Best Car Rental Companies in China for Expats 2026

Yes, foreigners can rent cars in China, but choosing the right rental company matters significantly. The best options for expats are eHi Car Services (largest foreigner-friendly fleet), Hertz/Avis (international brands with English support), and Ctrip/Trip.com (best English booking platform). Each has trade-offs in deposit amounts, payment methods, and English support. This guide compares all major rental companies operating in China, helping you choose based on your priorities.

This guide provides complete company comparisons and DIY booking strategies. We also offer rental booking assistance for those who prefer pre-vetted companies and English-speaking support throughout the process.

What Makes a Rental Company “Good” for Foreigners?

Renting cars in China as a foreigner involves unique challenges compared to renting in Western countries. The best rental companies for expats excel in these five areas:

Key Criteria for Foreign Renters

The Chinese License Prerequisite

Critical requirement: ALL rental companies in China require a valid Chinese driver’s license. Your home country license, even with an International Driving Permit (IDP), is not accepted. No exceptions exist.

You have two options:

• Temporary Chinese license: Valid 3 months, no exam required, costs ¥200-300. Suitable for tourists and short-term visitors.
• Permanent Chinese license: Valid 6 years, requires passing Subject 1 theory exam, costs ¥300-700. Better for long-term residents.

Processing takes 1-7 days depending on method. See our complete license guide for step-by-step instructions.

Top 7 Car Rental Companies for Foreigners (Ranked)

1. eHi Car Services (一嗨租车) – Best Overall for Foreigners

Why it’s #1 for expats: Largest foreigner-friendly rental network in China with over 5,000 locations, relatively lower deposits for foreigners, and decent English support via app.

Pros:

• ✅ Extensive network: 5,000+ locations across 300+ Chinese cities
• ✅ Airport presence: Available at all major airports (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou)
• ✅ English app/website: Functional English booking platform (eHiCarServices.com)
• ✅ Lower deposits: ¥6,000-10,000 for foreigners vs ¥8,000-15,000 at competitors
• ✅ Diverse fleet: Economy cars to SUVs, electric vehicles available
• ✅ Reasonable pricing: ¥200-400/day for economy, ¥400-800/day for SUV

Cons:

• ❌ Limited English staff: Counter staff rarely speak English (use translation app)
• ❌ Payment challenges: Prefers UnionPay or Alipay; Visa/Mastercard acceptance varies by location
• ❌ Insurance explanations: Insurance terms in Chinese (bring translator friend)
• ❌ Longer refund times: Deposit refunds take 15-30 days

Best for: Expats with basic Chinese, long-term residents, those renting in second-tier cities where international brands aren’t available.

How to book:

1. Visit eHiCarServices.com (English version)
2. Select pickup/drop-off location and dates
3. Choose vehicle type
4. Create account (passport number required)
5. Pay online (try Visa/Mastercard first; if fails, use Alipay/WeChat)
6. Receive confirmation email with pickup location details

Typical cost: ¥250-350/day for compact sedan + ¥50-100/day insurance upgrade + ¥6,000-8,000 deposit (refundable).

2. Hertz China (赫兹租车) – Best English Support

Why it’s great for expats: International brand with genuine English support, transparent pricing, and familiar booking process. Accepts Visa/Mastercard reliably.

Pros:

• ✅ True English support: English-speaking staff at major locations
• ✅ International payment: Reliably accepts Visa, Mastercard, Amex
• ✅ Familiar process: Same experience as renting Hertz in US/Europe
• ✅ Clear contracts: English contracts available
• ✅ Western standards: Transparent insurance, no hidden fees
• ✅ Quality fleet: Well-maintained vehicles, newer models

Cons:

• ❌ Limited locations: Only in Tier 1 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu)
• ❌ Higher prices: 20-30% more expensive than local companies (¥350-500/day economy)
• ❌ Higher deposits: ¥10,000-15,000 for foreigners
• ❌ Smaller fleet: Fewer vehicle options compared to eHi or local companies

Best for: First-time renters in China, business travelers, those who prioritize English support and are willing to pay premium.

