Real operational experience from Mohan, Khorgos, Gyirong and Erenhot ports. Service fees, deposit, insurance, documents, pitfalls — all in one article.
Get Free Quote →This is not a barrier set by travel agencies — it's a requirement of the customs process itself.
Both left-hand drive and right-hand drive cars are accepted at all ports. Same procedures, same fees — no extra charge for RHD.
Yunnan · China-Laos border
Most popular for Laos, Thailand, Malaysia riders
Xinjiang · China-Kazakhstan border
For Russia and Kazakhstan drivers
Tibet · China-Nepal border
Nepal riders entering Tibet
Inner Mongolia · China-Mongolia border
Mongolia riders entry port
One price per vehicle, regardless of number of passengers.
Laos direction
Laos-registered cars ¥4,000
Kazakhstan direction
Depends on vehicle condition
Enter Khorgos, exit Mohan
Both ports handled in one go
The most misunderstood payment — explained clearly once and for all.
Normally customs collects 50%–65% of vehicle value as deposit. But because our travel agency issues a guarantee letter, the large deposit is covered by our guarantee. You only pay ¥10,000.
Pay to whom: Directly to our travel agency corporate account. Not personal accounts. Be wary of anyone asking you to pay to personal WeChat or personal accounts.
When to pay: Must arrive 3 days before planned entry. Late = customs declaration automatically cancelled, service fee non-refundable.
When refunded: 3–5 working days after vehicle exits China. Customs refunds to us, then we refund to your original payment account.
Refund conditions: ① Exit on time ② No unresolved traffic violations ③ No unpaid fees or procedural issues. All three met = full ¥10,000 refund, no handling fees.
Compulsory traffic insurance is mandatory — without it you can't get a temporary plate
All foreign vehicles entering China must buy compulsory traffic accident liability insurance, max coverage ¥2,000.
If you feel the coverage is not enough, you can add commercial third-party insurance, coverage from ¥500,000.
We purchase insurance on your behalf before the vehicle enters China. You just pay the actual cost.
China has not joined the UN Road Traffic Convention — international driver's licenses are not recognized
Send us your documents 20 days before planned entry. For Tibet itineraries, at least 1 month ahead.
Personal documents + vehicle documents
Older vehicles and translations
After entry, must pass a vehicle inspection at the vehicle management office before getting a temporary plate. Some ports also require a valid home-country roadworthiness certificate.
All documents except the Chinese driver's license need Chinese translations. We arrange it, charged per document.
Photograph the VIN and engine number, compare character by character with the registration certificate.
If you're from a RHD country (Malaysia, Thailand, UK, Japan, Australia), take it slow the first few days — especially on highway ramps and overtaking lanes.
Each port has its own opening/closing hours. Don't arrive at the port at midnight.
If you encounter checkpoints or traffic police stops, we'll remotely assist with documentation. Our contact number is given to you in advance.
No guide following you, no lead car pacing you. You drive your own route as filed with customs.
VIN doesn't match the registration certificate
VIN shows signs of alteration, grinding, welding, or re-stamping
Engine replaced without updating registration — cert still shows old engine number
VIN or engine number too rusted to read clearly
Do not carry prohibited items
No stickers, flags, or printed materials related to sovereignty or territorial disputes. Check your car stickers before departure.
The most common route, one car one driver.
Message us on WeChat/WhatsApp directly — get an exact quote based on your actual situation.
WeChat/WhatsApp: qxzj7557 →