Many tourists want to travel the world on their own to explore diverse landscapes and cultures, and China is undoubtedly a great destination to start when traveling through Southeast Asia.
Unfortunately, China is not a free nation that you may freely drive through.
China does not allow foreigners to enter China with their vehicles. Tourists must first obtain a temporary driving license and a Chinese number plate for foreign-registered motorbikes by passing a theoretical test with a score of 90%, submitting themselves to certain medical checks, and delivering a list of documents to the nearest Chinese Motor Vehicle Service Station.
As part of their national security and defense, China maintains strict laws concerning foreigners, so travelers must exercise extreme caution when visiting the country – particularly when driving a vehicle – or in this case, a motorbike – of their own.
This article will cover the fundamentals of driving a Vietnamese motorbike into China. We will share an overview of the processes required to drive around legally, so you can prepare beforehand and fully enjoy your trip.
What are the requirements necessary to enter China with a Vietnamese motorbike?
China does not allow travelers to use their international driving licenses. Their government requires a temporary Chinese driving license that costs around $23-25 and a temporary Chinese number plate that costs $20-$22 for their motorcycles.
To meet these requirements, you would have to complete a theoretical test and gain a score of 90%, undergo medical checkups done by Chinese health personnel, and submit all the necessary papers to the country’s nearest Motor Vehicle Service Station.
But before you go through all the hassle of applying for these licenses, you need to check whether you are eligible.
Who can apply?
As per China’s rules and regulations, you can only apply for these permits if you fall into one of the following groups.
1. Foreign vehicles and drivers who have been granted permission by authorities to visit China briefly for arranged tourism, competitions, and other engagements
2. Foreign vehicles and their drivers that will only drive inside specific border zones after temporarily reaching China
3. Foreigners with a local driving license who need to use a rental vehicle in visiting China
How do you obtain a temporary Chinese driving license?
Supposing you have a valid license from your home country, you can be allowed to skip the practical exam.
To get a temporary Chinese driving license, you need to prepare a $22-25 fee, pass their theoretical test with a score of at least 90%, and complete a series of medical checks done by Chinese health professionals. Hiring a professional tour operator with expertise in organizing motorbike tours is a wise option to make this process easier. A company like this may be able to help you with some of the difficulties and paperwork involved in earning your license.
This process is also expensive, so arranging a group tour may be a great way to split costs, even if that might restrict your mobility in enjoying the place.
As for e-bikes, note that the Chinese government considers them as bicycles, so you may not require a license to ride one.
But it’s best to avoid using them as this might be a prospective setback due to technicalities in the law. On top of that, numerous places in China have already prohibited e-bikes, so riding one could drastically limit your journey.
Where do you apply for these licenses?
You can apply for these licenses at the nearest Motor Vehicle Service Station. Check out this list for further reference:
| Area | Address | Operating Hours |
Beijing | Beijing Capital International Airport, Ground floor, Motor Vehicle Service Station, Terminal 3 (Across Gate 7, to the right) | Monday to Sunday,9:00 – 18:00 |
| Beijing Daxing International Airport, Motor Vehicle Service Station | Monday to Sunday, 24 Hours | |
Chengdu | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, Arrival Hall, T1, Motor Vehicle Service Station | Monday to Sunday, 24 Hours |
| Haikou | Haikou Meilan International Airport, International Arrival Hall, Temporary Motor Vehicle Driving License Processing Point | Monday to Friday, 9:00-17:00 |
Sanya | Sanya Phoenix International Airport, International Arrival Hall, Temporary Motor Vehicle Driving License Processing Point | Monday to Friday, 9:00-17:00 |
Shanghai | Haitian Si Road 9, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport | Monday to Sunday, 9:00-17:00 |
| Haitian Si Road 9, Shanghai Pudong International Airport | Monday to Sunday, 9:00-17:00 | |
| Shenzhen | Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, 4th Floor, Departure Hall, The Public Security Bureau Registration Center | Monday to Friday, 9:00-17:00 |
If your border of entry is a little far from the airport, you can try getting these licenses at any Traffic Police Brigade or any Traffic Police Detachment in the city you’re at.
Do you have to import your Vietnamese motorbike into China to be able to drive it?
In some countries, a vehicle passport called CPD (carnet de passage) is required. This international customs document permits cars, motorbikes, and other vehicles to be temporarily imported into numerous countries without paying taxes.
However, in China, it is different.
You cannot just turn up on a Chinese border with a Vietnamese motorbike. You have to temporarily import it for two days in the Chinese Customs office, along with other essential documents such as
- Four photos of your motorbike from all angles with legible number plates
- Insurance
- Motorbike papers with the model’s serial number, engine details, type, color, and value.
The amount you need to pay for your import fees depends on the type and brand of the motorbike and the forwarding company you used to import it.
This is why tourists are highly recommended to utilize a Chinese Agent to handle all the formalities.
