirm an order before the service is complete.