An Expat's Guide to use Uber in Chinese

Shock has hit the expat community in China as English versions of the Uber App are no longer supported in the middle kingdom. Many commuters  found themselves starring at Chinese maps and instructions on their phone and Uber App. Luckily for you we are here to save the day, as usual. Here is the official “How to use Uber in Chinese” guide:

Step 1: Use your phones locations services to set your pick up location

We recommend you use your nearest intersection for the sake of simplicity.

Step 2: Setting your destination

Once again, we recommend locating the nearest intersection to your destination. You will need to find your destination address in Chinese, and paste it into the App, as per usual. 

Step 3: Click on the obvious “Request Car” button.

Next you will find yourself at a familiar screen. Once again in complete Chinese. On this screen you will pick between shared (Left) and individual (Right) cars. Choose your payment method in the bottom right corner.

Mentally prepare yourself, you’re about to receive a call from a Chinese driver who almost definitely does not speak English.  

Step 4: Receiving the phone call.

Don’t panic! And don't ignore the call. As soon as you answer the driver’s call the first question will be “ni zai na li?”or,  “ni zai ding weizhi ma?” meaning “where the hell are you?” or “You’re at the location you set on the app, right?”

Step 5: Communicating the the driver

This can be the most complicated step for expats, even for those who have developed decent Mandarin over the years.  Keep the basic structure “wo zai (insert intersection) lukou.” Using your nearest intersection ensures that you can easily communicate your location to your driver by reading the pinyin of streets signs, and your driver will know exactly where to look for you.

Step 6: Identifying your driver

You’re driver may be able to look for you based on where you say you are, where your phone says you are, and what you look like in your Uber profile, but it will be undoubtedly helpful if you can locate your driver’s car. For this, the simple question of asking the color of your driver’s car. “Ni de che shi shenme yanse?” meaning “what color is your car?”

Alternatively, you could also describe yourself by saying “wo chuan hongse de yifu?”  This question can save you and your driver a lot of time trying to locate each other, and save you from having to squint and read license plate numbers.