Shanghai tourist car rental is becoming an option for more and more freelance tourists. Holding the steering wheel, shuttling through the depths of the sycamore or crossing the river through the tunnel is indeed a little more leisurely than squeezing the subway, etc. But the other side of car hire convenience is the many locally specific 'hidden levels'. If you don't do your homework ahead of time, this leisurely moment can turn into a hassle on the road.
Level 1: Qualifications and certificates are indispensable.
Shanghai has strict compliance checks on leased vehicles and drivers. When picking up the car, be sure to confirm that the vehicle has a special license plate for new energy or fuel rental with the "Shanghai" prefix, and the "nature of use" column of the driving license is clearly marked with "rental". At the same time, check whether the vehicle is inspected annually on time and whether the insurance policy submitted is within the validity period. Your driver's license and ID card must be the same as the renter's information, and foreign tourists need to confirm the validity of their passports and temporary driver's license permits. Don't worry about cumbersome procedures, this paper information is the first insurance that you can legally go on the road.
Stage 2: Vehicle condition check, don't believe "probably no problem".
Shanghai roads are dense like cobwebs, with elevations, tunnels, and narrows staggered, requiring higher braking, steering, and lighting requirements for vehicles. When picking up the car, take ten minutes to go around the car: take a picture of the existing scratches, dents, especially the hub and the underside of the bumper - these are the places that former tenants often rub against. After starting, test the air conditioner, wiper, front and rear fog lights, and check the dashboard for fault codes. Tire pressure and spare tire status also need to be confirmed by hand pressing. Remember: the car inspection form you sign is the original certificate of responsibility division when returning the car.
The third level: insurance clauses, read the deductible and stop shipping.
Most basic rents include basic insurance, but there are often thousands of dollars in absolute deductibles. That means you have to pay for it yourself. Based on driving experience, it is recommended to consider purchasing a “no deductibles” or “full coverage” service and reduce the deductible to zero. It is more important to pay attention to the terms "stopping fee" and "depreciation fee" - If a vehicle is repaired as a result of an accident, you will not only be responsible for the rental fee of the vehicle during the repair period, but you may also be charged for the depreciation of the vehicle. These words are often printed on the back of the contract and must be read one by one.
The fourth level: violations and passage, Shanghai's "invisible rules".
The coverage rate of the Shanghai electronic police is extremely high, and the time-sharing lanes, bus lanes, and external cards are strictly photographed during the limited time. All violations occurring during the rental period are the responsibility of the driver. Most car rental companies will freeze a security deposit of about 2,000 yuan from the pre-authorization, and unfreeze it after about 30 working days. If there is a violation, the handling process is cumbersome - you may need to delegate to a company, but there is an additional service fee. Therefore, it is recommended to turn on the " Shanghai limited travel "reminder, and strictly observe the solid line change lane, courtesy pedestrians and other local high-frequency penalties.
Level 5: Return the car for settlement, and keep the fuel and charging vouchers.
Shanghai implements the "full oil collection and return" or "designated power return" rules. Before returning the car, be sure to fill it up at the official gas station or charging station nearest to the store, and keep the small ticket for reference. If there is insufficient fuel/electricity, the company will charge a service fee of 20% -50% at the market price, which is often surprisingly high. At the same time, clean up the garbage in the car, restore the seat position, and avoid being deducted from the "cleaning fee". Shanghai Car Rental Hotline: 400-021-6778
All in all, renting a car in Shanghai is not as simple as "paying for a key". From document verification to insurance interpretation, from illegal deposits to energy settlement, details are hidden in every link. With more caution and less luck, you can really enjoy driving around Shanghai between the evening breeze on the Bund and the neon in Pudong. The journey on wheels, safety and rules are always the first stop.
