DiDi vs Uber in Australia
There is no fixed winner. DiDi fares change with time, place and demand, so the reliable test is to compare the estimates in both apps for the same trip, then weigh the features.
The short answer
This guide only uses DiDi's official information, so it does not quote Uber prices. What it can tell you is how to compare the two fairly and what DiDi publishes about its own service. The honest answer to "which is cheaper" is: it depends on the trip and the moment. DiDi's own fare is built from base, distance and time charges and goes up under Dynamic Pricing when demand is high.
How to compare fares properly
- Open both apps at the same time with the same pickup and destination.
- Compare like with like: DiDi Express against the other app's standard car, DiDi Max against a larger vehicle.
- Look for a busy-time multiplier. DiDi shows its Dynamic Pricing multiplier under the estimate before you confirm (fares).
- Remember tolls are added after a DiDi trip and are not in the estimate.
- Check vouchers in both apps. On DiDi they apply automatically once added (promo codes).
Repeat the comparison on a few different trips before deciding one is always cheaper in your city.
What DiDi offers riders
| Feature | DiDi in Australia |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 28 cities in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and the ACT |
| Ride types | Express, Max, Select, Travel, Negotiate, Delivery (ride types) |
| Fixed offer fares | Driver offers on DiDi Travel in trial cities (negotiate) |
| Payment | Debit card, credit card, PayPal; no cash |
| Loyalty | Velocity Points, 1 per $1 of eligible spend |
| Extra stops | Up to 2 |
| Split Fare | Yes |
| Pre-booking | Not available |
| Business accounts | Not available |
| Safety | SOS to 000, Share Trip, TripCheck, Audio Recording in some areas, 24/7 Incident Response Team (safety) |
What DiDi says to drivers
DiDi's pitch to drivers is "industry-leading low Services Fees", so a bigger share of each fare goes to the driver, plus weekly payouts every Monday and the free DiDi Advance program with lower fees and partner discounts in participating cities. DiDi publishes one specific number on its site: a 10% Services Fee on DiDi Travel offer trips. For other trips the rate is in the DiDi Fee Schedule in its Legal section. All cancellation fees go to the driver. See driver earnings and DiDi Advance.
Much of what DiDi asks of drivers, such as an ABN with GST registration, state accreditation and vehicle registration and inspection, follows state and federal rules for rideshare. Check DiDi's list for your state in driver requirements.
Where DiDi may not suit you
- You need to book a ride for a set time in advance.
- You want a business account billed to your company.
- You live outside DiDi's 28 cities, for example in Tasmania or the Northern Territory, which are not on DiDi's city list.