1. For a self-driving adventure in Xinjiang, renting an SUV is highly advisable. Many areas feature challenging road conditions, with steep and winding mountain paths that can test even the most experienced drivers.
2. We arranged our rental through Ctrip, opting for Maodan Car Rental. The total cost came to 2,574 yuan (including insurance) for an 11-day trip. Initially, we booked a Toyota RAV4 via the platform, but the rental company upgraded us to a KIA Sportage—a vehicle with superior specifications—at no extra charge.
3. Upgrading your insurance is strongly recommended. Xinjiang’s mountain roads are often rugged, and some sections have notoriously poor conditions. In the event of an accident, having comprehensive coverage ensures you’re protected. Remember, though: insurance typically doesn’t cover downtime costs, so cautious driving remains essential to avoid unexpected expenses.
4. How can you waive the deposit? Unfortunately, foreign travelers cannot bypass this requirement, as our Alipay accounts lack access to Sesame Credit. As a result, we paid a 5,000-yuan deposit directly through Ctrip.
5. What about the deposit refund process? Upon returning the car, the rental company refunds 3,000 yuan immediately after inspection. The remaining 2,000 yuan is processed within 15 to 30 days, contingent on any potential traffic violations. Today, after returning the vehicle and completing the inspection, we promptly received our 3,000-yuan refund. The balance will follow shortly.
