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Want to break free from the constraints of public transportation and explore the hidden corners of Hong Kong freely? Car rental and self-driving in Hong Kong are definitely your best choice! Whether it’s a parent-child trip with your family on the weekend, looking for a romantic dating secret place with your partner, or a P-brand newbie who wants to accumulate road experience, renting a car can bring you unprecedented convenience and fun.
Must read before renting a car: Qualifications, documents to read everything
Are you ready to experience the fun of self-driving? Before you go, make sure you meet the basic qualifications below and prepare the required documents to make the pick-up process smooth!
1. Driving license requirements
- Official driver’s license: Most car rental companies require drivers to hold a full driver’s license in Hong Kong for at least 24 months.
- P license (provisional driver’s license) driver: good news for novices! Traditional car rental companies may refuse P-licensed drivers, but on the Holimood platform , we offer P-licensed car rental services with many partners, and some even exempt P-license surcharges, allowing you to easily take the first step as a beginner.
- Overseas drivers: Passengers holding a valid overseas driver’s license must be at least 25 years old and have been licensed for more than 24 months. If the driver’s license is not printed in English or Chinese, an International Driving Permit (IDP) must be presented at the same time.
2. Age Restrictions
- Standard requirements: 25 years old or older is the industry standard.
- Young Drivers: Some companies accept drivers aged 21 or above, but there may be surcharges or vehicle type restrictions.
- Luxury Cars: Renting a high-performance sports car or luxury RV may require the driver to be at least 30 years old.
3. Required documents
When picking up the car, please be sure to bring the following original documents:
- Hong Kong residents: Hong Kong Identity Card, valid driving licence (P plate or formal), credit card in the name of the main driver, proof of address for the last 3 months.
- Overseas Travelers: Valid passport, driver’s license from the place of origin, International Driving Permit (if applicable), credit card in the name of the main driver.
Car rental price competition: What is the most cost-effective daily or monthly rent?
Renting a car in Hong Kong is up to you. If you want to use it wisely, you need to understand the pricing strategies of different car models and rental periods. Generally speaking, the longer the rental period, the more cost-effective the average daily cost will be, and the monthly rent can save more than the daily rent!
| Vehicle type | Common car models | Daily Rental Reference Price (HKD). | Suitable for use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economical five-seater car | Honda Jazz, Toyota Yaris, Kia Morning | $400 – $750 | Personal transportation, couple travel, novice practice |
| Standard seven-seater car | Toyota Alphard/Vellfire, Nissan Serena | $550 – $1,400 | Family fun, group of friends, airport transfers |
| Luxury RV | Mercedes-Benz C/E-Class, BMW 3/5 Series | $800 – $2,000 | For business purposes, wedding floats, special anniversaries |
| Sports car/convertible | Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4, Mini Cooper Convertible | $900 – $8,800+ | Experience the fun of driving, romantic travel, and photography check-in |
Looking for the best value for your car? Click Holimood to make a reservation now!
Avoid hidden charges! Rental car bills are fully deconstructed
The final cost of renting a car is not just the daily rental price, and you don’t want to find out that you are over budget at the checkout? Write down the following potential additional charges immediately:
- Fuel policy: Hong Kong generally adopts the “take full fuel, return full fuel” policy. If you run out of fuel when you return the car, the rental company will charge you for fuel and a high administrative service fee.
- Security Deposit: A deposit (approximately HK$3,000−HK$40,000) is required to be pre-authorized by credit card when picking up the car, which will be refunded within about 30-60 days after the vehicle is returned in good condition.
- Overtime Charges: Late returns can incur high fees, even if it’s just for a few minutes, and can be billed by the hour.
- P-license/young driver surcharge: Some companies charge a daily surcharge for drivers under 25 or P-licensed drivers. The good news is that there are many partners on Holimood who are exempt from this fee!
- Mileage limit: Some packages have a daily mileage limit (such as 250 kilometers), and excess will be charged per kilometer.
- Cleaning fee: If the carriage is too dirty, has pet hair or smells of smoke, you may need to pay a cleaning fee.
Car rental insurance strategy: three insurances, full insurance, and deductible (deductible) beginners must understand
Car insurance is the most important but confusing part of renting a car. Only by understanding the scope of protection can you truly drive with peace of mind.
- Mandatory Third Party Liability Insurance (“Three Insurances”): This statutory insurance is included in all rental car costs, which mainly covers personal injury or death or property damage to third parties caused by accidents.
- Important blind spot: It does not cover damage to your rented vehicle and your own medical expenses.
