【Learn Chinese】How to Order a Taxi in China

China, with its vast landscape and bustling cities, offers a myriad of transportation options for travelers and locals alike. Among these, taxis are a popular choice for their convenience and accessibility. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned expat, knowing how to order a taxi in China can greatly enhance your travel experience.
This article will guide you through the process, from the basic Chinese vocabulary to the latest technology that makes hailing a taxi a breeze.

The Traditional Way: Flagging Down a Taxi
招手 (zhāo shǒu) - Waving for a Taxi
The most straightforward method of getting a taxi in China is by simply standing on the street and waving your hand to signal a taxi. Look for the iconic yellow or green taxis with a rooftop light indicating "空车" (kōng chē), which means "empty car" or "available."

告诉司机目的地 (gào sù sī jī mù dì diǎn) - Informing the Driver of Your Destination
Once inside the taxi, you'll need to tell the driver where you're headed. It's helpful to have the address written down in Chinese characters, as not all drivers may understand English. You can say, "师傅，我要去..." (Shī fu, wǒ yào qù...), which translates to "Driver, I'm going to..."

支付车费 (zhī fù chē fèi) - Paying the Fare
After reaching your destination, you'll need to pay the fare. You can ask the driver for the total, "请问总共多少钱？" (Qǐng wèn zǒng gòng duō shǎo qián?). Most taxis accept cash, but many now also accept mobile payments through platforms like WeChat Pay or Alipay.

The Modern Way: Using Mobile Apps
下载打车软件 (xià zǎi dǎ chē ruǎn jiàn) - Downloading a Ride-Hailing App
In recent years, mobile apps have revolutionized the taxi industry in China. The two most popular apps are 滴滴出行 (Dīdī Chūxíng) and 高德打车 (Gāo Dé Dǎchē). Downloading these apps will allow you to order a taxi from your smartphone.

注册账号 (zhù cè zhàng hào) - Registering an Account
To use these apps, you'll need to register an account. This typically involves providing a phone number and setting a password. Some apps also offer the option to link your social media accounts for easier access.

输入目的地 (shūrù mù dì dì) - Entering the Destination
Once your account is set up, you can input your destination. The app will provide an estimated fare and arrival time. You can also choose different types of vehicles, from economy to luxury, depending on your needs.

等待接单 (děng dài jiē dān) - Waiting for a Driver to Accept
After you've entered your destination, the app will send out a request to nearby drivers. You'll wait for a driver to accept your request, and the app will provide you with the driver's information, including their name, photo, and vehicle details.

沟通与支付 (gōu tōng yǔ zhī fù) - Communication and Payment
Communication with the driver can be done through the app, which also includes a built-in messaging system. Payment is typically handled within the app, making it a cashless and convenient experience.