Using Didi for first time
Jun 14, 2018, 6:46 pm
#47
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 223
Thanks for the responses! It sounds like if the Didi driver uses the app messaging to confirm the reservation, we'll be in good shape, but if they prefer to use voice call method and try to call my US number, my reservation may get cancelled right?
Jun 14, 2018, 7:21 pm
#48
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,036
You can message him on WiFi.
Jun 18, 2018, 5:11 pm
#49
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, BAEC Silver, TK Miles & Smiles Elite
Posts: 2,210
I use Didi every day in Shenzhen. I never answer the call because there's no point.
Instead, as soon as the ride is accepted I send the first auto-translated instant message confirming my location.
If the driver still calls then I send the other auto-translated message saying I can't answer the phone right now. I then repeat the first instant message.
Never fails.
Instead, as soon as the ride is accepted I send the first auto-translated instant message confirming my location.
If the driver still calls then I send the other auto-translated message saying I can't answer the phone right now. I then repeat the first instant message.
Never fails.
Jun 19, 2018, 10:18 am
#51
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: 42.1% in PDX , 49.9% in PVG & 8% in the air somewhere
Programs: Marriott Ambassador Elite, UA 1K, AS MVP GLD 75K, DL Pt
Posts: 1,086
I use Didi every day in Shenzhen. I never answer the call because there's no point.
Instead, as soon as the ride is accepted I send the first auto-translated instant message confirming my location.
If the driver still calls then I send the other auto-translated message saying I can't answer the phone right now. I then repeat the first instant message.
Never fails.
Instead, as soon as the ride is accepted I send the first auto-translated instant message confirming my location.
If the driver still calls then I send the other auto-translated message saying I can't answer the phone right now. I then repeat the first instant message.
Never fails.
Jul 13, 2018, 5:46 am
#52
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 223
Just reporting back the English version of Didi worked great. Used it several times while in China. 1 driver texted, I used the english translation feature, 1 driver, texted, i texted back in Chinese, and 1 driver called my US cellphone to confirm my location (we were in-front of the hotel) but hey whatever. The rides were all fine, great value. Only issue I had was for some reason for the last ride, it would not run the payment through with the app in English. I was able to bum my way through with my Chinese with the app set to Chinese and it worked. So they do have a few bugs to work through but all in all, pretty descent.
Jul 13, 2018, 6:06 pm
#54
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,036
Just reporting back the English version of Didi worked great. Used it several times while in China. 1 driver texted, I used the english translation feature, 1 driver, texted, i texted back in Chinese, and 1 driver called my US cellphone to confirm my location (we were in-front of the hotel) but hey whatever. The rides were all fine, great value. Only issue I had was for some reason for the last ride, it would not run the payment through with the app in English. I was able to bum my way through with my Chinese with the app set to Chinese and it worked. So they do have a few bugs to work through but all in all, pretty descent.
Jul 14, 2018, 11:20 am
#56
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 131
I loaded the English Didi Android app on my USA phone and registered a credit card successfully in anticipation of a trip to Shanghai in a month or so. It appears that I can order a car from a location in China. So far, it appears to be working as expected. When I arrive at PVG, it was my intent to buy a pre-paid SIM. When I remove my US SIM and install my China SIM, my phone number will change, of course. Do I need to repeat the setup with the new phone number? Or do I need to use my USA SIM so I can receive calls & text messages at my USA phone number?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Jul 14, 2018, 4:21 pm
#57
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,036
Jul 14, 2018, 4:35 pm
#58
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,036
I loaded the English Didi Android app on my USA phone and registered a credit card successfully in anticipation of a trip to Shanghai in a month or so. It appears that I can order a car from a location in China. So far, it appears to be working as expected. When I arrive at PVG, it was my intent to buy a pre-paid SIM. When I remove my US SIM and install my China SIM, my phone number will change, of course. Do I need to repeat the setup with the new phone number? Or do I need to use my USA SIM so I can receive calls & text messages at my USA phone number?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Jul 14, 2018, 7:03 pm
#59
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,036
FYI, meituan is a little more expensive than Didi, but I have found it useful during busy times. After the soccer games, Didi requires an hour wait, while meituan is around 5 minutes. I haven't tried dianping yet.
Jul 16, 2018, 4:03 pm
#60
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: CX MPC DM
Posts: 416
Good to know. I use meituan for some things, but there's very little english support for us non-speakers. I usually need local assistance when using meituan, more so than DiDi.