How much the deposit is
There are two deposit levels by car type. The Lavida and Jetta require a 3000 RMB deposit, and the Tank 300 requires 5000 RMB. You pay it at pickup by credit card or WeChat transfer. The deposit is not rent; it is security against problems during the rental.
When the deposit is refunded
Normally the deposit is refunded within 5 to 7 working days after return. The reason it is not immediate is that violations such as running a red light, speeding, or illegal parking do not appear in the system right away. Mainland violation records usually take 3 to 5 working days to upload. We wait for the system to update and confirm no violations during your rental before refunding.
Why we wait for violation records
Violations while you drive are recorded against the car. If there is one, you must handle it and pay the fine and any points. If you return and leave, perhaps back to Hong Kong, Macau, or another country, and we find the violation later, we may not be able to reach you and would have to absorb it. Waiting until the records update before refunding is fair to both sides.
The refund process
First, at return we inspect the car for damage and confirm a full tank, after which you can leave. Second, we wait 3 to 5 working days for the violation system to update. Third, we check whether the car has any violations during your rental. Fourth, if there are none, we refund the deposit within 5 to 7 working days. Fifth, if there is a violation, we notify you and refund after it is handled.
What happens if there is a violation
If a violation appears, we notify you and you have two options. You can handle it yourself through the mainland traffic-violation website, paying the fine and points, or we can help process it for a service fee, usually 200 to 500 RMB depending on complexity. Either way, the fine itself is yours to pay; for example, a red-light fine of 200 RMB is paid by you.
Why the refund is not same-day
Some places refund a deposit immediately, but the mainland violation upload system works on a delay. A red light today may not enter the system for three days. Refunding immediately and finding a violation later would make recovery difficult. Five to seven working days is the fastest practical time, because we cannot refund before the system updates.
Where the deposit is refunded
It goes back through the same method you used to pay. A credit card deposit is returned to the card and may take 3 to 7 working days to show. A WeChat transfer is returned to WeChat, often the same day.
When the deposit can be withheld
It can be withheld for vehicle damage, such as new scratches or dents, for a missing fuel fill, for violations with fines and service fees, or for serious damage where the repair exceeds the deposit and you owe the difference. If none of these apply, the deposit is returned in full.
Common violation types and costs
Running a red light: a 200 RMB fine and 6 points. Speeding: under 10% over is not fined, 10% to 20% over is around 50 RMB and 3 points, and 20% to 50% over is around 200 RMB and 6 points. Illegal parking: 100 to 200 RMB with no points, so use proper parking lots at scenic areas. Not wearing a seatbelt: around a 50 RMB fine, so both driver and front passenger should belt up. Failing to yield to pedestrians: around 100 RMB and 3 points, so slow at zebra crossings.
My advice
First, follow the rules and avoid red lights, speeding, and illegal parking so the refund is smooth. Second, wait patiently for 5 to 7 working days rather than chasing us daily, since the system controls the timing. Third, contact us if it takes longer than seven working days. Fourth, handle any violation promptly, because late payment adds a daily surcharge. Fifth, keep your permit, contract, and fuel receipts as evidence. Sixth, drive safely and avoid fatigue.
In short, the hold is not us deliberately delaying; the mainland violation system simply needs time to update. Expect about a week after return, and ask us ahead if you want the exact timeline.
Zara
Yunnan Province International Travel Agency (Group) Co., Ltd.
WeChat/WhatsApp: +86 13759155671
WeChat ID: qxzj7557
Email: [email protected]