Car hire in China

Budget cars from 7€/day · Electric cars - from 26€/day · Convertibles - from 43€/day

Decided to rent a car in China? Below is all the information you need:

Car hire in China

Renting a car in China can be an exciting way to explore this vast and diverse country at your own pace. Whether you're planning to navigate bustling cities or venture into scenic rural areas, Bookingautos is here to help you find the best car rental deals from both international and local companies. Before you hit the road, here's what you need to know:

Driving Requirements

To rent a car in China, you'll need:

  • A valid driver's license from your home country
  • An International Driving Permit (IDP)
  • A Chinese translation of your driver's license
  • A passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay
  • A credit card for the security deposit

Road Conditions and Driving Culture

Driving in China can be challenging for foreigners. Traffic rules are often loosely followed, and road conditions can vary greatly. Be prepared for:

  • Heavy traffic in major cities
  • Aggressive driving behaviors
  • Road signs primarily in Chinese characters
  • Varying road quality, especially in rural areas

Navigation and Communication

Consider downloading offline maps or renting a GPS device, as popular international navigation apps may not work in China. It's also advisable to learn some basic Mandarin phrases or have a translation app handy.

Popular Routes

Some popular driving routes include the journey from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp in Tibet, or exploring the picturesque karst landscapes of Yangshuo in Guangxi province.

Insurance

Always opt for comprehensive insurance coverage. This typically includes collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection. Check with Bookingautos for the best insurance options available with your rental.

Remember, renting a car in China offers unparalleled freedom to explore, but it also requires careful planning and adherence to local regulations. With Bookingautos, you can compare offers from various providers to find the perfect vehicle for your Chinese adventure.

Video Guide for Travelers

Discover China by Road: Inspiring Routes and Destinations

Embarking on a journey through China by a rented car is an exhilarating way to explore this vast and diverse country. From ancient wonders to modern marvels, China offers a wealth of experiences for road trip enthusiasts. Here are some inspiring routes and destinations to consider for your Chinese adventure:

The Great Wall and Beyond

Begin your journey in Beijing, where you can pick up your rental car and head to the iconic Great Wall of China. Drive along sections like Mutianyu or Jinshanling for breathtaking views and fewer crowds. Continue your trip to nearby attractions such as:

  • The Summer Palace
  • Ming Tombs
  • Gubei Water Town

Sichuan's Natural Wonders

Explore the stunning landscapes of Sichuan province, starting from Chengdu. Visit the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding before hitting the road to discover:

  • Jiuzhaigou National Park
  • Huanglong Scenic Area
  • Mount Emei

Yunnan's Cultural Tapestry

Embark on a journey through Yunnan province, known for its ethnic diversity and stunning landscapes. Begin in Kunming and drive to the following destinations:

  • Dali Ancient Town
  • Lijiang Old Town
  • Tiger Leaping Gorge
  • Shangri-La

Coastal Charms

Experience China's eastern coastline by driving from Shanghai to Xiamen. Along the way, stop at:

  • Hangzhou's West Lake
  • Mount Huangshan
  • Wuyishan National Park
  • Tulou earthen buildings in Fujian

Before embarking on your Chinese road trip adventure, ensure you have the necessary documents and familiarize yourself with local traffic rules. Always prioritize safety and respect local customs during your journey.

With your rental car, you'll have the freedom to explore China's hidden gems and popular attractions at your own pace. From bustling cities to serene countryside, the Middle Kingdom offers endless possibilities for an unforgettable road trip experience. Book your car rental today and start planning your Chinese adventure!

Good to know

Most Popular Agency

Sixt

Most popular car class

Standard

Average price

33 € / Day

Best price

24 € / Day

Popular rental locations in China

Documents required for car rental

Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!

A valid international driver's license is required!

10 Essential Tips for Hassle-Free Car Rental

Download Google maps offline

All modern smartphones have a GPS function. You can save on the "Navigator" service and roaming charges for the Internet if you download maps in the Google Maps application in advance. Offline maps also support route building and navigation. To download a map - open the area you need by controlling the scale, and enter "ok maps" in the search.

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Early Booking Discount

China is now in ever-increasing demand, which affects the high demand for car rental. By booking online, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises after you arrive at your destination. Both with the car itself and with its rent.

It is better to book a car at least one and a half months before the trip. As the required date approaches, the number of available offers is reduced, and the cost of the remaining models increases. If plans change and the trip is postponed, then you can cancel the rental without any sanctions 2 days before it starts.

Which car to choose for rent

The compact model is relevant for city trips in China. It can be Toyota Aygo or Ford Focus. Mountain routes require a more powerful four-wheel drive vehicle - Renault Megane Estate or similar model. You can order an SUV for just €30 per day;

What you need to pay attention to when receiving a car

Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.

The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.

Insurance recommendations

Rental companies in China may offer different insurance options. They differ in price and set of options. Here are the basic types:

  • Third Party Liability (TPL)/Third Liability Protection (TLP). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
  • Theft Insurance (TI)/Theft Protection (TP)/Theft Waiver (TW). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
  • Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)/Theft Protection+Collision Damage Waiver (TP+CDW). Full protection against theft and damage, even if you are the culprit of the accident.
  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.

If you want to save money and choose the cheapest insurance, carefully inspect the car upon receipt. Make sure the machine is not damaged. China 2

Fuel Policy

When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting China for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.

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Mileage without limits

According to the rental conditions, the mileage can be limited or unlimited. Travel lovers should choose the option without a limit. It will cost more, but in the end it will save. Check the appropriate box to filter offers with unlimited mileage.

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Compare conditions of different rental companies

When choosing a rental car in China, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.

Which rental company to choose

It is recommended to rent a car in trusted companies, that is, in those whose services you have already used. You can also focus on the rating of our site, which is displayed next to the name of the company in the search results.China 5

Ceteris paribus, preference should be given to larger companies that have a high level of service and a large selection of cars. The best rental companies in China are SIXT with an average rating of 9 points and BUDGET (rating - 8.9).

Car pick-up procedure

Before signing a car rental agreement, it should be carefully checked for damage and defects. Do not be shy to point out the identified problems and problems - then you will not have to answer for them. When returning, pay attention to the fuel in the tank. Its volume must correspond to that prescribed in the agreement.

Also, do not ignore the phone number provided by the technical support representative when concluding the contract. After all, even the most experienced driver is not insured against a breakdown, accident or other force majeure event. In such a case, contact a specialist before the arrival of the police.

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Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.

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