Foreign travellers landing in China usually ask us three things: can I use my International Driving Permit? Is renting a car expensive? What paperwork do I need? This article covers all three.

1. Is the International Driving Permit valid in China?

No. China does not recognise the IDP, and no foreign national driving licence is accepted for direct use on Chinese roads. Whether you rent a car after landing or drive your own vehicle across the border, you must first obtain a Chinese temporary motor vehicle driving licence.

This licence is not something you can get yourself at the vehicle management office. Under Ministry of Public Security rules, it is only issued to foreign tourists on an official self-drive tour arranged by a licensed travel agency. We handle the application on your behalf before you arrive; once your documents are complete, the permit is usually issued the same day or the next.

2. Renting a car after landing: cheaper than you think

Many travellers assume renting in China is expensive. In fact, local rental companies (eHi, CAR Inc / Shenzhou, Ctrip Car Rental) have dense networks and prices far below Europe or North America:

  • Economy sedans (VW Lavida, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sylphy): ¥100–200/day regularly, sometimes under ¥100 on promotion — about US$14–28.
  • Electric cars (Tesla Model Y, BYD Qin): ¥120–250/day, and charging is very cheap.
  • Compact SUVs (Toyota RAV4, Haval H6): ¥200–350/day, the best choice for two travellers.
  • Mid-size 7-seat SUV / MPV (Highlander, Buick GL8): ¥300–600/day, affordable per person for family groups.
  • Motorcycles: around ¥100/day in many cities, great for short trips in Yunnan or Guangxi.

International chains like Hertz and Avis operate at major airports, but local brands are roughly half the price. For a normal road trip, booking with eHi, Shenzhou or Ctrip is the better deal.

Pick-up: rental counters are on the arrivals level of every major airport (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, etc.). Show your passport and the temporary driving licence, put a credit card hold for the vehicle deposit (typically ¥3,000–10,000, released when you return the car), and drive off.

Insurance: the rental includes compulsory traffic insurance and basic third-party cover. We recommend adding a collision damage waiver (about ¥30–70/day) so minor scratches are fully covered.

The only thing you need us for is the Chinese temporary driving licence. Everything else is handled by the rental company.

3. If you want to drive your own car across the border

Drivers from Malaysia, Thailand, Russia or Central Asia who prefer to bring their own vehicle can also use our service:

  • Service fee: ¥5,000–6,000/car via Mohan (Laos-registered cars: ¥4,000); ¥6,000–9,000/car via Khorgos; long cross-border route (Khorgos in, Mohan out) ¥8,000 all-in.
  • What it covers: customs declaration at both ports, immigration procedures, temporary driving licence, temporary vehicle plate (valid 3 months), route filing, and our staff assisting you on site at the port.
  • Customs deposit: ¥10,000 paid to our company's corporate account, fully refunded to you within 3–5 working days after the car exits China on time.
  • Insurance: we arrange the compulsory vehicle insurance before you enter, charged by actual days of stay.
  • Ports we handle: Mohan (China–Laos), Khorgos (China–Kazakhstan), Jilong (China–Nepal), Erenhot (China–Mongolia); sea ports: Dalian, Guangzhou, Shenzhen.
  • Lead time: send us your documents 20 days before planned entry (passport, Chinese visa, driving licence, vehicle registration, vehicle photos, etc.).

For detailed pricing, message us on WeChat qxzj7557.

4. Where can you drive?

Once you hold the temporary driving licence, you can drive anywhere in China. Two exceptions:

  • Tibet: foreign travellers must be accompanied by an official guide, file their itinerary in advance, and hold a Tibet Travel Permit.
  • Beijing: foreign vehicles need a Beijing entry permit.

5. Common reminders

  1. You cannot drive a foreign-plated car across the border on your own — a licensed travel agency must sponsor the customs declaration. This is a customs requirement, not an optional extra.
  2. The deposit must go to our corporate account, with the plate number and "customs deposit" noted in the transfer.
  3. Do not wait until entry day to pay the deposit — it must arrive 3 days before.
  4. Tibet requires a guide throughout and a Tibet Travel Permit.

Tell us your dates and car preference on WeChat qxzj7557, and we will quote a clear figure based on your trip.