Does anyone use the Didi Taxi app?

[kawasemi]

Given that Uber and Lyft aren't operating here, I'm curious to hear if any of you are using the Didi taxi app. It's a Chinese company backed by softbank, and their app seems quite good, and integrates with Paypay for payments.

It's not available in my area (https://didimobility.co.jp/service/user/), but I do plan to check it out on an upcoming Kyoto trip with my parents. (three in a car, taxis make sense)

I realize there's probably a big debate to be had around which app to choose, i.e. support the local Japanese taxi companies, which if I recall correctly many were quite protectionist vs Uber coming in; or a chinese company which might be less trustworthy with user data, but the app looks far better.

[RetireJapan]

Uber works here, but they connect to taxi companies. I believe Didi does as well. Japan does not allow normal rideshare, all drivers need to be licensed so the ridesharing companies basically feed customers to local taxi firms.

If you look at taxis here they often have Uber or Didi stickers on them.

[beanhead]

Uber is a taxi company?
Don't they just deliver food on bicycles...?

[zeroshiki]

There's also GO. The difference is the taxi companies they partner with.

In Tokyo (and presumably Osaka) there's really no difference with them but I notice in the more suburban areas, it gets harder to call taxis so I have to cycle apps.

[TokyoBoglehead]

There's also GO. The difference is the taxi companies they partner with.

In Tokyo (and presumably Osaka) there's really no difference with them but I notice in the more suburban areas, it gets harder to call taxis so I have to cycle apps.

I like GO, knowledge drivers, decent app. Many of their cars are that Sudo-black cab style type that is quite comfortable for taller folk.

[goran]

I have used DiDi in Osaka. Never had any problem with it.
Each time the car that showed up was a normal taxi and the fare was also based on their meter. So, its just a taxi hailing app in Osaka, rather than ridesharing as in most South East Asian countries or in China.