Feel the need for speed? Want to try your hand at driving before the F1 Grand Prix screeches into town? Big name rental car companies offer deals as low as RMB49 per day for standard size vehicles (though we don't advocate racing a rental car).

Renting wheels lets you crank up the tunes and create your own schedule, but can come with the perils of hidden costs and ambiguous legal stipulations. Our advice is to stick with well-known, international agencies, which are less likely to trick you into unnecessary upgrades and stick you with last minute charges. One favorite is Hertz www.hertzchina.com, which offers electric cars and the option of chauffeur service, allowing you to avoid the hassle of obtaining a local driver’s license. Some drivers even speak basic English, though beware of an extra RMB250 per night if the trip requires overnight travel. In most cases, opting for a chauffeur also means you won’t be responsible for car insurance, which you will otherwise need to purchase from the rental company.

Another great option is China Auto Rental www.zuche.com, which upgraded its services this year to make it easier to rent a car. Now foreign customers as young as 18 with a valid China driver’s license can get a vehicle on the same terms as local customers do. Just select your model online and pick it up at your convenience―most branches are open 24-hours.

Avis Car Rental www.avischina.com also provides a wide range of vehicle options with more than 6,000 cars and outlets in 35 cities across China, making pick-up at one location and drop-off at another much easier. We found a standard vehicle for RMB178 per day with 200 free kilometers and RMB1.9 per km beyond that. Or you can rent the same car for RMB40 per hour.

Before you speed off, know that the largest up-front cost is the deposit, which can run RMB2,000-15,000. Also, rental fees don’t include local insurance, which varies by vehicle (generally starting at RMB20 a day). Similarly crucial is a China driver license. If you don’t have one, find out how to get it here.

For the actual driving, you’re on your own. Try not to kill anyone, especially us.