Didi becomes more expat-friendly in China with addition of bilingual features

Didi Chuxing, the Chinese ride-hailing giant that swallowed Uber China, has announced the beta launch of bilingual functions on its app.

The service is now only available in the country’s three top metropolises of Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, where most foreigners live and travel, but the firm disclosed it will be available in other cities later. Starting today, users in the three cities will gradually have access to an English interface.

While the company plans to make the app 100% bilingual, it is first starting this feature for core services of Taxi (出租车), Premier (专车)and Express, including ExpressPool (快车and顺风车). The app also enables real-time, in-app instant text messaging translation between English and Chinese to facilitate rider-driver communication. Users will also have access to bilingual customer service support via email and phone.

What you get

Full access to all premium content and our full archives

Members'-only newsletters

Preferential access and discounts to all TechNode events

Direct access to the TechNode newsroom