subject: Getting around Beijing: Cars [print this page] Getting around Beijing: Cars Getting around Beijing: Cars
No matter which hotel Beijing has you staying in, there is one truth that is common to all travellers from around the world: it is hard enough to survive Chinese traffic without ever sitting down behind the wheel of a vehicle, so if you plan on navigating the streets beyond the safety of the accommodation in Beijing offered to you for the duration of your trip, be advised that it is not recommended unless you have prior knowledge of the streets and the driving laws in China. Another thing to remember is that no matter where you stay, no matter which hotel Beijing books you in while you are staying in the city, an International Driver's Permit is not valid in mainland China. Instead, a Chinese driver's license is required. Every accommodation Beijing available for travellers to use during their stay has access to one of the most convenient methods of getting around the city in a car: a private driver. Due to the fact that wages in China are extremely low, hiring a private driver is extremely affordable, and it is the most convenient simply because the locals already know the roads, and you don't have to worry about renting a vehicle.
One of the most confusing aspects of driving a car to and from whichever hotel Beijing has you staying in, is the simple fact that the roads are difficult to navigate without understanding all the road signs. It is possible, but bear in mind that getting a license is an extremely complicated procedure, so simply hiring someone to drive you around in a car is the best bet.