Chinese officials will appraise your vehicle’s worth upon arrival, and you will be forced to submit a deposit. This deposit will be returned to you at the end of your trip.
How do you acquire a Chinese number plate?
A temporary Chinese number plate costs around $20-$22 and is only valid for 30 days from its issuance date. To acquire this, you need to prepare some documents in advance and submit them to any offices in the country that cater to the registration of motor vehicles.
Don’t forget to bring the following documents:
- A valid passport and visa
- A copy of the latest entry stamp in your passport
- A copy of both sides of your driver’s license from your country of origin (with Chinese translation)
- Up-to-date MOT papers along with an official translation in the Chinese language
- Photographs of your motorbike from all angles
- Form of temporary residence. The form is acquired free of charge at a local police station in China during your first 30 days in the country.
- Medical Form. The form is supplied by the office, but you need to visit a nearby hospital to have it filled out by Chinese medical personnel.
- Colored passport photos. A specific format is required, so it would be wise to have this done at a local print shop for only $1-5.
- Colored copies of every document listed above, just in you want to visit other cities.
Can you resell your Vietnamese motorbike in china?
Legally reselling your Vietnamese motorbike in China is possible. But, it will take a lot of effort, money, time, and paperwork as the process is meticulous.
If you plan to enter China as a tourist and resell your Vietnamese motorbike there, you have to do it without getting into legal trouble.
Remember, your Vietnamese motorbike only has a temporary Chinese license.
And, because the motorbike is foreign-registered, it would be difficult for the locals to buy them directly because of government-imposed limits on non-local vehicles, such as driving in urban areas like Beijing.
As for other tourists, buying it and driving it around China will also give them a headache because they would have to present documents when asked upon entry to the cities they wish to visit.
The best way to resell your motorbike in China is to follow these steps:
1. Find a prospective buyer. Note that the importation process is a lot easier for local Chinese residents.
2. Take the bike out of China to release it from its current status as a temporarily imported vehicle.
3. Import it to the buyer and have the motorbike registered under his name.
Meanwhile, foreigners who are planning to travel to China can also buy it.
But then again, the process will take even longer as the motorbike needs to be registered under his Chinese friend’s name.
On top of that, a POA (power-of-attorney) has to be signed and notarized for your foreign buyer to be able to drive it around the country.
What other relevant information do you need to remember about entering China with a Vietnamese motorbike?
You might have some additional questions not covered in the process written above.
Here are some other valuable details that you might want to note when entering China with a Vietnamese motorbike:
- How do I know whether a person or a business is qualified to translate a copy of my documents into the Chinese language?
China only acknowledges a translated copy of your documents when:
- The company that translated your documents stamped an official, special seal for Chinese and English translation on your papers. Note that you can only obtain this seal from the authorities, and each seal has a unique serial number.
- The Chinese name of the translator service includes the word “翻译,” and its official English business name includes the word “translation.”
- The structure and content of the translated documents are in accordance with China’s Traffic Administrative Office requirements.
- How long are these licenses valid? Your temporary Chinese driving license is only valid for 90 days, while your temporary Chinese number plate is only suitable for a month from its date of issuance.
- How long will it take to get them? Provided that you pass the theory and medical exam, together with the essential documents listed above, you will get these licenses within 30 minutes.
- What’s the overall cost of getting these licenses? This largely depends on three things: One, whether you’ve prepared all the documents before your trip. Two, if you want to have a Chinese guide involved, and three, the overall cost of your motorbike.
You can get both licenses for only $45-$50 (not including your motorcycle appraisal for temporary import) if you already have all the documents at hand. Additional costs include:- $50-60 for the Chinese translation of your documents
- $2-7 for colored copies of your documents if you would have them done in China
- $5-10 for copies of your passport photos taken at a local Chinese print shop, depending on how many copies you wish to have.
- What if I lose my license? If you lose any of these licenses, you can always make a replacement request for only $2. Just prepare the same documents.
- What if you want to extend your stay in China? If you want to extend your vacation in China, you must apply for an extension for at least seven days before your visa expires at the Local Public Security Bureau office. If you apply too late, you may overstay and face a fine and deportation. Remember to prepare at least $150-$500 beforehand to secure all the documents and licenses for your extended stay.
Conclusion
China may be strict regarding its rules and regulations concerning the entry of foreigners and their vehicles – or in this case, motorbikes.
But, with the right amount of knowledge and preparation, these laws will never hinder anyone from thoroughly enjoying the beauty of this country.
To successfully enter China with your Vietnamese motorbike, you should secure a temporary Chinese driving license and a temporary Chinese number plate. To do this, you need to pass a theory exam with a score of at least 90%, submit all essential documents, and have yourself checked by Chinese health professionals.
Make your travel a lot easier on your part by preparing for your trip ahead of time. Read on our 11 tips for long-distance drives here.