How to book:

1. Visit Hertz.com.cn (switch language to English)
2. Book online with international credit card
3. Or book via Hertz global website/app (select China as location)
4. Receive email confirmation with English instructions

Typical cost: ¥400-500/day for compact sedan + ¥100-150/day full insurance + ¥12,000-15,000 deposit.

3. Avis China (安飞士) – Solid International Alternative

Why it’s recommended: Similar to Hertz – international brand, English support, reliable payment processing. Slightly more locations than Hertz in China.

Pros:

• ✅ English website/app: Full English booking platform
• ✅ International cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Amex work reliably
• ✅ More locations than Hertz: 50+ locations vs Hertz’s 30+
• ✅ Clear insurance options: English explanations, no confusion
• ✅ Airport coverage: Available at major airports

Cons:

• ❌ Premium pricing: Similar to Hertz (¥350-500/day economy)
• ❌ Still Tier 1 focused: Limited presence in smaller cities
• ❌ High deposits: ¥10,000-15,000 range

Best for: Expats who’ve used Avis abroad, business travelers, those needing English support.

How to book: Avis.com.cn (English version) or book through Avis global website selecting China locations.

Typical cost: ¥380-500/day + insurance + ¥12,000 deposit.

4. Ctrip/Trip.com (携程) – Best Booking Platform

Why it’s valuable: Not a rental company itself, but an aggregator platform with excellent English interface. Books with multiple Chinese rental companies (eHi, SIXT, local brands) through one platform.

Pros:

• ✅ Excellent English platform: Trip.com has best English UI for car rentals in China
• ✅ Price comparison: Compare multiple companies in one search
• ✅ International payment: Platform accepts Visa/Mastercard (but underlying company may require UnionPay deposit)
• ✅ Verified reviews: Read foreigner reviews before booking
• ✅ English customer service: 24/7 support via app chat
• ✅ Bundle deals: Combine with hotels/flights for discounts

Cons:

• ❌ Middleman fees: Sometimes 5-10% markup vs booking direct
• ❌ Varying pickup experience: You’re still picking up from Chinese companies (eHi, local brands) with limited English
• ❌ Deposit payment complexities: Platform takes rental fee via Visa, but deposit often required in UnionPay/Alipay at pickup

Best for: Comparing options, first-time renters, those who want English booking but don’t mind pickup being in Chinese (use translator app).

How to book:

1. Visit Trip.com (English version)
2. Navigate to “Car Rental” section
3. Enter pickup/drop-off location and dates
4. Filter by “English service available” if important
5. Compare prices across providers
6. Book with international credit card
7. Receive voucher with pickup instructions

Typical cost: ¥220-450/day depending on underlying rental company + platform fee.

5. SIXT China (席克斯特) – European Quality Standard

Why consider it: German rental giant with growing China presence, known for premium fleet and professional service.

Pros:

• ✅ Premium fleet: BMW, Mercedes, Audi available
• ✅ High quality standards: Well-maintained vehicles
• ✅ English booking: SIXT global platform includes China locations
• ✅ Transparent pricing: No hidden fees, clear insurance

Cons:

• ❌ Very limited locations: Only Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou airports
• ❌ Highest prices: ¥500-800/day for economy (targeting premium market)
• ❌ Small China footprint: Not practical for most renters

Best for: Business travelers needing premium vehicles, short-term airport rentals in major cities.

Typical cost: ¥500-1,200/day + insurance + ¥15,000 deposit.

6. Didi Chuxing Car Rental (滴滴租车) – App-Based Convenience

Why it’s interesting: China’s Uber equivalent launched car rental service. Best for tech-savvy expats already using Didi app.

Pros:

• ✅ App convenience: Book through Didi app (already have account if you use Didi rides)
• ✅ Competitive pricing: ¥180-350/day economy
• ✅ Flexible pickup: Some locations deliver car to you
• ✅ Growing network: Expanding to second-tier cities

Cons:

• ❌ Limited English: App and service primarily in Chinese
• ❌ Payment method: Requires Alipay or WeChat Pay (foreign credit cards often rejected)
• ❌ Newer service: Less established than traditional rental companies
• ❌ Vehicle quality varies: Fleet sourced from multiple partners

Best for: Long-term expats with Chinese payment methods, Didi app existing users, Chinese-speaking foreigners.

