Before driving abroad, verify whether local authorities recognize Chinese driver’s licenses; most “international driver’s permits” sold online are legally worthless.

No cost at all. Simply check local regulations before you travel.

An International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is essentially a translation of a driver’s license, recognized solely among signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. Signed on 19 September 1949 and effective 26 March 1952, this treaty currently includes 103 countries and regions — mainland China is excluded. Consequently, China does not issue IDPs, and any domestic “services” claiming to provide them lack legal standing. Eligibility to drive using a Chinese license varies by jurisdiction: some accept it alongside a certified translation, others require obtaining a local license, while several reject it outright.

United Nations Treaty Collection. Convention on Road Traffic, Geneva, 19 September 1949 — status of treaties. https://treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetailsV.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-1&chapter=11&clang=_en

In most countries, driving without a valid license constitutes a criminal offense or incurs severe penalties. Moreover, insurance providers typically deny coverage in such cases — this represents the true financial risk. Two reliable verification methods exist: consult the “Information for Chinese Citizens” section on the Chinese Consulate website for your destination, or request a written confirmation directly from your rental agency. Separate regulations apply to Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and certain other countries.