Sometimes — access is reported as limited and varies a lot by city and by the traveler
Robotaxi (driverless taxi) services such as Apollo Go are widely reported as a new and fast-expanding category in select Chinese cities, but foreign-tourist access is reported as inconsistent — some services are described as needing a Chinese phone number or ID-linked account to register.
Treat a robotaxi as a 'try it if it's available where you are' option rather than something to plan a trip around, and have a regular ride-hailing or taxi backup ready.
What robotaxis are, and why the picture keeps changing
Driverless ride-hailing services are widely reported as one of the fastest-moving parts of China's tech and mobility scene right now, which is exactly why specifics are hard to pin down for travelers.
Apollo Go and similar driverless-taxi services are widely reported as expanding their footprint and vehicle numbers in select Chinese cities, generally alongside — not yet replacing — regular ride-hailing and taxis.
Because the service is new and rolling out unevenly, availability, coverage area, and whether foreign visitors can register at all is reported as varying by city and by month, rather than being a single stable answer.
What to check before you try one
Coverage is reported as limited to select cities and, within those cities, to specific districts or routes — check current local reporting or ask locally rather than assuming it is available everywhere.
Check this before you count on the service — it's reported as a common blocker for short-term foreign visitors who don't have one.
Given how new and city-specific this is, having a regular ride-hailing app, taxi, or hotel-arranged transport as a fallback is the practical approach rather than relying on a robotaxi being available or bookable.
Where travelers get stuck
Assuming robotaxis are available nationwide
Robotaxi services are widely reported as operating in a limited set of cities and areas, not nationwide, and coverage is described as still expanding rather than complete.
Workaround: Check current, local reporting for the specific city you're visiting rather than assuming availability.
Not being able to register as a foreign visitor
Some robotaxi apps are reported as requiring a Chinese phone number or an ID-linked account to sign up, which can block short-term foreign visitors from registering at all.
Workaround: Have a regular ride-hailing app or taxi as your primary plan, and treat a robotaxi as a bonus if you happen to be able to access one.
Frequently asked questions
Are robotaxis available to foreign tourists in China?
It's reported as inconsistent — some robotaxi services may need a Chinese phone number or ID-linked account to register, which can block short-term foreign visitors. Availability also varies a lot by city.
Which cities have robotaxis in China?
We don't have a current verified, stable list — coverage is widely reported as expanding and city-specific, so check current local reporting for the city you're visiting rather than relying on a fixed list.
Do I need a Chinese phone number to use a robotaxi?
Some services are reported as needing a Chinese phone number or ID-linked account to sign up, similar to other China ride-hailing apps — this is not confirmed as universal across every robotaxi operator.
Is it safe to rely on a robotaxi for a trip?
Given how new and unevenly available the service is reported to be, it's best treated as a try-if-available option rather than a primary transport plan — keep a regular ride-hailing app or taxi as backup.
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