Driving in China
International Driving Permit rules and car hire for Australians.
China does not recognise International Driving Permits of any kind. To drive legally you need a temporary Chinese driving permit, which can be obtained at some major airports and vehicle administration offices with your passport and licence. Most visitors don't bother.
What Australian drivers need to know
- Didi (the local rideshare app) is cheap and integrated into Alipay — no separate app or account needed.
- High-speed rail is exceptional and usually faster than flying between major cities.
- Metro systems in Shanghai and Beijing are extensive, cheap and signposted in English.
- Hiring a car with a driver is common and removes the licence problem entirely.
Insurance warning. Australian travel insurance policies exclude claims from driving or riding without a valid licence for that vehicle in that country. A car licence does not cover a scooter — hiring one in China without a motorcycle class on your Australian licence means an accident is entirely uninsured.
More China essentials
China driving FAQs
Can I drive in China on my Australian licence?
No. China doesn't recognise International Driving Permits at all. You'd need a temporary Chinese permit, available at some airports and vehicle administration offices. Most visitors use Didi, the metro and high-speed rail instead.
Watching China?
We'll email you when entry rules or prices change for Australians travelling to China.