Didi Chuxing, a company that offers a similar service with Uber, has announced there is now an Uber app for China and a different one for the rest of the world. This announcement comes after news that Didi Chuxing is in the process of acquiring Uber's China business.
However, this is bad news for foreigners who don't speak China's native language. Users must create a new account for Uber China, which then would require users to have a valid Chinese mobile phone number, including a legal Chinese payment method like Baidu Wallet and Union Pay, according to Tech Crunch report. The new Chinese app may look like the old Uber China app but those two key differences mean a lot.
It is a big blow for those who can't speak and read Chinese because Didi Chuxing's apps are available in Mandarin only. It is time to say goodbye to Uber as the only option for booking a taxi via your phone number in your country. "We apologize to our users for any inconvenience this transition has caused. The Uber China team has been working hard to make the new version more user-friendly." Didi Chuxing said in a statement according to CNN.
It is already difficult for tourists who don't speak Mandarin to communicate with cab drivers and these changes made it even harder for them. The changes basically mean anybody who does not have the necessary payment options won't be able to avail of Uber's service in China. Uber has now become an exclusive for its locals or it may force tourists to learn a few Chinese words.
The good news is Didi Chuxing did say they will introduce "multilingual, international features" in the future. The bad news is they have not given any indication on what they meant by that nor did they say when they will introduce those new features for Uber China.
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