How to Book a Rental Car in China: Step-by-Step for Foreigners (2026)

Quick Answer

Use Trip.com (English-friendly) or eHi/神州 for best selection. You need: passport, Chinese Temporary Driving Permit, credit card for deposit, and Chinese phone number (or eSIM). Book 1-2 weeks ahead for best rates.

Top 5 Rental Platforms Compared

Trip.com (携程租车): Best for foreigners, English interface, international credit cards accepted, wide selection
eHi Car Services (一嗨租车): Major Chinese brand, good fleet, app available in English, competitive prices
CAR Inc / Shenzhou (神州租车): Largest fleet, premium vehicles, airport locations, some English support
Zuzuche (租租车): Aggregator comparing multiple companies, good for price comparison
Avis/Hertz China: International brands, familiar process, higher prices, limited locations

Platform Recommendations

First-time renters in China: Start with Trip.com — easiest English experience. Budget-conscious: Compare on Zuzuche. Need premium/luxury: CAR Inc or Avis.

Before You Book: Checklist

✓ Valid Chinese Temporary Driving Permit (see our guide)
✓ Passport with valid visa
✓ Credit card in your name (for deposit pre-authorization)
✓ Chinese phone number or eSIM with Chinese number
✓ Accommodation registration (住宿登记)
✓ Planned pickup/return locations and dates

Step-by-Step Booking Process

Step 1: Choose Your Platform

Visit Trip.com car rental section or download eHi app. Create account with your email and phone number.

Step 2: Search for Vehicles

Enter pickup city/location, dates, and times. Filter by vehicle type if needed. Compare prices across similar vehicles.

Step 3: Select Your Vehicle

Choose based on: price, vehicle type, transmission (automatic recommended for foreigners), insurance options, and pickup convenience.

Step 4: Add Insurance

RECOMMENDED: Full coverage (不计免赔) — zero deductible. Basic insurance leaves you liable for ¥3,000-5,000 in damages.

Step 5: Enter Driver Information

You'll need: name (as on passport), passport number, license number (Temporary Permit), phone number.

Step 6: Payment

Most platforms accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard). Some require Chinese payment methods. Prepay or pay at pickup — prepay usually gets better rates.

Vehicle Selection Tips

City driving only: Compact sedan (easier parking)
Mountain roads (Guilin, Zhangjiajie): SUV with good clearance
Long highway trips: Mid-size sedan for comfort
Family with luggage: 7-seater MPV (Buick GL8)
Avoid: Manual transmission unless you're experienced with stick shift

Pickup Location Options

Airport: Most convenient, but has surcharge (¥50-150)
Train station: Good for multi-city trips, moderate surcharge
Downtown branch: Cheapest, but need taxi/metro to reach
Hotel delivery: Available in major cities, premium service

One-Way Rentals

Dropping off at a different city is possible but costs extra: ¥200-1,000 depending on distance. Beijing to Shanghai one-way: approximately ¥500-800. Book one-way in advance — not all locations support it.

Prepay vs. Pay at Pickup

Prepay: 10-15% cheaper, cancellation restrictions, need credit card now
Pay at pickup: More flexible, can cancel free, pay with card or sometimes cash
Recommendation: Prepay if plans are firm; pay at pickup if flexible

When to Book

Normal periods: 1-2 weeks ahead for best selection and prices. Holiday periods (Spring Festival, National Day): Book 3-4 weeks ahead — prices rise and availability drops fast.

Phone Number & eSIM

Rental companies require a Chinese phone number for contact and verification. Options: Get an eSIM with Chinese number (Airalo, China Unicom), or use hotel concierge for pickup coordination.

6 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Booking without Temporary Driving Permit — you can't legally drive
1. Skipping full insurance — one scratch costs ¥3,000+ out of pocket
1. Not checking fuel policy — return full tank or pay premium + service fee
1. Ignoring mileage limits — some deals cap daily km, excess costs extra
1. Forgetting to photograph car at pickup — document existing damage
1. Not saving emergency contact — get 24/7 roadside assistance number

At Pickup: Inspection Checklist

Take photos of all 4 sides, roof, and interior
Note any existing scratches/dents on the rental agreement
Check fuel level (should be full)
Test lights, signals, AC, and wipers
Confirm spare tire and tools are present
Get emergency contact number

China Temporary Driving Permit Guide

China Car Rental Costs & Prices

China Car Rental Insurance Explained

Need Help Booking Your Rental?

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