How you ever wondered what it’d be like to travel across all those memorable provinces in China from something other than poorly-built buses?
The GiC team to the rescue!
Today, we’re going to take a look at how you can go about renting a car so you can start enjoying all that China has to offer – on your own terms!
China does not accept international driver’s licenses!
If you already have a driver’s license for your own country, the main thing you have to do is pass a computerized test on the rules of the road here.
Many foreigners can’t read Chinese and the government offers the test in translation. In Shanghai, you can take it in English, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Italian, German, French, Spanish and Arabic.
Basic Requirements for Obtaining a Chinese License
- Provide your national or international driver’s license. Make sure it is translated and notarized.
- Provide a certificate of temporary registration or permanent residence.
- Provide your passport and visa.
- Arrange your medical check in a Chinese hospital.
- Pass the written test at the Traffic Management Bureau
(For more detailed steps, refer to our previous article:
How Can Foreigners Get a Driver’s License and Car in China?
What You Need to Get a Driving License in China
This Tool Helps You Get Chinese Driver’s License
Once you obtain your Chinese driver’s license, you will be able to rent a car from most rental companies.
To successfully rent one, the documents listed below need to be prepared ahead of time.
- Valid Passport (original and photocopy)
- Valid Residence permit (original and photocopy)
- Valid Chinese driver’s license
4. Deposit of at least RMB 1,000 (WeChat or Alipay should both be accepted).
Prices of the car vary based on the make and model, usually ranging from RMB 150 RMB – RMB 400 per day.
It’s also wise to buy insurance on the vehicle to make sure you’re secured. You can find plans for as low as under RMB 100 per day.
Here’s a list of the most trusted car rental companies in China:
eHi Car Service一嗨租车: use app or http://en.1hai.cn
Avis China (安飞士): https://www.avis.com/en/home
China Auto Rental (神州租车): https://en.zuche.com
Hertz China: www.hertz.cn
Take the eHi app for example:
Click “自驾租车 rent a car”.
Choose a car
If you need to rent it for several days, click the package discount (打包价).
Once you’ve figured all of that out, you’re all set to hit the open road!
Have you ever rented a car in China?
What was your experience like?
A lot of our readers would surely benefit from hearing your stories!
So as usual, let us know in the comment section below!