Flying into China and renting a car? Here is everything you need to know.

"Airport rental" means you fly into China and pick up a rental car at the airport, instead of driving your own car across a border. This is what most foreign tourists do — we provide the car and arrange your Chinese temporary driving permit.

Documents you need

  • Passport with valid Chinese visa (or visa-free entry stamp).
  • Your original valid foreign driver's license (China does not recognize the International Driving Permit, but your home license is the basis for a Chinese temporary permit).
  • One white-background ID photo (we can take it on site).
  • Hotel booking (proof of accommodation).

We translate your license and handle all paperwork. You do not need to visit the vehicle management office yourself.

Temporary driving permit

China has not signed the UN road traffic conventions, so IDP has no legal force here. You cannot drive on your home license alone. We arrange a Chinese temporary driving permit for 1500 RMB: you send us photos of your passport and license, we handle translation and the vehicle management office, and the permit is issued in 1-3 working days. You collect it at the airport. You do not need to appear in person. The permit is valid for 3 months nationwide and covers the same vehicle categories as your home license.

Cars and prices

  • Volkswagen Lavida 1.5L / Jetta 1.4T sedan: 260 RMB/day, 3000 RMB deposit, unlimited mileage. Good for 2-3 people on paved roads.
  • Tank 300 2.0T SUV: 400 RMB/day, 5000 RMB deposit, 300 km/day limit. Good for 4+ people or rough roads.

A 600 RMB deposit confirms your booking (non-refundable if you cancel for personal reasons). The vehicle deposit is refunded 5-7 working days after return, once traffic violations are checked.

Insurance

The car comes with compulsory traffic insurance and commercial third-party liability cover.

  • Scratches under 1500 RMB: you pay.
  • Above 1500 RMB: insurance covers it, you pay 30% of the claim.
  • Minor paint scratches not reaching the primer: fixed free.
  • No downtime or depreciation charges for paint/body work.
  • Mechanical breakdown: we cover all costs and provide a replacement car.

Pickup and return

We meet you at the arrivals hall at Kunming Changshui Airport or Lijiang Sanyi Airport with the car and your permit. Check the car together (10 minutes), sign, and drive off. Return to the same airport with a full tank. One-way rental (Lijiang pickup, Kunming return or vice versa) costs 1500 RMB.

Driving in China: basics

  • Drive on the right. If you are from the UK, Australia, Japan or Hong Kong, take a day to adjust.
  • Use Amap (Gaode) or Baidu Maps — they are far better than Google Maps in China. Download offline maps.
  • Speed limits: 120 km/h on highways, 60-80 on national roads, 40-60 in cities. Speed cameras everywhere.
  • Fuel: PetroChina and Sinopec stations nationwide, 92 octane around 7.5 RMB/liter.

What you can and cannot visit

Most of China is open. Tibet requires a Tibet Access Permit + guide; parts of Xinjiang need a border permit; Beijing's 6th ring needs an entry permit; certain G219 sections are closed to foreigners. Yunnan, Sichuan, Qinghai, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, the Northeast, East, South and Central China are all freely accessible.

What to check at pickup

  • Walk around the car and video all existing scratches and dents before you drive off.
  • Check tires, wipers, lights, air conditioning, power windows.
  • Confirm fuel level (should be full) and odometer reading.
  • Make sure you have the spare tire, warning triangle, reflective vest, and vehicle papers.

Contact us

WeChat qxzj7557 / WhatsApp +86 13759155671. Tell us your dates, group size, pickup airport and planned route. We will arrange the car, temporary permit and any hotels or permits you need. You land and drive off.