Learn daily conversations of China travel

Car rental

 

1. Car Rental Considerations

1.1 Basic prerequisites for car rental

• 1. To rent a car within China, one must possess a Chinese "Temporary Driving Permit".
• 2. Please refer to the relevant guidelines for overseas personnel applying for temporary driving permits

 

1.2 Payment method description

• 1. Multiple payment methods are supported for car rental-related expenses.
• 2. You can use a credit card that supports RMB payment.
• 3. You can also pay in cash using Renminbi.
• 4. You can also use payment apps such as WeChat and Alipay to make payments.

 

1.3 Vehicle reservation related

• 1. It is recommended that you book a rental car in advance.
• 2. You can make a reservation through the official website of the car rental company.
• 3. You can also make a reservation through the official APP of the car rental company.
• 4. Before booking, please carefully read all the terms of the rental contract.
• 5. Please pay close attention to the insurance-related contract terms.
• 6. Please pay special attention to the rules related to the use of fuel tanks.
• 7. Please pay special attention to the rules related to violation handling.
• 8. Please pay special attention to the clauses related to liability for compensation.
• 9. Before picking up the car, please verify your personal identification information.
• 10. Foreign tourists are advised to choose direct rental services provided by large, reputable car rental companies.
• 11. It is recommended that you purchase adequate vehicle insurance at the same time.
• 12. Choosing a reputable large company and adequate insurance coverage can reduce many unnecessary troubles.
• 13. We recommend you choose the two formal platforms, China Auto Rental and eHi Car Rental.

 

1.4 On-site vehicle pickup process

• 1. When picking up the vehicle on site, please present your relevant documents.
• 2. The required documents to be presented include a passport and a credit card.
• 3. At the same time, you need to present your temporary driving permit.
• 4. When picking up the vehicle, please carefully inspect its exterior condition.
• 5. Please carefully inspect the interior condition of the vehicle.
• 6. Please carefully check whether the accompanying tools of the vehicle are complete.
• 7. During the inspection process, please take photos or videos to keep records.
• 8. If you use the app of a major car rental company, you can follow the instructions within the app to complete the vehicle inspection process.

 

1.5 Driving under the influence of alcohol-related prohibitions and penalties

• 1. Driving a vehicle within China is strictly prohibited under the influence of alcohol.
• 2. China has very strict punishment standards for drunk driving, and the relevant penalties are more severe than those in most regions of Europe and North America.
• 3. Strictly reflected in the lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) punishment standards.
• 4. Strictness is also reflected in stricter penalties for violations.
• 5. Drinking and driving, referring to a blood alcohol concentration of ≥20mg/100ml, will be subject to both a fine and deduction of points from the driver's license.
• 6. Drunk driving, referring to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of ≥80mg/100ml, constitutes a criminal offense in China.

 

1.6 Navigation map recommendation

• 1. When driving a vehicle within China, it is recommended to use professional navigation maps.
• 2. China's navigation maps can precisely pinpoint specific lanes.
• 3. The navigation map supports real-time viewing of traffic light countdown timers.
• 4. The navigation will remind you of road construction, traffic restrictions, and emergencies in a timely manner.
• 5. These navigation tools are very user-friendly and practical for drivers.
• 6. We recommend you use the two navigation apps, AutoNavi Map and Baidu Map.
• 7. Please install one of the navigation apps before driving.

 

1.7 Parking space usage specifications

• 1. If you are renting a fuel-powered vehicle, please refrain from occupying the designated parking spaces for electric vehicles equipped with charging stations.

 

1.8 Fueling instructions for gasoline vehicles

• 1. You can use the navigation map to find the nearest gas station.
• 2. Before refueling, please confirm with the rental car company the gasoline type suitable for the vehicle.
• 3. There are usually two common ways for Chinese drivers to refuel: the first is to fill up the vehicle's fuel tank, and the second is to only refuel with 200 RMB worth of gasoline.

 

1.9 Instructions for charging electric vehicles

• 1. Please first inquire with the car rental company about the precautions related to charging.
• 2. It is recommended that you download 2-3 mainstream charging apps based on your city.
• 3. You can ask the car rental company to assist in installing the app. Some charging stations only support Chinese interfaces for their related apps, so please learn how to use them in advance.
• 4. You can use the navigation map to find the nearest charging station.
• 5. You can compare real-time electricity prices and service fees through the app, and also view the queue status of charging stations through the app.

 

1.10 Vehicle return process

• 1. Please return the vehicle on time as agreed in the car rental contract.
• 2. When returning the vehicle, please confirm that the fuel level meets the contract requirements.
• 3. When returning the vehicle, please confirm that the vehicle condition is intact.
• 4. If you rent a vehicle from a major car rental company, you can complete the self-service vehicle return process according to the instructions provided in the app.

 

1.11 Introduction to high-speed service areas

• 1. There are multiple highway service areas along China's expressways.
• 2. Most high-speed service areas are equipped with gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, washing areas, free hot water, free public toilets, and small supermarkets.
• 3. Larger high-speed service areas also have business restaurants.

 

2. Simple dialogue

2.1 Vehicle pickup

Find the pick-up location based on the address.
Hello.
I'll come to pick up the car.
Complete the necessary procedures and express gratitude.
Thank you!

2.2 Check the vehicle

If any issues are found, you can say
There is a problem here.
Need to take a photo, can say
I'll take a photo.
After the inspection is completed, you can start your journey.

2.3 Request assistance to install the navigation map APP

If you need the car rental company to assist in installing the navigation app.
Please help me install AutoNavi
Please help me install Baidu Map
After the installation is complete and you have learned how to use it, please express your gratitude.
Thank you!

2.4 Understanding electric vehicle charging service providers and apps

Inquire about the precautions from the car rental company.
Teach me how to charge
Which service provider to choose?
How to find a charging pile?
How to use the charging APP?
Does it also charge like this at high speed?
After understanding, please simulate the operation again.

2.5 Inquire about gasoline model

Inquire about the gasoline type from the rental car company.
Is the fuel 92 or 95?
Generally, cars use 92-octane gasoline, while better cars use 95-octane gasoline.

2.6 refuel the car

You can say when refueling
Fill with 92 gasoline.
Fill with 95 gasoline.
Add diesel fuel.