DiDi vs Uber
DiDi and Uber offer similar ride-hailing apps but in different places. Uber lists 74 countries; DiDi works in China plus 14 countries, and only DiDi operates in mainland China.
The short answer
DiDi and Uber work in a similar way for riders: you set a pickup point and destination in the app, a driver accepts, and you pay by card in the app or, in some cities, in cash. The real difference is where each one works. Uber is wider worldwide. DiDi is the main option in mainland China and competes head to head with Uber in Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Egypt.
This page uses only official information. It does not claim that either app is cheaper, because prices change with demand, time and promotions.
Where each app works
| Country or region | DiDi | Uber |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland China | Yes (Chinese DiDi app) | No |
| Hong Kong | Yes (Chinese DiDi app, taxis) | Yes |
| Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador | Yes | Yes |
| Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic | Yes | Yes |
| Brazil | Yes, as 99 | Yes |
| Australia, New Zealand | Yes | Yes |
| Japan | Yes (mainly taxis) | Yes |
| Egypt | Yes | Yes |
| United States, Canada | No | Yes |
| Europe | No | Yes, in many countries |
Uber's official city page lists 74 countries. DiDi's country selector lists 14 countries outside China. Every DiDi market outside China also appears on Uber's list. For DiDi's full list, see Where does DiDi work?.
Ride types compared
Names differ, but the main categories match. Availability depends on the city for both apps.
| Need | DiDi | Uber |
|---|---|---|
| Standard private car | DiDi Express, DiDi Economy | UberX |
| Licensed taxi | DiDi Taxi | Uber Taxi |
| Motorcycle ride | DiDi Moto | Uber Moto |
| Set your own price | DiDi Flex | Not listed |
| Larger or premium car | Varies by country | UberXL, Uber Comfort, Uber Black |
| Sending a package | DiDi Delivery | Varies by country |
| Food delivery | DiDi Food (99Food in Brazil) | Not covered on this page |
In Japan, DiDi is mainly a taxi-hailing app: it books licensed taxis, plus a Japanese-style rideshare in some areas. See DiDi in Japan.
Payment and cash
- DiDi: pay with a credit or debit card in the app, or in cash in some cities, according to the official app listing. Where cash is accepted, the country guide says so, for example Mexico or Colombia.
- Uber: the Uber help center says the service is designed to be cashless in most cities. In March 2025 Uber launched cash trips in select US cities, only for riders who passed identity verification.
If you plan to pay cash, check the payment options in the app for your city before you request a ride.
Prices: how to compare fairly
Neither company publishes one global price list, and fares change with the city, the time and promotions. To compare:
- Enter the same pickup and destination in both apps.
- Compare the same category (for example DiDi Express and UberX).
- Check whether a promotion or coupon is already applied.
- Repeat at a different time of day if you travel the route often.
For drivers
Both companies use a separate driver app. DiDi's is DiDi Driver: Drive & Earn Cash, which accepts private-car drivers and taxi drivers. Its official listing says registration requirements depend on local law. Commission rates, bonuses and vehicle rules differ by country and by company, so compare the official driver pages in your country rather than general claims. The country guides explain DiDi's driver requirements, for example for Australia, Mexico or Peru.
Which one should you use?
- Traveling to mainland China: DiDi, using the Chinese DiDi app. See Using DiDi in China.
- United States, Canada or Europe: Uber, since DiDi does not operate there.
- Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Egypt: both are available, so you can install both and compare each trip.
- Brazil: compare Uber with 99, DiDi's Brazilian app. See the Brazil guide.