eHi Car Services
A nationwide self-drive car rental company with directly operated outlets in more than 500 Chinese cities, useful for foreign residents and visitors who hold a Chinese driving licence or a Chinese temporary driving permit.
About eHi Car Services
eHi Car Services (一嗨租车) rents cars for self-drive trips and business travel, with outlets that it says cover more than 500 cities across China. Cars can be booked on the website or in the app for iPhone, Android and HarmonyOS, with options such as delivery to your address, collection from your location and one-way rentals. A Chongqing government guide for foreigners explains that renters need a passport with a valid visa, a stay or residence permit or a permanent resident ID, and a Chinese driving licence or temporary driving permit. The main website also links to an English-language version.
Key Features
- Wide Network: Directly operated outlets in more than 500 cities, according to the company.
- Delivery and Collection: Have the car brought to you and picked up at the end of the rental where offered.
- One-Way Rentals: Return the car in another city, with the one-way fee waived in some cities.
- Card Deposit: The rental deposit can be pre-authorised on a Visa or Mastercard credit card in your own name.
How to Get Started
- Get a Chinese temporary driving permit at a vehicle administration office or a participating airport, or hold a Chinese driving licence.
- Install the eHi app, upload your passport, permit and driving document under the profile section, and wait for verification, usually one working day.
- Choose the city, dates and car, and confirm the booking.
- Bring the original documents and your credit card to pick up the car, and keep the deposit receipt.
International Driving Permits are not accepted in mainland China, and foreign licences must be translated before you apply for a temporary permit. A separate traffic violation deposit is also pre-authorised and, if there are no violations, is released 30 to 45 days after return. Registration in the app may require a Chinese mobile number, and rental terms, deposits and prices vary by car and city.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does eHi Car Services work with a foreign bank card in China? Yes — eHi Car Services accepts foreign-issued cards in China.
Is eHi Car Services available in English? Yes, eHi Car Services has an English-language interface.
Do I need a local phone number to use eHi Car Services? Yes, eHi Car Services requires a local phone number to register.
Do I need local ID or residency for eHi Car Services? Yes, eHi Car Services requires local ID or residency status.