Thailand offers visitors a unique experience with its tropical beaches, historical temples, and vibrant city life. For tourists who want to explore different regions of the country at their own pace, renting a car is a very appealing option. Especially the natural landscapes, rural areas, and coastal towns outside of Bangkok become more accessible in places where public transportation is limited. However, there are some important details that should be known before renting a car in Thailand.
Different traffic rules, driving direction, insurance practices, and rental procedures can sometimes cause confusion for unprepared tourists. Therefore, knowing the key points to pay attention to in advance when renting a car provides a great advantage for a safe and smooth driving experience. The frequently asked questions listed below summarize the essential topics that anyone considering renting a car in Thailand should take into account.
1. Is an international driver’s license required to rent a car in Thailand?
For foreign tourists who want to rent a car in Thailand, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally required. Since Thailand is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention, international licenses issued in accordance with this convention are valid. Drivers coming from countries that are also parties to the Geneva Convention, such as Turkey, can legally drive in Thailand with a valid IDP in addition to their national license. Many car rental companies may request to see both the national license and the IDP during the license check.
Although some rental companies may be willing to proceed with only the driver’s license issued in your home country, this may lead to legal issues. Especially during traffic checks or in the event of an accident, the police may request a valid IDP. If you do not have an international license, you may not be covered by valid insurance or could face fines. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that anyone planning to rent a car in Thailand obtain an international driving permit from their home country before their trip.
2. Is insurance mandatory when renting a car and which types of insurance are recommended?
In Thailand, insurance is generally mandatory when renting a car, and most rental companies include at least basic insurance in the contract. This basic insurance is usually third-party liability insurance, which only covers damages to the other party. However, such insurance does not cover damage to the rented vehicle or the driver, which can result in significant financial burdens in the event of an accident.
Therefore, it is recommended to opt for full coverage insurance when renting a car. This typically includes coverage for collisions, theft, fire, broken glass, tire damage, and various other damages to the vehicle. Additional insurances such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection (TP) may also be offered. Some insurance packages cover driver error, while others are limited to specific situations. Carefully reading the insurance terms, understanding what the policy covers, and purchasing additional insurance if possible is very important for driving safety.
3. Does traffic flow on the left or right side in Thailand? Is driving difficult for foreigners?
In Thailand, traffic flows on the left side and the steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle. This is a different driving system compared to many countries, including Turkey. For drivers who are driving on the left side of the road for the first time, this may initially be confusing. It is important to be especially careful at intersections, curves, and when overtaking. Local traffic characteristics such as pedestrian crossings, high motorcycle density, and narrow streets are also aspects that require adjustment.
Although driving in Thailand may seem challenging for foreign drivers at first, most people find it easier and smoother after a few days of getting used to it. Traffic congestion is high in major cities, and motorcyclists may occasionally make unexpected maneuvers. However, in rural areas and on islands, traffic tends to be calmer. Adopting a safe and cautious driving style ensures a smooth experience for tourists traveling with rental cars. In particular, automatic transmission vehicles may be a more practical choice for foreign drivers.
4. How much is the deposit and which payment methods are accepted?
During the car rental process in Thailand, most companies require a deposit for vehicle security. This deposit amount usually ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 Thai baht (approximately 150–550 USD). The amount may increase depending on the vehicle category, rental duration, and insurance coverage. Lower deposits are common for budget cars, while higher deposits are typical for luxury vehicles or rentals without full coverage insurance. Some companies may require a guarantee close to the vehicle’s value if no insurance is purchased.
In terms of payment methods, credit cards are the most common and preferred option. When using a credit card, the deposit is usually placed as a “pre-authorization” hold and is canceled once the vehicle is returned without issues. While some small rental companies accept cash deposits, this method is not widely used by international chains. If paying in cash, the refund process and conditions should be clearly understood. Additionally, some companies may allow payments via digital wallets (QR payment), bank transfers, or contactless cards, but these methods are not accepted everywhere and may vary by location.
5. Are there age and driver experience requirements for rental cars?
In Thailand, drivers who wish to rent a car are generally required to be at least 21 years old. However, this age limit may be raised to 23 or 25 by some companies. Higher age and experience requirements are often applied for luxury vehicles or high-segment models such as SUVs. Additionally, many rental companies require the driver to have held a valid license for at least one year. In some cases, this period may be extended to two years. These conditions are important for both legal compliance and insurance coverage.
It is also quite common for young drivers to be charged an additional fee. Known as the “young driver surcharge,” this extra fee is usually applied to drivers between the ages of 21 and 24. Due to the higher risk profile of this age group, insurance coverage may be limited, or the deposit amount may be increased. Before renting a vehicle, it is important to ensure that the conditions regarding age and license duration are clearly stated in the rental agreement to avoid potential issues.
