Why Do China Ride-Hailing Drivers Ask for Your Phone Number’s Last Four Digits?

If you use DiDi (滴滴, Didi) or another ride-hailing service in China, the driver may call, message, or ask through the window: 尾号多少？ or 手机尾号是多少？ They are usually asking for the last four digits of the phone number attached to the order.

This can be surprisingly hard for a foreign visitor. You may know the number, but you may not know how to say the digits in Chinese. Or you may not understand that the driver is asking for only the last four digits, not your full phone number.

What words might the driver use?

• 手机尾号 (shouji weihao): phone number ending / last digits.
• 尾号多少？ (weihao duoshao?): what are the last digits?
• 后四位 (hou si wei): the last four digits.
• 手机号后四位 (shoujihao hou si wei): the last four digits of your phone number.

What should you do before requesting a ride?

1. Check which phone number is attached to the ride order. If you used an international number, the driver may still ask for the last four digits of that number.
2. Write down the last four digits. Do not try to remember them while standing at a noisy pickup point.
3. Save the card below. Use your phone’s photo editor or markup tool to write your own four digits into the boxes.
4. Keep the card near your hotel address card. These two cards solve many pickup problems.

Fill-in card for your phone number last four digits

Use this as a template. Fill in your own four digits before you request a ride, then save it to your phone.

How should you answer?

If your phone number ends in 1234, you can show the filled card or say:

• 我的手机尾号是 1234。 (Wo de shouji weihao shi yi er san si.)
  My phone number ends in 1234.
• 尾号 1234。 (Weihao yi er san si.)
  Last four digits: 1234.

Do you still need to check the car?

Yes. The phone-tail check is only one part of pickup. Before getting in, still check:

• License plate number. Match the plate in the app.
• Car model and color. If the app says white sedan and the car is different, pause.
• Driver photo or name if shown. Do not rely on one clue only.
• Pickup point. Airports and train stations may have specific ride-hailing zones.

What if you cannot communicate?

• Show the filled phone-tail card. Point to the four digits.
• Show the app order screen. Keep private details covered if possible.
• Use the app chat translation if available. Short messages work better than long explanations.
• Ask nearby airport or hotel staff for help. Do this before walking to a strange pickup point.
• Cancel and use the official taxi queue if the pickup becomes too confusing. This is especially sensible late at night.

Transport mistakes to avoid

• Saying the full phone number. Usually the driver only needs the last four digits.
• Giving an SMS code. Do not do this.
• Getting into a car only because the driver knows your tail number. Still match the plate and vehicle.
• Using the wrong phone number’s last four digits. If the ride was ordered through a friend’s account, hotel account, or another app, the relevant phone number may not be yours.
• Trying to say digits loudly in a noisy pickup area. Showing the card is calmer.

FAQ

Is this required on every DiDi ride?

No. Some drivers may not ask. Some may confirm by plate number, pickup point, app call, or app message. Treat the phone-tail card as a backup, not as a required step every time.

Does the driver need my full phone number?

Usually no. If the driver asks for 手机尾号 (shouji weihao) or 后四位 (hou si wei), they are asking for the last digits only.

What if I used a foreign phone number?

Use the last four digits of the phone number attached to the ride account or order. If you are not sure, check the app account settings before requesting the ride.

What if someone else ordered the ride for me?

Ask that person which phone number is attached to the order and what the last four digits are. Also ask them to send you the plate number and pickup point.

Should I show the card before checking the plate?

No. First find the likely vehicle by plate and pickup point, then use the phone-tail card if the driver asks. Do not walk up to random cars showing personal information.