How to rent a car?

Foreign travelers can rent cars at international airports and downtown rental locations. They can also use car rental apps or "mini programs" on platforms like Alipay and WeChat to book a car after registration.

Foreign travelers intending to rent a car need to present passport or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, a valid Chinese driving license, and an international or Chinese credit card.
Note: Verify the identity document at least one business day before first-time renting.

Foreign travelers applying for a Chinese Provisional Driving Permit for compact cars need to present passport, an overseas driving license with a Chinese translation, recent photos in color (25×35 mm, portrait, bareheaded, full-face, white background), and other required documents to the traffic management service centers of public security departments. Short-term travelers to China can apply for a Provisional Driving Permit valid for three months. Those planning to stay longer than three months can extend the validity of the Provisional Driving Permit up to one year. The Provisional Driving Permit can be used for driving in China during its validity without the need to reapply.

Note: China has signed agreements with France, Serbia, Belgium, and the United Arab Emirates on mutual recognition and exchange of driving licenses. Holders of driving licenses from these countries can drive directly in China or obtain a Chinese driving license without taking a test.

Source: A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates (2026 Edition) issued by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China