Can I Rent a Car in Thailand?

Question:

I have heard that foreigners can rent cars in Thailand if they pay at least 50 percent cash. Is this true?

Yours truly, "Poor"

Answer:

It can certainly be expensive to rent a car in Thailand, and the major national / international chains gladly demand high deposits—20-30,000 baht—but we have found no discrimination against foreigners when it comes to renting. And, we have not found anyone with a policy to charge a deposit of fifty percent.

In general, small local rental companies are the cheapest. They also have the lowest deposits, often in the range 7-10,000 baht. International brands often require a minimum of 20,000 baht deposit, which must be deducted from a credit card. Industry leader Hertz requires 30,000 baht.

The tourist spots in Thailand feature many small car rental companies, and they are often very affordable. The firm called “Pattaya Rent-a-Car” charges 8,000 baht per week for small cars and requires a week’s rent as a deposit. But, they also have a reservation fee of 2,000 baht, so the total is 10,000 baht. The minimum age for renting a car is 21 years. You need to show ID card and driver’s license (for Thais) or passport and international driver’s license (for foreigners). Foreigners with a national driver’s license in English can use this. They charge extra if there are more than one person who will be driving. You can drive as far as you want at no extra charge, just return the car with a full tank of gas.

The firm “Thai Rent-A-Car” is a large Thai-owned company which operates nationwide. They allow foreign customers as long as they have a valid driver's license in English from their own country, or alternatively an international driver’s license. Passports and visas must be in order, and they have a 20,000 baht deposit for cars with engines under 1,600 cc, and 40,000 baht for cars over 1600 cc, but that is true whether you are Thai or foreigner. This company operates only via credit card. Insurance is included in the prices, and it covers the driver and passengers. It covers up to 200,000 baht in medical expenses and ambulance, and up to 1 million baht in case of death.

Checklist before you rent a car:

1. Consider renting a car with a driver, then you don’t have to worry about the other items on the list.

2. Countries with left-hand traffic, such as Thailand, India and Cyprus, have significantly higher accident frequency according to the magazine Travel & Leisure.

3. Choose the right company. The large, international chains are often more expensive, but they have a larger selection, and the cars are often newer and in better condition. And, they tend to have many service stations.

4. Choose a deal with unlimited mileage in the price, and go through all the possible additional costs with the company, so you know in advance how much you should pay.

5. The insurance should cover Third Party Liabiliy, Collision Damage Waiver/Insurance and Theft/Loss Waiver/Insurance of the vehicle. Be aware of your deductible!

6. Check the rental car carefully for scratches, dents and other damages before driving off. Take pictures of the car from all sides for proof. Make sure that any damage is written into the contract. Also, check the condition of the tires.

7. Most car rental companies require an imprint of your credit card as security for the car. Request that the company tear this up when you return the car. Otherwise, they can draw extra funds if they believe there is too little fuel in the tank or you have damaged the car somehow.

(From Thailands Tidende Issue 10/2011)