The hassles and expense of renting a car mean it's only an option for residents. You need a special licence issued by the PSB for which you need a work card, a residence card and a licence from your own country, and you need to have a health check. Apply for a licence at the DMV, 90 Guangxing Lu, Chaoyang District (tel 64904379). Rental cars are usually Volkswagens made in Shanghai, or Cherokee jeeps made in Beijing, and cost ¥250-300 a day, about the same as renting a taxi for the day. Monthly rental is ¥5,500-7,000