Beijing Cheap Car Rentals - PEK

Renting a car to drive on your own in Beijing can be quite troublesome are first. The streets are heavy with traffic, but there are also a couple of hurdles that make the process a bit difficult. First and foremost, the law requires that you find a sponsor who holds a permanent residential ID for Beijing (hukou). You’ll also need to obtain a Beijing driving license and present it along with your passport, your sponsor’s hukou book and ID, and a deposit for the rental. You must also be at least 21 years of age, or in some cases 25, in order to be considered for car rental. Secondly, you’ll find it can take up to two days for the required documents to be verified, which may put quite a damper on your plans. Most companies will also run a check on your driving record. If you possess a number of traffic violations, such as DUIs and speeding tickets, you may be denied the option of driving a rental car. Also, if your trip involves traveling to another city, beware that car-return services are not available in other cities, so you’ll have to find an alternate means of transportation as you head to your next destination unless you’re prepared to fork out the costs of driving the car back to Beijing.

Your best bet for renting a car in Beijing is to seek out services that include drivers. This option is very beneficial as it allows you to avoid the complicated process of renting self-driven cars while still giving you the freedom to plan your visit on your own time rather than in between the varying schedules of public transportation. This transportation alternative also allows you to enjoy the sights of the city in comfort without the anxiety of driving through the heavy traffic of unfamiliar streets. Although it may be a little more costly than traditional taxi services offered within the city, it is still a preferred traveling option for foreigners as it comes along with the guarantee of English-speaking drivers—a benefit that is nearly nonexistent among the hundreds of taxis that crowd the city streets.

With whichever type of rental service you choose, be sure to avoid the hours of high traffic to keep your traveling experience as pleasant as possible. If you have an early start to your day, it’s best to hit the road before 7:30am or after 10am; and for afternoon or evening traveling, avoid the hours between 3pm and 7:30pm.