Can Foreigners Rent a Car in China? (2025 Guide)

Technically possible, but not recommended for tourists.

China doesn't recognize international driving permits, which makes the whole process complicated. Here's the full picture.

The Problem: Licenses

International Driving Permits Don't Work

Unlike most countries, China does NOT accept:

• International Driving Permits (IDP)
• Foreign driver's licenses
• Any non-Chinese license

You cannot legally drive in China with your home country license.

Getting a Chinese License

For tourists: Impractical

• Requires temporary residence permit
• Written test (in Chinese)
• Medical exam
• Bureaucratic process
• Takes days/weeks

For long-term residents: Possible

• Convert foreign license to Chinese
• Pass written test
• Some countries have reciprocal agreements

Who CAN Drive in China?

Residents

Foreigners living in China with:

• Valid visa (work, study, etc.)
• Temporary Chinese driver's license

Tour Groups

Some organized tours include:

• Vehicles with Chinese driver
• Self-drive tour packages (rare)
• Pre-arranged permits

Hong Kong Connections

• Hong Kong licenses work in some border areas
• Limited to specific zones
• Special permits needed for mainland

Alternatives to Driving

Didi (Chinese Uber)

Best option for most travelers:

• App-based ride hailing
• Cheap by Western standards
• Works in all cities
• English app available
• No driving needed

Hire a Car + Driver

For flexibility with none of the hassle:

• Arrange through hotel
• Or use travel agencies
• ¥500-1,000 per day
• Driver handles everything
• Can customize itinerary

High-Speed Rail

Often faster than driving:

• Beijing to Shanghai: 4.5 hours
• Connects all major cities
• Reliable and comfortable
• No traffic, no parking

Public Transportation

Excellent in cities:

• Metro systems modern and clean
• Buses comprehensive
• Maps in English (major cities)
• Very affordable

Why You Probably Shouldn't Drive Anyway

Traffic

Chinese traffic is... intense:

• Different driving culture
• Aggressive merging
• Electric scooters everywhere
• Pedestrians unpredictable
• Stressful for foreigners

Navigation

• Chinese road signs
• Navigation apps in Chinese
• GPS restrictions on foreigners
• Easy to get lost

Liability

If you're in an accident:

• Language barrier is huge problem
• Insurance complications
• Police involvement
• Potential legal issues
• Visa complications

Parking

• Difficult in cities
• Expensive in urban areas
• Often no parking available
• Confusing systems

If You MUST Drive

Long-Term Residents

Steps to get temporary license:

1. Have residence permit
2. Get medical exam
3. Pass written test
4. Receive temporary license
5. Rent from Chinese rental companies

Rental companies:

• CAR Inc (神州租车)
• eHi (一嗨租车)
• Local agencies

Self-Drive Tours

Some tour operators arrange:

• Pre-permitted vehicles
• GPS equipment
• Documentation
• Usually for road trips to specific areas

This is expensive and requires advance planning.

The Bottom Line

Option	Feasibility	Recommendation
Rent car with foreign license	❌ Illegal	Don't do it
Get temporary Chinese license	⚠️ Possible but difficult	Only for residents
Hire car + driver	✅ Easy	Good for flexibility
Use Didi	✅ Very easy	Best for most
Public transport	✅ Excellent	Usually sufficient

For tourists: Don't even try to drive. Use Didi, trains, and hired cars with drivers.

For residents: Get a Chinese license—worth the effort for long-term stays.

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Need transportation help in China? The China Survival Kit includes Didi setup guides, train booking tips, and getting around without driving.