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Car Rental in China
Explore China behind the wheel instead of waiting for taxis. Compare offers from local rental companies and book online with transparent pricing and pick-up at airports in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
Cities
Cities: China
All cities with built-in car search. Each page has a ready search, prices by class and rental terms.
Terms
Rental terms in China
The basic rules of most rental providers in the country. Exact terms of a specific offer are shown in the city search before payment.
- Driver age — from 21 years.
- Driving experience — from 1 years.
- Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge.
- Fuel policy: “full-to-full”.
- Basic insurance (CDW/TP) is included in the price.
- A Full CDW package reduces the excess to zero.
- No-deposit rentals are often available.
- National driving licence.
- Driver’s passport.
- A bank card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
On the road
Driving rules in China
A driver’s guide for the country — common traveler questions: currency, fuel, speed limits, toll roads.
| Currency | CNY |
|---|---|
| Speed limits | 50 city · 80 rural · 100 expressway · 120 motorway (km/h) |
| Blood alcohol limit | up to 0.2 ‰ |
| Daytime headlights | not required |
| Vignette (toll roads) | not required |
Traffic rules: China
- Drive on the right.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, up to 100 km/h on urban expressways, and 120 km/h on motorways.
- Daytime use of headlights is not mandatory. Headlights must be used after dark.
- The legal blood alcohol limit is below 0.02%. At 0.02% and above, penalties include fines and licence suspension; above 0.08% is treated as a criminal offence.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants.
- Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system.
- There is no vignette system. Motorways are tolled according to distance travelled, typically around CNY 0.4–0.6 per kilometre, with payment made when leaving the motorway.
- Winter tyres are not required nationwide, but snow chains may be necessary on northern and mountainous routes during winter.
- Foreign driving licences and International Driving Permits (IDPs) are not valid in China. Drivers must obtain a Chinese driving permit, including a temporary permit for visitors.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about car rental in China
License, deposit, border crossing, driver age and toll roads.
Can I drive in China with a foreign driving licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
No. China does not recognise foreign driving licences or IDPs. You must obtain a temporary Chinese driving permit using your passport with a valid visa, your original driving licence, and a certified Chinese translation. No driving test is required, and the process usually takes from a few hours to one day.
How do I obtain a temporary Chinese driving permit?
Temporary permits are issued by traffic administration offices and at some airports, including Beijing and Shanghai. You will need your passport with a valid visa, your national driving licence, a certified Chinese translation, and a passport photo. The permit is valid for up to 90 days and can usually be extended within the validity of your visa.
What is the minimum age for renting a car?
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, while some require a minimum age of 23 or 25. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional surcharge.
Is a security deposit required?
Yes. The deposit is blocked on the driver’s payment card. Foreign visitors usually pay higher deposits, typically between CNY 8,000 and 15,000 depending on the vehicle category.
Where can I pick up and return the car?
Cars are commonly available at airports and city offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. One-way rentals within the same city are common, while intercity returns depend on the rental company.
Can I drive to Hong Kong, Macau, or neighbouring countries?
Generally not. Rental agreements for mainland China normally prohibit travel to Hong Kong, Macau, and neighbouring countries.
What insurance should I choose?
Basic insurance is included in the rental price. You can add full coverage with zero excess to avoid paying for minor damage.
What is the fuel policy?
Most rental companies use a full-to-full fuel policy.
Nearby
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