- Comprehensive Insurance (“Full Insurance”): This is an optional upgrade insurance that adds coverage against damage to the vehicle you are renting on top of the “three guarantees”. Based on our experience, it is highly recommended to purchase a P license or less experienced drivers.
- Excess/Deductible: This is the most critical concept! The deductible is the maximum amount of compensation you personally need to bear in the event of an accident. The insurance company is responsible for the excess.
| Types of | involved | General Deductible Reference (HKD). | P license/young driver deductible reference (HKD). |
|---|---|---|---|
| to rental vehicles only | Rent a vehicle | $15,000 – $45,000 | additional $10,000 – $25,000 may be required |
| Involving third party property/personal injury | Rental vehicle + third party vehicle/belongings/person | $45,000 – $60,000+ | additional $15,000 – $30,000 may be required |
Business Loss Compensation (NOC): When a vehicle needs repairs due to an accident, the rental company may charge this fee to cover business losses during the repair period, which is usually not covered by standard insurance.
Hong Kong self-driving tour route complete collection: couples, parent-child, photography check-in points recommended
The greatest joy of renting a car is to explore the infinite possibilities of Hong Kong! We have carefully designed a number of themed routes for you, no matter who you are, you can find your favorite itinerary.
Route 1: [Classic must-visit] Lantau Island Exploration Tour
- Features: Combining natural scenery, cultural heritage and leisurely fishing village style, it is the first choice for in-depth tours.
- Route: Tung Chung → Ngong Ping (Tian Tan Buddha, Heart Sutra Jianlin) → Tai O Fishing Village → Cheung Sha Beach → Mui Wo.
- Must-do experiences: Feel the majesty of the Big Buddha in Ngong Ping, taste authentic snacks at Tai O, and soak up the sun at Cheung Sha Beach.
- Parking Tips: To enter South Lantau, you must apply for a “Lantau Self-Driving Tour” permit online in advance. There are public paid parking lots in Ngong Ping, Tai O and Mui Wo, but parking spaces are tight on holidays, so it is recommended to arrive early.
Route 2: [Classic must-visit] New Territories nature and culture tour
- Features: Climb to the top of Hong Kong, shuttle through the pastoral wetlands, and feel the vastness and tranquility of the New Territories.
- Route: Tsuen Wan → Tai Mo Shan Country Park → Nam Sang Wai, Yuen Long → Tai Mei Tuk, Tai Po.
- Must-do experience: Drive up Tai Mo Shan, the highest peak in Hong Kong, check in at the “Wedding Bridge” in Nam Sang Wai, and enjoy the sunset at Tai Mei Tuk Dam.
- Parking Tips: Rotary Park in Tai Mo Shan has free parking, but it’s hard to find one on holidays. There is also a public car park in Tai Mei Tuk.
Route 3: [Classic must-visit] Hong Kong Island Southern District Freehand Coastline
- Highlights: Drive along the picturesque coastal road and feel the European town atmosphere of Hong Kong Island South.
- Route: Aberdeen → Deep Water Bay → Repulse Bay → Stanley → Shek O.
- Must-do experiences: Treasure hunt at Stanley Market, visit the historic Murray House, and take photos in front of the colourful cottages in Shek O.
- Parking Tips: There is a large paid car park at Stanley Plaza, and you can enjoy parking discounts when you spend. There is also a car park in Shek O Village.
Route 4: [Theme gameplay] Parent-child fun and leisurely travel
- Features: Combine education and entertainment for a family day filled with laughter.
- Route: Tsim Sha Tsui (Hong Kong Science Museum/Space Museum) → Sha Tin (Hong Kong Heritage Museum) → Yuen Long (Tai Tong Ecological Park/Pineapple Garden).
- Must-Play Experiences: Stimulate children’s curiosity through interactive exhibits at the Science Museum, visit a parent-child farm in Yuen Long, pet small animals like grass mud horses, or experience the fun of picking strawberries in the strawberry orchard.
- Parking Tips: Paid parking is available at all museums. Parking spaces are usually available in eco-parks in Yuen Long, but holidays can be more stressful.
Route 5: [Theme gameplay] Romantic trip for couples
- Features: Get away from the hustle and bustle and find a romantic corner just for the two of you.
- Route: Tai Po (Butterfly Pea Garden Farm/Egret Lake) → Lam Tsuen (Wishing Tree) → Tai Mei Tuk.
- Must-Play Experience: Check in in the dreamy scene of the butterfly pea garden and get up close and personal with the adorable grass mud horses. Make a wish under the Wishing Tree in Lam Village and enjoy the magnificent sunset at Tai Mei Tuk Dam.
- Parking Tips: Free parking is available at both Butterfly Pea Garden and Egret Lake Interactive Centre. There is also a public car park in Tai Mei Tuk.
