DiDi safety features in New Zealand
DiDi riders in New Zealand get an SOS button, live trip sharing with Trusted Contacts, anonymised phone numbers and hidden addresses, with screened drivers and a 24/7 Incident Response Team behind them.
Rider safety features
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| SOS Button | Contacts emergency services with one tap and shows your location in the app |
| Share Trip | Sends your live GPS trip to Trusted Contacts, from the Safety Toolkit |
| Private Numbers | Rider and driver numbers are anonymised before and after the trip |
| Hidden Addresses | Exact pickup and drop-off addresses are hidden once the trip ends |
| Driver Screening | Drivers pass safety verifications and background checks before driving |
| Facial Verification | Checks the driver against their approved profile photo |
| TripCheck | Alerts you if something unusual happens and opens the Safety Toolkit and SOS |
| Unmatch | Stops your requests going to a driver again |
| Audio Recording | Records trip audio where available |
Before you get in
Driver screening is part of DiDi's NZ sign-up. Drivers need a full New Zealand licence held for at least two years and a current passenger endorsement, and their car must have a current Certificate of Fitness (driver requirements). Facial verification is designed to stop someone else driving on an approved account. Check that the person and the car match what the app shows; if they do not, do not get in.
During the trip
- SOS: for real emergencies. The button connects you to emergency services and shows your location in the app. You can also call 111 directly.
- Share Trip: let a friend or family member follow your route live through the Safety Toolkit.
- TripCheck: if the app detects something unusual, it checks in on you and gives quick access to the SOS button.
Audio Recording
DiDi says Audio Recording is available only in specific states and territories of Australia and New Zealand. Where you can use it:
- Tap the blue Safety Shield on the home screen, then Record Audio, then Set up.
- Allow microphone access.
- Tap Start to record trips from pickup to drop-off.
Both riders and drivers can record. Each is told the feature is available, but not whether the other has switched it on. DiDi does not listen live; its Incident Response Team can access a recording after a complaint, dispute or safety report, and DiDi may share it with authorities such as the police where the law requires. If you do not want to be recorded, you can cancel and request another ride.
After the trip
Addresses are hidden once the ride ends, and you can Unmatch a driver you do not want again. For a serious incident, report it to DiDi through the app as well.
Safety for drivers
Drivers have their own tools: facial verification at login, a preview of the rider's star rating and the destination before accepting, TripCheck, Share Trip, Unmatch, SOS, anonymised numbers and TripChoice, which lets female drivers choose to be matched only with female riders. DiDi's NZ pages say drivers are prompted to take a break after 8 consecutive hours of driving. See driving with DiDi.
Reporting and urgent help
For safety-critical incidents in New Zealand, contact DiDi's 24/7 Incident Response Team through the app. DiDi also runs a portal for New Zealand and Australian law enforcement to request information. Other help routes are on contact support.