Car rental in Thailand

Hello again!

For an upcoming trip to Thailand, I’m looking for names of reliable car rental companies based in Phuket.

I’d also like to know about local road rules and the current amount of traffic "fines."

Are foreigners targeted or profiled when driving a rental vehicle?

The routes I’d be taking aren’t in Phuket itself—Phuket would just be the arrival point—but rather around Khao Lak, Krabi, Surat Thani, and the inland areas in that region.

Thanks! :)

Hi there,

When you search for "car rental Phuket," you’ll find big international companies like Hertz and Europcar. No matter which one you choose, don’t skimp—go for the maximum coverage. If anything goes wrong, don’t touch anything or do anything without calling the insurer first.

For the rules of the road, the principle is that the bigger vehicle has the right of way. Avoid sudden movements with the car—take everything slow, just like everyone else, since many drivers got their licenses in a *surprise packet*. At any moment, a dog might dart across, someone coming toward you could turn and cut you off, and in the city—especially at roundabouts and intersections—you might have a scooter passing you on the right while another zooms by on the left. Keep in mind that some roads can suddenly have deep potholes.

I think some fines are around 500 baht. You’re unlikely to get scammed like in some other countries, and even the police tend to be very fair with tourists who bring so much money into the country.

Watch out: an international driver’s permit is mandatory! !

Thanks for these answers!

Little chance of getting scammed

Perfect. 😛 It’s so annoying to be treated like a walking ATM.

International driver’s permit mandatory!

Yes. We were supposed to go to Thailand in November 2023, but the permit didn’t arrive in time despite applying 6 months ahead...

Better make the most of it now that we finally have it—it’s only valid for 3 years...