How to find a cheap car hire deal in China
Take control of your trip with a cheap rental car in China. With prices starting from RM168 a day, you get freedom without the high price tag. From zippy compacts to roomy SUVs, we'll help you find your kind of ride at your kind of price.
RM1,173 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental if your trip is more than just a quick visit.
Browse the range of car rentals in Wuhan. This is where you'll find the cheapest rides in China.
Overall, the most popular city to rent a car in is Beijing.
When comparing companies, check what's on offer from Hertz. It's a trusted name in China.
There's no need to travel far after landing to pick up your ride. Car rentals are available at major airports including Guangzhou Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport and Beijing Capital Airport.
Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Shenzhen are among the top cities to organise a set of wheels.
A one-way rental could work in your favor. Providers often lower prices when they need to move cars between sites. When searching for a car for rent in China, choose 'Return car to a different location' to access those deals.
Planning a multi-week rental? It could be cheaper to book a full month, so test a few date combinations to find out what works best.
Reserve a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy' and avoid refueling costs. It comes with a full tank and goes back full, so it's easier to keep track of what you're paying.
Unlimited mileage lets you focus on the journey instead of tracking the odometer. Check for this feature under the 'Policies' filter and rack up the miles, not the fees.
Best time to book a car hire in China
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a car hire in China. Try booking around two weeks before your departure date.
The most affordable month to rent a car is June, with an average rate of RM170 a day.
May tends to be the most expensive time of year.
Compare car hire types in China
Economy: Set off in one of these and help keep your travel budget on track. Lower daily rates and fuel-efficient engines mean you'll spend less overall while still getting a smooth, easy-to-handle ride.
Small: Including mini and economy classes, small cars are ideal for everyday travel. If you're searching for a cheap rental car in China, this is where you'll find some of the best deals. They're perfect for city driving and quick getaways, with low fuel use, easy handling, and enough space for the essentials.
Medium: If you need more space without going big, this hits the mark. Medium rentals offer more room for passengers and bags, as well as a nice balance of efficiency and performance. You'll find compact and intermediate models here.
Large: More people, more bags, more places to be. Large cars offer extra passenger space and increased luggage capacity, making them ideal for families and long-distance drives. Go for one of these full-size rides when room is non-negotiable.
SUV: From highways to scenic detours, SUVs are ready for it all. With an elevated driving position, adjustable seating arrangements, and stable performance across a range of terrain, they're perfect for road trips across China.
Van: This type of car for rent in China includes commercial vans and trucks. With generous load capacity and practical interior layouts, they're built to transport bulky items, equipment or bigger groups in one go.
Luxury: Ready to raise the bar? From looks that turn heads to advanced tech and powerful performance, luxury vehicles dial up every part of the driving experience. This is what you book when only the best will do.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your rental car is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you know exactly what's included.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. They can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in China.
Driving in China: What you need to know
Age requirements for rentals can vary by supplier and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some companies in China may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.
If you're going away with the kids, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your car rental reservation in China. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.
You'll need to show some documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in China, be aware that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 45kph through urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in China is 0.02%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.
You'll be using the Chinese yuan (CNY) for all your purchases and expenses throughout your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards for more flexibility when paying.
