Quick Answer
For most visitors, Didi is the easiest default.
Street taxis still exist and can still be useful, but payment expectations are less uniform than inside a ride-hailing app.
Why Didi Is Easier
With Didi, the cleanest part is that payment is built into the ride flow.
You usually set up payment once, then the ride itself is much simpler:
- no explaining the destination cash-first
- no scrambling with QR codes at the curb
- no arguing over route or meter after the ride
That is why many visitors find it much less stressful.
How Street Taxis Differ
Street taxis are still perfectly valid in many cities, especially:
- at official taxi queues
- outside major stations
- when you do not want to wait for an app
But payment can feel more variable because you may encounter:
- QR payment
- cash payment
- different levels of comfort with foreign cards
Cash is still a very useful backup in taxi scenarios.
The Safest Taxi Habits
For ordinary street taxis:
- use official taxi queues when available
- make sure the meter is running
- keep the destination written in Chinese if possible
- pay at the end, not mid-ride
Avoid freelancers or people approaching you aggressively outside airports or stations.
Where Payment Friction Usually Happens
Friction often happens:
- at the curb after the ride
- when a QR code does not cooperate
- when your foreign-card routing fails
- when everyone is tired and in a hurry
That is exactly why carrying some cash remains practical even for a mostly cashless trip.
Best Payment Setup for Rides
Ideally, have:
- Didi with a working payment method
- one wallet ready for taxi QR payment
- some cash
That covers almost every realistic case without drama.
Practical Checklist
- I installed Didi or know how I will book rides.
- I linked a payment method before I urgently need a car.
- I know street taxis may not feel as smooth as in-app payment.
- I kept cash as backup for taxi situations.