Quick Answer

If your DiDi driver calls you and you do not speak Chinese, you do not need to hold a long voice conversation. Stay at the pickup point, check the license plate, open in-app chat and send a simple translated message. DiDi's official app listings say the app supports an English interface for global visitors and bilingual in-app messaging between riders and drivers.

A driver usually calls because they cannot find you, the pickup point is restricted, the airport or mall has multiple gates, or they want to confirm your exact location. Your job is to make your location easy to understand.

What to Do Immediately

Step 1: Do not move randomly

If you keep walking, the driver may arrive at the original pickup pin while you are somewhere else. Stay near the pin unless airport or security staff tell you to move.

Step 2: Open the license plate screen

Confirm the plate number, car color and driver information. Never enter a car just because someone says your name or destination. Match the plate in the app.

Step 3: Use in-app chat

Send a simple message:

Sorry, I cannot speak Chinese. I am at the pickup location. Please use chat translation.

If the app translates the message, the driver can respond in Chinese and you can follow the translation.

Step 4: Send a landmark

At airports and malls, send the gate, door number, hotel lobby name or a nearby shop name. Examples:

  • Gate 5
  • Door 3, Departure Level
  • Starbucks entrance
  • Hotel lobby
  • Taxi pickup area

Step 5: Use a photo carefully

If the app allows it, send a photo of the pickup area sign, not your passport or private information.

Why Drivers Call

The pickup pin is not precise

Airport roads, malls, office towers and hotels can have several entrances. A pin on the map may not tell the driver which side of the building you are on.

The road has restrictions

Some areas do not allow pickup or stopping. The driver may ask you to walk to a legal pickup point.

The driver wants to confirm you are there

If the driver is close, they may call to avoid waiting charges or cancellation.

Messages You Can Copy

English message for the app

I cannot speak Chinese. I am waiting at the pickup point. Please message me here and use translation.

Chinese version

我不会说中文。我在上车点等您。请在这里发消息，我会用翻译。

At an airport

我在机场上车点。请告诉我具体几号门。

I am at the airport pickup area. Please tell me the exact gate number.

At a hotel

我在酒店大堂门口。

I am at the hotel lobby entrance.

When to Cancel and Rebook

Cancel and rebook if:

  • The driver asks you to pay outside the app.
  • The plate number does not match.
  • The driver asks you to walk to an unsafe or unclear area.
  • You cannot communicate after several messages.
  • Airport staff tell you the pickup point is wrong.

If you cancel, choose a clearer pickup point before booking again.

Safety Rules

  • Match the license plate before entering.
  • Do not share passport photos in chat.
  • Do not pay outside the app unless you intentionally chose a taxi/cash flow.
  • Sit in the back seat if traveling alone.
  • Keep your hotel address saved in Chinese.

Sources Checked