Can foreigners drive in China?
The short answer is no — not on a foreign or international licence, which China doesn't recognise. Here's why, how to get a temporary Chinese licence if you really want to drive, and why almost everyone skips it for the train.
No — you cannot drive in China on a foreign or international driving licence. China recognises neither, including the International Driving Permit (IDP). To drive at all you must first obtain a temporary Chinese licence — and for most visitors that effort isn't worth it when high-speed rail and DiDi exist.
Here's the full picture: what's not valid, how to get a temporary licence, the reality of renting, and the separate (much harder) case of bringing your own vehicle.
Why your licence won't work
This trips up a lot of travellers, because the IDP works almost everywhere else. China is different:
- Foreign licences are not valid for driving in mainland China, full stop.
- The International Driving Permit (IDP) is not recognised — China isn't a party to the conventions behind it.
- The ATA Carnet (Carnet de Passages, for temporarily importing a vehicle) is also not accepted — China runs its own temporary-import system.
So before you can legally sit behind the wheel, you need a temporary Chinese driving licence.
Getting a temporary Chinese licence
Your original home licence, a certified Chinese translation, your passport, and passport photos.
Apply locally, or at some entry ports. Expect a basic medical check; some offices require a short theory test.
It's issued tied to your stay — typically valid up to 90 days, and not extendable.
For most trips, high-speed rail and DiDi are faster and cheaper, with no licence or plates needed.
The reality of renting
Even with a temporary Chinese licence, renting a car as a visitor is rarely the smart move:
- You need a Chinese (or temporary Chinese) licence to rent at all — a foreign or international one won't do.
- Deposits are required, and conditions can be awkward for short-term foreign visitors.
- City plate restrictions. Beijing and Shanghai limit non-local plates and have congestion rules; a rental may not be allowed where you want to go.
- Dense, fast traffic and Chinese-only signage in places make city driving stressful for newcomers.
Driving your own vehicle into China (overland from Central Asia, Mongolia or Pakistan) is possible but never independent: China requires a licensed tour operator, a Chinese guide for the whole journey, temporary plates and a licence, compulsory insurance, a customs deposit, and a pre-approved route. Budget €800–€4,000 per person. The full breakdown — borders, operators, costs and Tibet — is in our overland-by-vehicle guide. Cyclists, by contrast, need none of this — see cycle touring into China.
What to do instead
For 95% of visitors, the answer is simple: don't drive. China's transport makes a car unnecessary.
- High-speed rail links every major city at up to 350 km/h, with your passport as the ticket.
- DiDi (China's Uber) covers door-to-door trips in English, with foreign-card payment and no haggling.
- City metros are clean, cheap and English-signed, with tap-to-ride in big cities.
Put together, see our full getting around China guide — it's faster, cheaper and far less stressful than driving yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners drive in China with an international driving permit?
No. China does not recognise the International Driving Permit (IDP) or foreign driving licences — it is not a party to the relevant conventions. To drive legally you must obtain a temporary Chinese driving licence, which you apply for after arrival with your home licence and a certified translation. Most short-term visitors skip this and use high-speed rail and DiDi instead.
How do I get a temporary Chinese driving licence?
Apply at a vehicle-management office (or some entry ports) with your original home licence, a certified Chinese translation, your passport, photos, and a basic medical check. Some offices require a short theory test. The temporary licence is tied to your stay — usually valid up to 90 days and not extendable. Allow time; it is not instant.
Can I rent a car in China as a tourist?
Only if you hold a Chinese or temporary Chinese licence — a foreign or international licence will not let you rent. Even then, rentals involve deposits, and big cities like Beijing and Shanghai restrict non-local plates. For most visitors the combination of high-speed rail and DiDi is faster, cheaper and far less hassle than renting.
Can I drive my own car or motorcycle into China?
Yes, but never independently. China requires a licensed Chinese tour operator to arrange everything, a Chinese guide to accompany the journey, temporary Chinese plates and a temporary licence, compulsory insurance, a customs deposit, and a pre-approved route. The ATA Carnet (Carnet de Passages) is not valid in China. Costs typically run €800–€4,000 per person.
What is the easiest way to get around China without driving?
High-speed rail plus DiDi. Trains connect every major city at up to 350 km/h with your passport as the ticket, and DiDi (China’s Uber) handles door-to-door trips in English with foreign-card payment. Together they cover almost everything a visitor needs, with no licence, deposit or plate restrictions.
Last verified 11 June 2026. Licensing and import rules can change; confirm with an official source before relying on them.
- MPSMinistry of Public Security traffic regulations — temporary driving licence & non-recognition of foreign/IDP licences.
- GACCGeneral Administration of Customs — temporary vehicle import system (Carnet not accepted).
- DESKCathayGuide editorial team — drawn from overland-operator and traveller reports.