Shenzhen is one of the few cities in China where foreign visitors can experience fully autonomous taxis. Pony.ai, a leading autonomous driving company, offers robotaxi rides in designated areas of the city. This guide explains how foreigners can book a driverless taxi, what requirements exist, and what to expect during the ride. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just curious, riding a robotaxi is a unique way to explore Shenzhen’s innovation.
What Is the Pony.ai Robotaxi and Where Does It Operate?
Pony.ai is a Chinese autonomous driving company that has been testing and operating robotaxis in several cities, including Shenzhen. The service currently covers parts of the Nanshan district, including popular destinations like Shenzhen Bay Mixc, Shenzhen Bay Park, and the surrounding area. The vehicles are equipped with multiple sensors, cameras, and LiDAR, allowing them to navigate streets without a human driver. The robotaxi service is available through the Pony.ai+ app, which can be downloaded from official app stores.
Can Foreigners Ride the Robotaxi? Requirements and Limitations
Yes, foreigners can ride Pony.ai robotaxis, but there are a few requirements to keep in mind:
- Chinese phone number: You need a valid Chinese mobile number to register on the app. International numbers are not supported.
- Payment method: The app accepts WeChat Pay and Alipay. Credit cards are not currently supported. You may need to set up one of these payment methods before your ride.
- App language: The Pony.ai+ app is primarily in Chinese. While some functions may be intuitive, a translation app or help from a Chinese-speaking friend can be useful.
- Identity verification: The registration process requires a Chinese ID number for local users. For foreigners, you may need to contact customer service or use an alternative verification method. It is recommended to check with Pony.ai support for the latest procedure.
How to Book a Robotaxi: Step-by-Step Process
Booking a driverless taxi in Shenzhen involves a few steps. Here is a general guide:
- Download the app: Search for “Pony.ai+” in the iOS App Store or Android app store (like Huawei AppGallery).
- Register an account: Use your Chinese phone number to sign up. You may need to verify via SMS.
- Set your pickup and drop-off: The app shows a map with the service area. Choose your pickup location and destination within the zone.
- Confirm the ride: The app will estimate the fare and show the expected arrival time. Tap to confirm. The robotaxi will arrive at the pickup point.
- Enter the vehicle: Once the car arrives, you can unlock it using the app. The car will start the journey automatically.
- Enjoy the ride: Sit back and watch the AI display screen that shows the vehicle’s perception of the road. The ride is smooth and safe.
Cost and Coverage: What to Expect
Pony.ai robotaxi fares are generally lower than traditional ride-hailing services. For example, a 5.5-kilometer ride from Shenzhen Bay Mixc to Shenzhen Bay Garden cost around 9.5 yuan (approximately US$1.30), which is significantly cheaper than a Didi or taxi. However, prices may vary based on distance, time, and demand. The service is currently free of surge pricing, making it an affordable option for tourists. Pony.ai also runs occasional promotions. For instance, at the time of writing, users who share a Xiaohongshu post about their ride could receive a 20 yuan JD card and have a chance to win a prize. Such offers may change, so check the app for current deals.
Ride Experience: Safety, Comfort, and the AI Display
The robotaxi ride is designed to be safe and comfortable. During a typical trip, the vehicle accelerates smoothly, changes lanes with confidence, and obeys traffic lights. It also yields to pedestrians and slows down for electric bikes — a common sight in Shenzhen. The car checks blind spots and avoids hard braking, ensuring a pleasant journey. Inside, a real-time AI display screen shows how the vehicle perceives its surroundings, including other cars, cyclists, and pedestrians. This adds a futuristic feel and helps passengers understand the technology. The service is particularly appealing for tech-savvy tourists who want to experience the cutting edge of autonomous driving.
FAQ
How can I book a Pony.ai Robotaxi in Shenzhen?
Download the Pony.ai+ app, register with a Chinese phone number, and set your pickup and drop-off within the service area. Confirm the ride and wait for the robotaxi to arrive.
Is the robotaxi service available to foreigners?
Yes, but you need a Chinese phone number and a Chinese payment method (WeChat Pay or Alipay). Foreigners may need to contact customer support for identity verification, as the app usually requires a Chinese ID. Check with Pony.ai for the latest process.
Is the fare always 9.5 yuan?
No, the fare depends on distance and time. The 9.5 yuan figure was for a specific short trip. Fares are generally cheaper than regular taxis, but prices can vary. There are no surge charges currently.
What if the app is in Chinese?
Use a translation app or ask a Chinese-speaking friend for help. The interface is relatively simple, and you can learn the key buttons before your ride.
Is the robotaxi safe?
Yes, the vehicles are equipped with multiple sensors and are tested extensively. They follow traffic rules, yield to pedestrians, and drive conservatively. A safety supervisor may be present in some vehicles during testing phases.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to try a robotaxi in Shenzhen? For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a private guide who can help you with app registration, payment setup, and navigating the city’s transportation options. Our local guides can also arrange customized tours that include robotaxi rides and other tech attractions.
For more on autonomous taxis, read our guide to riding driverless taxis in Shenzhen and robotaxi overview for tourists.