How to book: Within Didi app → Services → Car Rental (租车)

Typical cost: ¥200-350/day + insurance + ¥5,000-8,000 deposit.

7. Local Companies (神州租车, 首汽租车) – Budget Option

Why mention them: Cheapest rates, huge networks, but minimal foreigner support.

Pros:

• ✅ Lowest prices: ¥150-280/day economy cars
• ✅ Massive networks: Thousands of locations including small cities
• ✅ Large fleets: Huge vehicle selection

Cons:

• ❌ No English support: Zero English (website, staff, contracts)
• ❌ Payment challenges: Chinese payment methods only (UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat)
• ❌ Complex for foreigners: Not recommended unless fluent Chinese speaker

Best for: Chinese-speaking expats, those with Chinese friends to help, extreme budget travelers.

Typical cost: ¥180-300/day + insurance + ¥5,000-8,000 deposit.

Company Comparison Table

Which Company Should You Choose?

Decision Framework by Situation

Choose Hertz or Avis if you:

• Are renting for the first time in China
• Don’t speak Chinese and need English support throughout
• Are staying in Tier 1 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen)
• Have international credit cards but no Chinese payment methods
• Prioritize transparency and familiar rental process over price
• Are on business trip with expense account

Choose eHi if you:

• Are renting in second or third-tier cities where international brands don’t operate
• Have basic Chinese or travel with Chinese-speaking companion
• Want balance of price and quality
• Need one-way rentals between cities
• Are comfortable using translation apps for communication

Choose Ctrip/Trip.com if you:

• Want to compare multiple companies
• Need English booking platform but can handle Chinese pickup
• Are booking other travel (hotel/flights) simultaneously for bundle discount
• Want to read foreigner reviews before deciding

Choose Didi or local companies if you:

• Speak Chinese fluently
• Have Chinese payment methods set up (Alipay, WeChat Pay)
• Are long-term resident familiar with Chinese services
• Prioritize lowest price over English support

Red Flags to Avoid

When researching rental companies, avoid those that:

• ❌ Require full payment upfront with no cancellation policy
• ❌ Have consistently negative reviews about deposit refunds
• ❌ Lack physical office locations (online-only companies with no accountability)
• ❌ Offer prices significantly below market (¥100-150/day often = poor vehicle condition)
• ❌ Don’t provide insurance options (insurance is mandatory in China)
• ❌ Have vague contract terms or refuse to provide contracts

Navigating company selection can be time-consuming, especially when factoring in English support needs and payment method compatibility. If you’d prefer expert guidance, our rental booking service pre-vets companies, ensures English support availability, and handles all reservation logistics based on your specific requirements.

Understanding Deposits for Foreigners

Why Are Deposits Higher for Foreigners?

Rental companies in China charge foreigners ¥6,000-15,000 deposits compared to ¥3,000-5,000 for Chinese nationals. This isn’t discrimination – it’s risk management:

• Flight risk perception: Foreigners might leave China before damage claims are processed
• Payment collection difficulty: Harder to collect from international credit cards if disputes arise
• Limited credit history: Chinese rental companies can’t check your foreign credit score
• License verification complexity: Harder to verify foreign license authenticity

This is standard practice, not company-specific. Even “foreigner-friendly” companies charge higher deposits.

How Deposit Hold and Refund Works

At pickup:

1. Company places “hold” (authorization) on your credit card for deposit amount
2. This isn’t a charge – money stays in your account but is “frozen”
3. Your available credit decreases by deposit amount
4. Hold typically includes: base deposit + estimated tolls + estimated fuel

At return:

1. Company inspects vehicle for damage
2. Calculates final charges (fuel, tolls, cleaning, any violations)
3. Deducts final charges from deposit
4. Releases remaining deposit hold

Refund timeline:

• Chinese credit cards: 3-7 business days
• International credit cards: 15-30 business days (sometimes up to 45 days)
• Reason for delay: International transaction processing + waiting period to verify no traffic violations

