They send in app template messages and/or call. The thing is, you'll presumably know exactly where they are so the messages don't provide much value. Basically, if you choose non confusing pick up locations and plant yourself in them before cars arrive, it's pretty hard (though not impossible) to screw up.

The only place where this doesn't work is airports, where didi drivers make it endlessly complicated to find them.

China Mobile released an English version of the app. Well like one page where you can view the balance and top up.

Does it cover the core features?

It covers checking balance and package remainders and topping it up as can be seen on the picture below:
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dd9445d165.jpg

Better than nothing, but obviously if you want promotional packages, download statements etc, you need to switch to the CN version.

I don't think Unicom has a dedicated English app (for Mainland China, at least), but when you select English as the display language in their standard app, the skin is almost identical to your screenshot (i.e. not especially useful). The default skin, by contrast, reminds me of my general disdain for Chinese apps (far too busy and laden with ads)...
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1cc5cecd22.jpg

....and always with the obligatory "free gifts" and "prizes"! :D

wait so are you saying to not use didi when we arrive at an airport in order to get to a hotel?

like all the Temu ads i keep seeing everywhere nowadays 🤣

I almost never bother with Didi (or Uber/Lfyt) for airport pickups unless I know the airport situation well or there are substantial savings in terms of time/money. I figured this was a common sentiment pretty much everythere such choices are available?

what would the better option be? In the US i’ve found uber and lyft airport pickups to be quite easy.

Most airports and train stations have taxi queues. While it's true that using them entails waiting your turn and scams are always possible, I'm not a fan of trying to link up with drivers at crowded pickup points. Since you mentioned previously that you might not have reliable voice service during your trip, this challenge could be further exacerbated. SZX is the only airport I go to where I would (almost) never use Didi upon arrival (utter chaos!); for others, I usually take a wait-and-see approach before deciding.

For the sake of completeness and the benefit of other readers, I feel compelled to point out that public transit options (e.g. train, bus, subway) are often good as well, but they become less desirable when you include luggage, additional people in your party, and/or transfers to the equation.

I recall asking about the viability of taking the metro on another thread and at least one person suggested to avoid that if we are just arriving with luggage. I can see how this would not be ideal especially with children.

sounds like we should just opt for a taxi but do we need to make sure they are (or are not) metering the trip?

Do taxi drivers take Alipay (via CC from foreigners vs. personal balance payment)? I've never thought about this, but I have to imagine cash wouldn't be the only option in China. I can't imagine they take actual CC.

not sure about alipay but ive heard they accept wechat. It would be hard to imagine that they dont take alipay if they take wechat… from my personal experience using both apps, alipay seems a but more flexible and friendly for foreigners compared to wechat