Route 6: [Theme gameplay] Photography check-in tour
- Features: Travel between the city and the countryside, capturing some of Hong Kong’s most iconic scenes.
- Route: Tsuen Wan (Rainbow Staircase in Kwong Pan Tin Tsuen) → Tuen Mun (Ho Wo Street “Hong Kong Version of Miami”) → Yuen Long (Lower Pak Nai “Sky Mirror”).
- Must-do experience: Take energetic photos at the rainbow steps of Kwong Pan Tin Village, go to Ho Wo Street to experience the waterfront style under the palm trees, and count the low tide time to enjoy the “most beautiful sunset in Hong Kong” at Lower Pak Nai.
- Parking Tips: Parking spaces are scarce near Guangpan Tin Village. Both Ho Wo Street and Lower Pak Nai need to find suitable parking spots on the roadside, and there are private parking lots in Lower Pak Nai Village.
A guide to the road for beginners
Want to rent a car with a P brand? No problem! In addition to choosing a P-brand-friendly car, you must also be familiar with the exclusive rules of the P-brand, so that you can hit the road with peace of mind!
P Card Restrictions:
- The “P” sign must be displayed in a prominent position at the front and rear of the vehicle.
- When driving, the maximum speed must not exceed 70 kilometers per hour.
- On expressways with three or more lanes, the rightmost express lane must not be used.
P brand driving practice places:
- Tingjiu Section of Castle Peak Highway: Beautiful scenery, less traffic, and more roundabouts for practice.
- Science Park/Tai Po Industrial Zone: The road is wide, mostly straight roads and light positions, and there are not many vehicles on weekdays, so it is a good place to practice berths.
- Ap Lei Chau: The road conditions are relatively simple, and you can practice driving on slopes and deal with streets with more pedestrians.
Practical tips for picking up and returning the car
A smooth pick-up and drop-off process can be the icing on the cake of your self-driving trip. Remember the following tips to protect your rights and interests!
Pickup checklist: This is the most important step!
- Carefully inspect the body: Go around the car to check for any existing scratches and dents, and use your mobile phone to take photos and videos for evidence.
- Check Documentation: Ensure that the rental company’s vehicle condition report accurately flags all damages.
- Test function: Check whether the lights, air conditioning, audio, etc. are working properly.
- Record fuel and mileage: Confirm the fuel level and current mileage.
Return process:
- Return the car on time: Avoid high overtime fees.
- Top up the fuel: Fill up the fuel tank according to the “take it full of fuel, return it when it’s full” policy.
- Joint inspection: Try to check the vehicle with the staff and sign the confirmation form.
- Bring your personal belongings: Check the compartment and trunk before leaving.
Emergency handling
Don’t be afraid of emergencies during the journey, stay calm, and follow the steps below to deal with them.
Traffic accident handling steps
| step | Key Actions | Important |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Stay calm and make sure it is safe | to stop immediately with the hazard warning lights (dead light on). Under safe circumstances, check whether you and the passengers on board are injured. | Don’t panic. If you are on the highway, move your vehicle to a safe area as soon as possible. |
| 2. Call the police for help (call 999) | Regardless of the size of the accident, you should call the police. | A police report is a necessary document for insurance claims. Never settle privately to avoid voiding your insurance. |
| 3. After contacting the car rental company | to call the police, call the emergency hotline of the car rental company immediately. | The car rental company will provide professional guidance and coordinate follow-up matters. |
| 4. Record on-site information | Under safe conditions, use mobile phones to take photos and videos of the scene to record the location of both vehicles, close-ups of damage, road conditions, license plates and contact information of both parties. | The more detailed the record, the more beneficial it is for subsequent processing. |
| 5. Do not move or admit responsibility | Try not to move the vehicle until the police arrive at the scene. Do not admit any responsibility to the other party. | Liability issues should be dealt with by the police and insurance companies. |
Vehicle breakdown
In the event of a vehicle failure, you should immediately park the vehicle in a safe location and call the 24-hour emergency support hotline provided by the car rental company. Failures caused by non-human factors are the responsibility of the rental car company.
Ready to start your road trip in Hong Kong?
Holimood offers more than 200 models, from affordable Japanese cars to luxurious European sports cars, with a special P-brand-friendly option.
About the Author
This article was written by the Holimood content team . We are a group of experts who love Hong Kong local travel, and we are committed to discovering the most authentic and interesting travel experiences for you. With years of experience in car rental services, we’ve put together the most useful information to help you plan the perfect car trip with ease. Want to learn more? Welcome to our other travel guides.
