🚕 Taxi & Mobility SOP

TL;DR: Use DiDi (International) app or the Alipay “Transport” mini-program. Do not hail on the street unless you have the destination address in Chinese characters. Always ask for a receipt (fàpiào).

Prerequisites:

• App: DiDi (English version) or Alipay.
• Address: Destination written in Chinese (screenshot or physical card).
• Payment: Linked Visa/Mastercard in Alipay or DiDi.

📋 The Runbook

1. Hailing: The “App-First” Protocol

• Step 1: Open DiDi (Global) or the Alipay “Didi” mini-program.
• Step 2: Enter destination (search works in English).
• Step 3: Select Express or Premier. Premier drivers are more likely to wait for you and help with luggage.
• Verification: Match the license plate shown in the app with the physical car.

2. The Street-Hail Protocol

• Step 1: Look for taxis with a green (available) light in the window. Red means occupied.
• Step 2: Show the driver your destination in Chinese characters.
• Step 3: Ensure the meter (Jìjiàqì) is flipped down (starting price typically 14-16 RMB in SH).
• Verification: Receive a physical fàpiào (receipt) at the end. This is your only “trace” if you leave your bag in the car.

3. Payment Execution

• Step 1: If using the app, payment is automatic (Server-side).
• Step 2: If street-hailing, scan the driver’s QR code on the dashboard or headrest.
• Verification: Show the “Payment Success” screen to the driver before exiting.

🚨 Fallback (Plan B)

If the app keeps spinning or no cars are available (Peak Hours):

1. The Metro Node: If it’s 5:30 PM and you’re in a busy district, do not wait for a DiDi. Go to the nearest Metro station. Use Alipay’s “Transport” QR to ride.
2. Luxury Hotel Hack: Walk into the lobby of any 5-star hotel (Westin, Fairmont, etc.). Ask the concierge to hail an official taxi for you. They have a direct line to taxi dispatch.
3. Cash Flow: If your app payment fails, pay with physical cash. New regulations effective Feb 1, 2026 strictly mandate that all merchants (including taxis) must accept cash. If they claim “no change,” stay calm—they are legally required to find a solution. Always ask for the receipt (fàpiào) to prove you paid.

💡 TechDad’s Tips

• The “Lost Phone” SOP: If you leave your phone in the car, you are in a “Critical Failure” state. The Fa-Piao is your only hope. It has the car’s ID and base phone number. Never leave without it.
• Parent Alert: DiDi cars do not have car seats. If traveling with a baby, use the Metro (Safer) or look for “Luxury” cars in the app, which occasionally have them.
• Visual Check: Red light = Busy. Green light = Free. Don’t wave at a red light; you’ll look like a rookie.
• Translation: If the driver calls you, use the In-app Chat. It auto-translates your English messages into Chinese for the driver.

🚩 Strategic Gap: The “SPOF” Warning

Single Point of Failure: Relying on the driver’s phone GPS.

• Hotfix: Keep your own map (Amap or Apple Maps) open to ensure the driver isn’t taking a “scenic” (expensive) route.

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