Protecting Your Deposit

Essential steps at pickup:

1. Take comprehensive video: Walk around entire car filming all angles, including undercarriage, wheels, interior
2. Document existing damage: Point out every scratch, dent, interior stain to staff and ensure they note it
3. Take timestamped photos: Date/time stamp proves condition at pickup
4. Check mileage/fuel level: Document in photos and ensure staff record accurately
5. Test everything: Lights, AC, locks, windows, spare tire, jack – confirm all functional

Essential steps at return:

1. Return during business hours: Avoid after-hours drop-off where you can’t inspect together
2. Insist on joint inspection: Don’t leave until staff completes inspection
3. Get written confirmation: Obtain signed document stating “no damage” or listing any issues
4. Photograph final condition: Take same comprehensive video/photos as pickup

Payment Methods: What Actually Works

Payment Reality for Foreigners

This is one of the biggest pain points. Here’s what actually works:

Rental payment (booking fee):

• ✅ Hertz/Avis/SIXT: Visa, Mastercard, Amex reliably accepted
• ⚠️ eHi: Accepts Visa/Mastercard online, but success rate ~70% (have backup payment ready)
• ⚠️ Ctrip/Trip.com: Accepts international cards for booking, but pickup may require local payment
• ❌ Local companies: UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay only

Deposit payment:

• ✅ International brands: Accept international credit cards for deposit hold
• ❌ Most Chinese companies: Require UnionPay, Alipay, or WeChat Pay for deposit (even if booking accepted Visa)

This creates a problem: You book with Visa online via Ctrip, arrive at eHi pickup counter, and discover deposit requires Alipay/UnionPay you don’t have.

Solutions for Payment Challenges

Solution 1: Use Hertz/Avis exclusively

• Costs 20-30% more but eliminates all payment issues
• Everything (booking, deposit, charges) handled via Visa/Mastercard

Solution 2: Set up Alipay/WeChat Pay before trip

• Link international credit card to Alipay (supported for many countries)
• Process takes 1-2 days for verification
• Allows payment at most Chinese rental companies
• Tutorial: Alipay International Card Setup

Solution 3: Use hotel concierge or local friend

• They pay deposit with UnionPay/Alipay
• You reimburse them via Wise, PayPal, or cash
• Requires trust relationship and coordination

Solution 4: Rental booking services

• Services like ours handle payment coordination
• They have Chinese payment accounts for deposits
• You pay service via international card, they handle local payment

Payment complexity is a legitimate challenge that even experienced travelers encounter. If you’re arriving soon without Chinese payment setup, our booking service handles all payment coordination, allowing you to use your Visa/Mastercard while we manage local payment requirements.

Insurance: What You Need to Know

Standard Rental Insurance Coverage

All Chinese rental companies include basic third-party liability insurance (国家强制保险) by law. This typically covers:

• Third-party injury: Up to ¥120,000 per person
• Third-party property damage: Up to ¥20,000 per incident
• Third-party medical: Up to ¥10,000 per person

This is NOT sufficient. Serious accidents can result in millions in damages. You need supplemental coverage.

Recommended Insurance Upgrades

Our recommendation: Get CDW minimum, Full Coverage if you’re unfamiliar with Chinese traffic. The ¥100-150/day extra is worth the peace of mind, especially given aggressive driving culture and confusing traffic patterns.

What Insurance DOESN’T Cover (Common Gotchas)

Even with full coverage, these are typically NOT covered:

• ❌ Tire damage (extremely common – potholes, debris)
• ❌ Undercarriage damage (speed bumps, curbs, poor roads)
• ❌ Interior damage (stains, burns, broken components)
• ❌ Windshield chips/cracks
• ❌ Lost keys or documents
• ❌ Traffic violation fines
• ❌ DUI-related accidents
• ❌ Damage while parked unattended (sometimes)

Always read the insurance contract carefully, even if in Chinese (use translation app).