6. What should be done in case of an accident? Does the insurance cover everything?
In case you have an accident with a rental car in Thailand, the first step is to move the vehicle to a safe location, turn on the hazard lights, and call an ambulance if necessary. If there are injuries, emergency medical services should be contacted, and the police must be called. After that, the car rental company should be informed as soon as possible. Many companies require a police report and photos related to the accident, so it is important to take detailed pictures of the scene and the damage. Even if the accident is minor, having an official report is essential for insurance claims and deposit refunds.
Comprehensive insurance (full coverage) generally covers collisions, theft, fire, and damages to third parties. However, it does not automatically cover everything. Situations such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, violating traffic laws, or driving without a valid license are not covered by insurance. Additionally, issues like flat tires, broken windows, or interior damage are only covered if extra insurance packages are included. Therefore, it is important to read the insurance policy carefully and consider purchasing additional protection such as CDW (Collision Damage Waiver). Otherwise, the driver may be responsible for the damage costs.
7. What should be considered during the vehicle pick-up and return process?
In the car rental process in Thailand, the most important point during vehicle pick-up is to thoroughly inspect the car. Scratches, dents, windshield cracks, tire condition, and interior cleanliness should be carefully checked, and any existing damage should be documented in the rental agreement. It is also recommended to photograph the fuel level, mileage, and any visible damage. When receiving the car, be sure to collect all necessary documents such as the registration, insurance papers, and contact numbers.
Similar care should be taken when returning the car. The vehicle should generally be returned with the same fuel level as stated in the contract; otherwise, an extra charge may apply. If the vehicle is returned late, additional hourly or daily fees may be charged. Returning the vehicle clean, undamaged, and in accordance with the contract conditions is important for a fast and full refund of the deposit. During the return process, the vehicle should be inspected with a staff member, and a document should be obtained to avoid any disputes.
In Thailand, additional services offered during car rentals—such as GPS devices, child seats, and portable Wi-Fi—are generally subject to extra charges. Rental companies provide these items upon request, and the fees are calculated on a daily basis. For example, a GPS device may cost around 100–200 baht per day, a child seat 150–300 baht, and portable Wi-Fi 200–400 baht. Although prices vary by company, the total cost of these services over the rental period can be a significant additional expense.
Some large and international car rental companies may offer these services free of charge during promotional periods or provide discounts for long-term rentals. However, in most cases, these needs should be specified and requested during the reservation process. Otherwise, last-minute requests may result in availability issues. Some newer car models may come with built-in GPS, so this should be considered when choosing a vehicle. Alternatives such as bringing your own child seat or using your personal internet plan can also be considered.
9. Are traffic rules strictly enforced? How are parking violations and fines handled?
In Thailand, traffic rules are increasingly enforced, especially in major cities and tourist areas. Traffic police regularly carry out checks for speeding violations, failure to wear seat belts, motorcyclists not wearing helmets, and driving under the influence of alcohol. In recent years, electronic monitoring systems and cameras have become more widespread, making it easier to detect traffic violations. Foreign tourists are also subject to these rules, and fines are usually applied immediately.
Illegal parking is one of the most common issues in Thailand. In busy cities like Bangkok, parking regulations are clearly defined, and vehicles parked in prohibited areas may be towed or immobilized with a wheel clamp. Fines typically range from 400 to 1,000 baht, and a ticket is usually left on the vehicle. If you encounter such a situation with a rental car, you are responsible for paying the fine; unpaid fines can cause issues during vehicle return and may result in a deduction from the deposit. Therefore, paying attention to parking signs and using paid parking lots when possible is a safer choice.
10. How are toll road, bridge, or parking fees paid in Thailand? How does this system work with rental cars?
In Thailand, tolls are applied for highways, bridges, and certain private roads. These fees are generally collected through toll booths and can be paid by cash, prepaid cards (M-Pass or Easy Pass), or automatic systems. In major cities, especially on expressways and certain bridges around Bangkok, toll roads are common. While fees vary based on distance, they are generally low in amount. Parking fees are usually charged hourly or daily at shopping malls, hotels, and private parking areas.
For rental cars, this system may function differently. Some vehicles are equipped with Easy Pass or M-Pass devices, allowing toll fees to be automatically charged and added to the total rental cost at the end. If the car does not have such a device, the driver must stop and pay cash at each toll booth. Parking fees must be paid directly by the driver. During the rental process, it is important to ask whether the vehicle is equipped with these systems and clarify how the charges will be applied. It should also be noted that an additional service fee may be charged for the use of highway devices.