Arriving at Xianyang International Airport and planning to explore Xian and the surrounding areas by car? Renting a vehicle offers flexibility, but it’s good to understand the process beforehand. This guide covers everything from picking up your keys to navigating local roads, and helps you anticipate costs and paperwork.
Rental car desks are generally located within the main terminal building, often in the arrivals area. Follow signs for ‘Car Rental’ or ‘Ground Transportation’ after you collect your luggage. Most companies offer a shuttle service to off-airport parking facilities where the cars are kept, so be prepared for a short ride. Several international and domestic companies typically operate at Xianyang International Airport, including options from well-known providers.
The best car for you depends on your travel plans. For city driving and fuel efficiency, an economy or compact car is a good choice. If you plan to explore more rural areas or travel with a group, an SUV offers more space and comfort. Here’s a general idea of what’s commonly available:
| Car Class | Approximate Daily Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Economy | $25 - $40 |
| Compact | $35 - $50 |
| Intermediate | $45 - $65 |
| Standard | $55 - $80 |
| SUV | $70 - $120 |
| Luxury | $150+ |
Prices change by season and availability.
To rent a car in China, you’ll generally need a valid driver’s license from your home country, and an International Driving Permit is highly recommended. The minimum age is usually 21, but some companies may have higher age requirements and charge a young driver fee for those under 25. Expect to present a passport and a valid credit card in the renter’s name. Deposits are standard, and the amount will be held on your credit card for the duration of the rental. Payment is typically made with a major credit card; cash is rarely accepted.
Rental companies will offer various insurance options. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers damage to the rental car itself, while Theft Protection covers loss due to theft. Often, these come with an ‘excess’ – the amount you’re still responsible for in case of damage or theft. You can reduce this excess by purchasing additional insurance, but carefully consider if your existing travel insurance or credit card benefits already provide coverage. Don’t hesitate to ask the rental agent to clearly explain the terms of each insurance option.
Driving in China can be different from what you’re used to. Toll roads are common, and payment is often electronic. Be prepared to have a way to pay tolls, or check if your rental car is equipped with an electronic toll payment system. Parking can be challenging in city centers, so plan accordingly. Speed limits are generally posted in kilometers per hour. Traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours, so allow extra time for your journeys. It’s also helpful to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and customs.
An International Driving Permit is highly recommended, even if your home country license is accepted. It simplifies the rental process.
Major credit cards are almost always required for both payment and the security deposit. Cash is rarely accepted.
If you have CDW (Collision Damage Waiver), it covers damage to the car, but usually with an excess amount you’re responsible for.
Yes, but you’ll need to declare the additional driver at pickup and they’ll likely need to meet the same requirements as the primary driver.
Many rental companies offer GPS navigation systems as an add-on. Consider using a smartphone navigation app as an alternative.
Thoroughly inspect the car for any damage *before* leaving the rental lot and document it with photos or video. Report it to the rental company immediately.
Toll roads are common. Payment is often electronic, so check if your rental car has a system or inquire about payment options.
Parking can be challenging in the city center. Plan ahead and be prepared to search for parking garages or designated areas.
The ‘excess’ is the amount you’re still responsible for paying if the car is damaged or stolen, even with insurance.
One-way rentals are often possible, but they usually come with a significant extra fee. Check availability and pricing when booking.
You are responsible for paying any traffic tickets you receive. The rental company may charge an administrative fee for processing the ticket.
Yes, but manual transmissions are still more common in China. Request an automatic when booking to ensure availability.