Practical Tips from Experienced Foreign Renters

• ✅ Book 2-3 weeks in advance for better vehicle selection and 20-30% lower prices. Prices spike during Chinese New Year, Golden Week (Oct 1-7), and summer holidays.
• ✅ Request GPS in English when booking. Built-in car navigation is usually Chinese-only and difficult to switch. Confirm GPS language before pickup. If unavailable, plan to use phone navigation (download offline maps).
• ✅ Download essential apps before trip: Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps (navigation), ETCP or P+ (parking payment), WeChat or Alipay (toll payment), your rental company app.
• ✅ Take 5-10 minute video walkthrough at pickup and return. Film exterior from all angles, undercarriage if possible, all 4 wheels, interior seats, dashboard, trunk. This is your evidence against false damage claims.
• ✅ Bring phone mount and car charger. You’ll rely heavily on phone navigation. Car systems rarely have English, and USB ports may not work reliably.
• ✅ Carry translation app screenshots of key phrases: “fuel tank full”, “existing damage”, “insurance coverage”, “deposit refund”, “no damage on return”. Show to staff if language barriers arise.
• ✅ Understand return location requirements. “Airport return” sometimes means off-site lot requiring 10-15 minute shuttle. Budget extra 45-60 minutes before flight departure.
• ✅ Keep all receipts (toll payments, parking, fuel). If disputes arise about final charges, receipts are your proof.
• ✅ Know emergency numbers: Traffic police 122, Ambulance 120, Fire 119, Insurance (on rental contract), Rental company 24hr hotline (save in phone).
• ✅ Avoid driving during rush hour in major cities (7:30-9:30 AM, 5:00-8:00 PM). Traffic is extreme and accident risk increases. Plan trips for mid-day or weekends.
• ✅ Familiarize with Chinese road rules before driving. Right turn on red is allowed in most places, but yield rules differ. Lane discipline is poor. Scooters frequently cut across lanes. Read our driving in China guide before your trip.
• ✅ Check traffic violation camera locations. China has extensive automated enforcement. Apps like Baidu Maps show camera locations. Common violations: speeding 10+ km/h over limit, running yellow lights, not yielding to pedestrians, improper lane usage.

Common Challenges and Solutions

❌ Challenge: Rental counter staff speaks no English

✅ Solution: Bring Chinese-speaking friend if possible. Use Google Translate or Baidu Translate app (download Chinese language pack for offline use). Pre-translate key questions and show phone. Most pickup processes are standardized – staff will guide you through steps even without language overlap.

❌ Challenge: Gas stations don’t accept foreign credit cards

✅ Solution: (1) Set up Alipay/WeChat Pay before trip – most gas stations accept these. (2) Pay cash – carry ¥500-1,000 cash for fuel. (3) Use rental company fuel packages – some offer “full tank to full tank” or prepaid fuel options.

❌ Challenge: Don’t understand parking signs and apps

✅ Solution: Download ETCP app (major parking app with some English). Look for “P” parking signs. Blue curb = paid parking (often via app or meter). Yellow curb = no parking. Red curb = no stopping. Most shopping malls have underground parking with English signage. When in doubt, ask your hotel/destination for parking advice.

❌ Challenge: Highway toll booths are confusing

✅ Solution: Follow signs for “人工收费” (manual payment) lanes, not “ETC” lanes (automatic, requires transponder). Staff will calculate toll based on entry/exit points. Pay with cash, WeChat, or Alipay. Keep toll receipt as rental companies sometimes charge tolls to deposit and require receipts for verification.

❌ Challenge: Traffic violation notice arrives 2-4 weeks after rental

✅ Solution: Rental companies forward violation notices to your contact info. You have 15 days to pay via Alipay, WeChat, or bank transfer. If you’ve left China, company may deduct from deposit (reason refunds take 30+ days). Download “交管12123” app to check violations manually using your Chinese license number.

❌ Challenge: Minor accident – what to do?

✅ Solution: (1) Immediately call rental company 24hr hotline (on contract). (2) Don’t move vehicles until instructed. (3) Call traffic police 122 for official report. (4) Take extensive photos of both vehicles, damage, road conditions, license plates. (5) Exchange contact info with other driver. (6) Follow rental company instructions for insurance claim. Don’t admit fault or agree to cash settlement without company approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car without a Chinese driver’s license?

