A Complete Guide to Renting a Car in Vancouver as a Visitor or Newcomer

Renting a car in Vancouver can make your life easier—whether you're a tourist exploring the city or a newcomer settling down in British Columbia. This guide answers the most common questions we hear from customers every day, especially those coming from China or other countries with international driver’s licenses.

1) Can I rent and drive a car in Canada with a Chinese driver’s license?

Yes, absolutely — but it depends on your immigration status.

✔ If you enter Canada as a tourist:

You may legally drive with your Chinese driver’s license for up to 6 months.

✔ If you enter Canada as a new immigrant (landing PR):

Your Chinese driver’s license is valid for 90 days starting from the day you land in the province where you will reside.

Important detail:

If you land first in one province but will live in another, the 90-day countdown starts when you land in your final province of residence.

Example:
You land in Alberta → leave Canada within 90 days →
Half a year later you enter British Columbia to settle →
Your 90-day validity begins from the day you land in B.C.

2) Is renting or buying a vehicle more cost-effective?

If you will stay in Vancouver less than six months, renting is usually more economical.

• Renting requires paying tax only on the rental fee, not on the entire vehicle price.
• Buying a car and selling it shortly after often results in higher depreciation costs.

👉 For short-term stays, newcomers, or students, renting is usually the smartest choice.

3) What insurance should I purchase when renting a car?

Rental car insurance varies by vehicle type and brand, but the average cost is around $25 per day.

Our company handles the entire process — you only need to provide your information.

4) What does rental insurance include?

Our rental insurance covers:

• Third-party liability
• Collision
• Vandalism
• Theft

Deductibles:

• International license: $1,000
• Local Vancouver (B.C.) license: $500

How deductibles work:

• If repair costs are below the deductible, you pay the full amount.
• If repairs exceed the deductible, you only pay the deductible; insurance covers the rest.

5) What documents do I need to rent a vehicle?

Just two items:

• A valid driver’s license
• A credit card (Chinese cards accepted)

The process includes:

1. Providing information
2. Paying the rental fee
3. Checking mileage
4. Checking fuel level
5. Reviewing existing scratches

All done within 15 minutes.

6) Can I drive the rental car to the United States?

Yes!
Our rental cars can be taken into the U.S., and insurance remains valid.

Popular destinations:

• Seattle
• Portland
• Oregon Coast

Final Thoughts

Renting a car in Vancouver is simple, flexible, and stress-free. Whether you’re visiting or settling into your new life in Canada, understanding your license validity, insurance options, and required documents will make your experience much smoother.

If you need help booking a vehicle or choosing the right plan, we’re here to help anytime.

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