How to Rent a Car in China as a Foreigner: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Yes, foreigners can rent cars in China—but not the way you might expect. You can’t show up with your home license and an International Driving Permit like you would in Europe. You need a Chinese driver’s license, Chinese payment apps, and Chinese navigation tools.

This guide walks you through every step: from getting legal to drive, to choosing your vehicle, to navigating Chinese roads without getting lost or fined.

Step 1: Get a Chinese Driver’s License First

This is non-negotiable. No rental company in China will lease you a vehicle without a valid Chinese license. Your options:

Option A: Temporary License (Fast, No Exam)

→ Get Temporary License

Option B: Long-Term License Conversion

→ Convert Your License

Pro tip: Get your license sorted before your trip. Some services offer airport processing on arrival, so you can pick up your rental car the same day.

Step 2: Set Up Chinese Payment Methods

This trips up more foreigners than the license requirement. China runs on mobile payments—cash and foreign credit cards are rarely accepted.

You’ll Need:

• WeChat Pay and/or Alipay installed on your phone
• A linked payment method (international cards now supported in both apps)
• Verification completed before you arrive

Why This Matters for Car Rental:

• Deposit: Typically ¥3,000-10,000, paid via WeChat/Alipay
• Rental fees: Usually WeChat/Alipay only
• Gas stations: Many only accept mobile payment
• Toll roads: WeChat/Alipay or ETC (electronic toll collection)
• Parking: Almost exclusively app-based payment

Set this up before you travel. Trying to link your card while standing at a rental counter creates unnecessary stress.

Step 3: Download Navigation Apps

Critical: Google Maps does not work in China.

Download these before you arrive:

Gaode Map (高德地图 / AutoNavi)

• Most accurate for driving navigation
• Real-time traffic updates
• Speed camera warnings
• Interface primarily in Chinese, but route lines are followable
• Download offline maps for areas with poor signal

Baidu Maps (百度地图)

• Good alternative to Gaode
• Street view available in many cities
• Also primarily Chinese interface

Tips for Navigation:

• Save your destinations in the app before driving
• Screenshot addresses in Chinese characters
• Hotel names in Chinese help for return trips
• Download offline maps—mountain areas have spotty coverage

Step 4: Choose Your Rental Vehicle

China offers a full range of rental vehicles. Here’s what’s available and typical daily rates:

Economy Cars (¥280-400/day)

Business/Luxury Sedans (¥680-2,600/day)

SUVs (¥800-1,000/day)

MPVs & Vans (¥900-2,500/day)

Electric Vehicles

EVs are increasingly popular in China, with extensive charging networks in cities:

• Tesla Model 3: ¥380/day
• BYD Qin (EV): ¥280/day
• Li Auto series: Extended range EVs, no range anxiety
• Zeekr 009: ¥980/day (premium electric MPV)

→ Browse All Available Vehicles

Step 5: Complete the Rental Process

Documents You’ll Need:

• Valid Chinese driver’s license (temporary or long-term)
• Passport
• WeChat Pay or Alipay for deposit and payment

At Pickup:

1. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly—document all existing scratches, dents, and damage with photos/video
2. Check fuel level—note if it’s full or partial
3. Confirm return policy—same location? Different city?
4. Review insurance coverage—what’s included? What’s extra?
5. Get emergency contact numbers—roadside assistance, rental company hotline
6. Ask about toll handling—does the car have ETC? Or manual payment?

Insurance Coverage:

Standard rentals typically include:

• Third-party liability (mandatory in China)
• Basic vehicle insurance

Consider adding:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)—reduces your liability for vehicle damage
• Theft protection—covers vehicle theft
• Zero-deductible option—no out-of-pocket in case of accidents

Step 6: Know the Road Rules

Chinese traffic operates differently than Western countries. Key points:

Speed Limits:

• Expressways: 120 km/h (minimum 60 km/h)
• City express roads: 100 km/h
• National highways: 80 km/h
• Urban roads: 30-50 km/h

Traffic Cameras:

• Everywhere—on poles, bridges, hidden in trees
• Capture speeding, red light violations, illegal lane changes
• Fines are automatic—you’ll get notification later
• Navigation apps warn you of camera locations

Tolls:

• Expressways charge ~¥0.4-0.6 per kilometer
• Pay via ETC (electronic toll collection) or WeChat/Alipay at booths
• Keep receipts if employer reimburses

Parking:

• Most parking is paid via app (scan QR code)
• Street parking uses license plate recognition
• Shopping mall parking usually has first 1-2 hours free
• Don’t park in no-parking zones—towing is fast and fees are steep

DUI Laws:

• BAC limit: 0.02%—essentially zero tolerance
• One drink can put you over
• Penalties: fines, detention, license revocation, deportation
• Random breathalyzer checkpoints are common

Alternative: Chauffeur Services

Don’t want to deal with driving yourself? Consider a chauffeured car service:

• No license needed—professional driver included
• Same vehicle options—economy to luxury
• Business-friendly—work while traveling
• Multilingual drivers available
• Airport transfers, city tours, intercity travel

Chauffeur services are ideal for:

• First-time visitors unfamiliar with Chinese roads
• Business travelers who need to work during transit
• VIP guests requiring professional service
• Anyone uncomfortable with left-hand traffic patterns

→ Explore Chauffeur Options

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners rent cars in China?

Yes, foreigners can rent cars in China, but you must have a valid Chinese driver’s license (temporary or long-term). International Driving Permits and foreign licenses alone are not accepted.

How much does it cost to rent a car in China?

Economy cars start from ¥280/day (~$40 USD). Business sedans range from ¥680-1,500/day. Luxury vehicles and SUVs range from ¥800-2,600/day. Electric vehicles like Tesla Model 3 start from ¥380/day.

What payment methods do Chinese car rental companies accept?

Most rental companies in China only accept WeChat Pay or Alipay for both deposits and rental fees. International credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are rarely accepted. Cash is also generally not accepted.

Is insurance included in Chinese car rentals?

Basic insurance is typically included, covering third-party liability. However, collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection may cost extra. Always confirm what’s included before signing.

Can I drive a rental car anywhere in China?

With a valid Chinese license, you can drive rental cars nationwide. However, some remote areas like Tibet require special permits. Check with your rental company about any regional restrictions.

What happens if I get a traffic ticket in a rental car?

Traffic fines are linked to the vehicle’s license plate. Rental companies will charge your deposit for any fines incurred during your rental period. Fines typically arrive within days via the camera system.

Do I need to return the car to the same location?

This depends on the rental company and your agreement. One-way rentals between cities are possible but may incur additional fees. Confirm drop-off options when booking.

Can I take a rental car from mainland China to Hong Kong?

This requires special cross-border permits and is complicated. Most standard rentals don’t allow cross-border travel. If you need transportation between mainland and Hong Kong, consider separate rentals or chauffeur services.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Renting a car in China as a foreigner is absolutely possible—you just need the right preparation. Get your Chinese license, set up payment apps, download navigation tools, and you’re ready to explore.

Step 1: Get your Chinese driver’s license →

Step 2: Browse rental vehicles →

Questions? Contact us for personalized assistance →

We can help with license processing, vehicle selection, and complete rental packages—so you can focus on enjoying your drive through China.