Quick Answer

To show your destination to a taxi driver in China, use Chinese text, not only English. Prepare the hotel or destination name in Chinese, the full address, phone number, nearby landmark and a map pin screenshot. If the driver is unsure, ask the destination or hotel to speak with the driver by phone.

This guide is useful even if you mainly use DiDi. When pickup fails, your phone battery is low or the app route is confusing, a normal taxi with a clear Chinese address can save the trip.

What to Show

Show this in large text:

  1. Chinese place name.
  2. Full Chinese address.
  3. District and city.
  4. Phone number.
  5. Map pin.
  6. Nearby landmark or entrance note.

Do not show only an English hotel booking page.

Simple Chinese Phrases

请去这个地址。

Please go to this address.

这是酒店电话。

This is the hotel phone number.

我不会说中文，请看地图。

I do not speak Chinese. Please look at the map.

请走正规打表。

Please use the meter.

Step-by-Step Before Getting In

  1. Confirm the taxi is official.
  2. Show the Chinese address before loading bags.
  3. Confirm the driver seems to understand.
  4. Open Amap to follow the route.
  5. Keep payment ready.
  6. Save receipt or trip details if possible.

Airport and Station Taxis

Use the official queue. Do not follow people offering rides in arrivals halls or station exits. Large airports may have signed taxi pickup zones by terminal and arrival gate.

When the Driver Calls or Talks Quickly

If using DiDi or taxi phone contact, you can show this message:

我不会说中文。请发短信，或者到地图上的位置接我。

I do not speak Chinese. Please send a text message, or pick me up at the map location.

Payment Tips

Prepare Alipay, WeChat Pay, cash or card depending on the taxi and city. Not every driver will accept every foreign-card-backed mobile wallet route. Cash can be a useful taxi backup.

Common Problems

Driver does not know the English name

Use Chinese address and phone number.

There are several branches

Check district and road name.

Wrong entrance

Large hotels, malls and office towers may have multiple entrances. Add a lobby or gate note.

Language barrier during route change

Use Amap, screenshot translation or ask hotel staff to talk to the driver.

Sources Checked

Last source check: 2026-05-27

  • How to transfer between Shanghai airports and downtown — Shanghai Municipal Government

URL: https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Transportation/20231214/649e06ea38f74aaeb573fa2debbe97d3.html

Supports: Official airport-to-city options including metro, maglev and taxi pickup points/cost estimates for Shanghai airports.

  • A guide to using AMap in English — Shanghai Municipal Government

URL: https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-UsefulApps/20241213/59a549d4bdf1440c8e86251d5ac7d5a9.html

Supports: AMap/Gaode Map provides English support for overseas users and route planning for driving, public transit, walking and biking.

  • Payment service guide for overseas visitors to China — The State Council, PRC

URL: https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202404/11/content_WS6617c858c6d0868f4e8e5f4d.html

Supports: Overseas visitors can use mobile payments, bank cards and cash; Alipay and WeChat Pay can link international cards including Visa and Mastercard; mobile payment limits and cash/card guidance are described.

Disclaimer

App interfaces, payment rules, station practices, hotel policies and local procedures may change. Treat this guide as a source-checked practical guide, then verify important details with the official service, your hotel, transport staff or your card issuer before relying on it in an urgent situation.