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Self-Drive China: Tips and Tricks for a Road Trip

Should You Self Drive in China? Touring China by Car Tips and Tricks

Destination:ChinaCity:BeijingPopulation: 21.5 million
Should You Self Drive in China? Touring China by Car Tips and Tricks
Eric G15 min

Should You Self Drive in China? Touring. This was filmed by Eric G. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

Ever thought about exploring China by car but unsure if it was even possible to drive in China as a foreigner? Intimidated by crazy moon language on the signs? Unsure of how to rent a car or get a Driver's license or even just make a mobile payment? This video is your starting point, but it ain't comprehensive. Any specific questions hit me up in the comments. Thanks

--- Eric G
April 21, 2024, Spring in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Eric G uses his road trips in China to explain what visitors need to know about driving there. He covers the license process for residents and tourists, temporary licenses available at major airports, car rentals, tolls, EV charging and parking. Electric options such as Nio and BYD can be affordable, with charging access and fuel-cost savings compared with gasoline cars. Eric notes toll waivers during national holidays and shares ways to car camp at highway rest areas or in rural areas while respecting local customs and avoiding noisy truck areas. He also discusses language and technology barriers, but values the freedom to reach places and landscapes that guided tours may not include, including along the ancient Silk Road.

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Should You Self Drive in China? Touring China by Car Tips and Tricks

Licenses, rentals and driving costs

Eric G's account covers the practical steps involved in driving in China. Residents with a work permit can get a Chinese driver's license by passing a multiple-choice test and a physical exam, and an app is available to help them study. Tourists can apply for a temporary license at major international airports; he advises checking requirements and opening hours beforehand. Car rentals can be arranged through apps such as WeChat, with the vehicle delivered to a chosen location. He describes rental prices as affordable and points to Nio and BYD electric vehicles as cost-effective choices.

The costs to consider include highway tolls, charging and parking. Tolls can add up, though they are waived during national holidays, when roads are very crowded. Charging a standard-sized EV battery is typically around 100 RMB, with the amount depending on the time and charging speed. Parking is affordable outside major cities and may be included with a hotel booking; in smaller towns, overnight parking can cost about 15 RMB. Eric compares EV expenses with gasoline cars, highlighting fuel savings and the availability of charging infrastructure.

Camping and choosing a route

Eric also discusses sleeping in a car, especially at highway rest areas or in rural areas. Rest areas can be convenient but noisy, so he suggests choosing a spot away from truck parking. Travelers should keep the area clean and respect local customs. He presents self-driving as a choice that depends partly on comfort with language and technology barriers. Those challenges can make the trip difficult, but driving offers freedom to visit places and landscapes that guided tours may not reach.

The video describes Chinese highways as being in excellent condition, including routes along the ancient Silk Road. Eric's advice combines licensing, rental arrangements, tolls, EV charging, parking and overnight stops with the experience of traveling independently. For someone weighing a road trip, his examples show both the practical costs and the access to scenery that comes with choosing a car.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: How can a foreign visitor get a Chinese driver’s license?
A: Eric says residents can obtain a Chinese driver’s license, while tourists can apply for a temporary license at major international airports.
Q: What driving costs does Eric cover?
A: He discusses rental cars including Nio and BYD electric vehicles, highway tolls, EV charging and parking fees, and notes toll waivers during national holidays.
Q: Where does Eric recommend car camping?
A: He describes highway rest areas and rural areas as practical options, and advises choosing respectful spots away from noisy trucks.

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Self-Drive China: Tips and Tricks for a Road Trip

Ever thought about exploring China by car but unsure if it was even possible to drive in China as a foreigner? Intimidated by crazy moon language on the signs? Unsure of how to rent a car or get a Driver's license or even just make a mobile payment? This video is your starting point, but it ain't...

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