(Photo/Courtesy of Didi Chuxing)

Didi Chuxing announced the beta launch of bilingual functions on its app in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.Starting today, users in the three cities will gradually have access to an English interface upon installing or upgrading to the latest version of the DiDi app.

The bilingual functions will be available in other Chinese cities progressively.

(Photo/Courtesy of Didi Chuxing)

Besides an English UI for Taxi, Premier and Express (including ExpressPool), the three most popular personal mobility services on DiDi’s platform, the app also enables real-time, in-app instant text messaging translation between English and Chinese to facilitate rider-driver communication. Users will also have access to bilingual customer service support via email and phone.

To better serve these growing international communities, the DiDi app now supports payment with major international credit cards. Users can sign up with mobile numbers registered in 12 regions of the world, including the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Canada, the United States and Brazil. All users enjoy the same level of safety and security protection, including comprehensive accident protection for up to a maximum of RMB 1.2 million.

(Photo/Courtesy of Didi Chuxing)

As an international economic and cultural hub, China increasingly attracts inbound foreign tourists, business travelers and expatriates. According to Chinese tourism authorities, over 28 million international tourists visited the country in 2016, up 8.3% year-on-year,with over 1 million working and living in China.

As the world’s leading one-stop transportation platform, DiDi will continue to develop convenient and differentiated local mobility services for cross-border users and foster an open Internet ecosystem with global dimensionsin China. DiDi will progressively upgrade its app on the App Store and Android app markets in other countries for travelers to install and enjoy the bilingual services upon arrival in China.