No. A Chinese driver’s license is mandatory for all car rentals in China, with no exceptions. Your home country license plus International Driving Permit (IDP) is not accepted. You must obtain either a temporary Chinese license (3-month validity, no exam) or permanent license (6-year validity, requires Subject 1 theory exam) before renting.

Do rental companies accept international credit cards?

It varies significantly. International brands (Hertz, Avis, SIXT) reliably accept Visa and Mastercard for both rental fees and deposits. Chinese companies like eHi sometimes accept international cards for booking but require UnionPay, Alipay, or WeChat Pay for deposits. Always confirm payment methods before booking.

How much deposit do foreigners need to pay?

Foreigners typically pay ¥6,000-15,000 deposits compared to ¥3,000-5,000 for Chinese nationals. Amount varies by company, vehicle type, and rental duration. International brands (Hertz, Avis) charge ¥10,000-15,000. eHi charges ¥6,000-10,000. Deposits are refunded 15-30 days after return for international credit cards, 3-7 days for Chinese cards.

What insurance should I get?

Minimum: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) at ¥50-80/day, reducing your liability to ¥3,000-5,000 deductible. Recommended: Full Coverage (全险) at ¥100-150/day for zero deductible and expanded protection. The extra ¥100-150/day is worthwhile given aggressive Chinese traffic and unfamiliar road conditions. Note that even full coverage typically excludes tire damage, undercarriage damage, and interior damage.

Can I rent a car at the airport?

Yes. Major airports in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Xi’an have rental counters. Both international brands (Hertz, Avis) and Chinese companies (eHi, Shouqi) operate at airports. However, “airport location” sometimes means off-site lot requiring shuttle. Allow 45-90 minutes between landing and driving away. Book in advance as walk-up availability is limited.

What happens if I get into an accident?

Immediately call rental company 24hr hotline (on contract) and traffic police (122). Don’t move vehicles until instructed. Take extensive photos. Don’t admit fault or sign anything in Chinese you don’t understand. Rental company will coordinate with their insurance. You’ll file claim with rental company, not insurance directly. Process takes 15-45 days. If damage exceeds insurance coverage, company deducts from deposit.

How do I pay for tolls and parking?

Tolls: Use manual payment lanes (人工收费), not ETC lanes. Pay with cash, WeChat Pay, or Alipay. Parking: Most lots accept WeChat Pay or Alipay via scanning QR codes. Some accept cash at exit gate. Download ETCP app for convenient parking payment. Keep all receipts as rental companies sometimes pre-charge estimated tolls/parking to deposit and require receipts for refund.

Can I drive rental car between cities or provinces?

Yes, but inform rental company at booking. Some companies charge extra for interprovincial travel. One-way rentals (pick up in City A, return in City B) are available but cost ¥500-2,000 extra depending on distance. Not all locations offer one-way service. Popular routes like Beijing-Shanghai, Guangzhou-Shenzhen usually have one-way options.

Next Steps: How to Rent Successfully

You now have comprehensive information about car rental companies, payment challenges, deposits, insurance, and practical considerations for renting in China. Here’s your action plan:

If you’re proceeding DIY:

1. Get Chinese driver’s license first (allow 1-7 days) – see our license guide
2. Set up payment methods (Alipay/WeChat) 1-2 weeks before trip
3. Choose company based on priorities (English support vs price vs network)
4. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for better rates and selection
5. Download essential apps: Baidu Maps, ETCP, rental company app
6. Prepare translation tools and save key phrases
7. Read our driving guide to understand Chinese road rules before trip

If you prefer assistance:

Navigating company selection, payment setup, Chinese license requirements, and booking logistics can consume significant time and create stress, especially for first-time renters in China. Our rental booking service handles all aspects: company matching based on your needs, payment coordination (use your Visa/Mastercard while we handle local requirements), insurance guidance, and English support throughout your rental period. Book a free consultation to discuss your specific situation and receive personalized company recommendations.

Whether you choose DIY or assisted booking, the key is starting early – allow at least 2-3 weeks for license, payment setup, and reservations. Safe travels!