Phuket Car Rentals
Do you enjoy independent rides during your journeys? Do you value autonomy in planning your schedule and prefer taking matters into your own hands? If so, you should definitely consider renting a car in Phuket. Phuket car rentals allow you to create your daily itinerary exactly as you like without relying on tedious bus lines, using the unique yet expensive and not-so-comfortable tuk-tuks, or worrying about being overcharged by unlicensed Phuket taxis. Numerous car hire providers are present in Phuket. Indeed, international agencies and local companies operate around the cosmopolitan island. Thus, as soon as you make up your mind, finding your Phuket rental car should be no trouble!
Do you Need a Car to Get Around Phuket?
Driving around Phuket can be challenging, as local drivers often don’t respect traffic laws, motorcycles and scooters are countless and appear from all directions, and traffic jams are common. Despite that fact, Phuket rental cars are a sought-after transit option for the island’s visitors. Indeed, car hire in Phuket is the ideal way to explore the Thai destination. With a rental car, you’ll be able to visit all the popular locations but also hidden gems: remote beaches, temples, and sights that are otherwise practically inaccessible. Even more so, you can head north and cross the bridge connecting Phuket to the Thai mainland to explore further destinations as well.
Is Driving in Phuket Easy?
Overall, driving around Phuket can be demanding. Traffic jams are common, roads are often narrow, and locals tend to drive recklessly. Drivers in Thailand drive on the left side of the road. As a result, motorists from countries where driving is on the right may face difficulties at first. Moreover, not all signs are written in English, making the use of GPS systems essential during rides in Phuket. If you rent a car in Phuket, it’s important to remember that tuk-tuks and motorcycles often have the right of way. Additionally, you should pay extra attention to two-wheel vehicles that often weave through traffic, as well as to pedestrians and animals that may cross the roads unexpectedly. In general terms, although driving around Phuket has its challenges, if you follow the traffic rules and drive carefully, you shouldn’t face any problems during your rides.
Is Phuket Left-Hand Drive?
Drivers in Phuket use the left side of the road to drive. Unlike the USA and most European countries, and similar to the UK, Australia, and Japan, vehicles in Thailand are right-hand-drive, meaning that the steering wheels are to be found on the right side of the vehicles. Hence, if you aren’t familiar with driving on the left side of the road, it is recommended to hire an automatic car rental to make rides easier.
How to Rent a Car in Phuket?
If car hire in Phuket sounds appealing to you, all you’ll have to do is settle on the car rental company and the ideal vehicle type for you. Overall, car hire in Phuket is easy, as there are numerous options available that usually meet the needs of all travelers. Thus, once you compare the alternatives and decide on your Phuket rental car, you’ll have to fill out the relevant booking form, following the given instructions. You’ll be asked to specify your preferences (selected vehicle, additional amenities, rental period, etc.) and provide your personal information. As soon as you complete the procedure, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Be sure to check that all the details are correct and save it, as it may serve as the voucher for your reservation.
Is it Easy to Rent a Car in Phuket?
The only problem you might face when searching for a car rental in Phuket is the abundance of available options. Still, there are some useful tips to make the procedure less challenging and save money on car hire expenses. Specifically, you should consider the following tips to make the most of your car rental experience:
- Book your Phuket car rental as early as possible. In that way, you’ll benefit from lower prices and even special deals, and be sure about availability.
- If you face trouble settling on a car hire company or a car model, you should check reviews from previous customers. You may find valuable and handy information from former customers who have experienced car hire in Phuket and can offer helpful advice.
- Choosing the fuel-to-fuel policy (refilling the vehicle before dropping it off) will probably save you money.
- Phuket car rental companies charge per day. Hence, you should return the rental vehicle on time to avoid extra charges.
- You are strongly advised to take photos or even videos of the rental car before picking it up to capture any existing damage and avoid liability at the end of the rental period.
- Most Phuket car rental companies allow one-way car hire, meaning that you can pick up your rental car from one location and return it to another. Still, extra fees may apply.
- If you want to explore Phuket stress-free and even visit the Thai mainland, you should make sure that your rental car has no mileage limits and that the car hire provider doesn’t set driving location restrictions.
- You can fully customize your Phuket car rental to ensure a smooth transit experience. Thus, you can add extra amenities (GPS, additional driver, luggage racks, children’s seats, etc.) to tailor rides to your needs. However, keep in mind that add-ons will increase the final fare.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Phuket?
If you want to rent a car in Phuket, you’ll need to provide some documents to the car hire agency. Explicitly, you’ll be asked for an ID/passport, a credit card in the main driver’s name, and a valid driving license. Some Phuket car rental companies require the license to have been issued at least one year before the rental period, while others may require a 2-year license. You should check the policy of the chosen provider.
Can Foreigners Rent a Car in Thailand?
Apart from the previously mentioned documents, foreign travelers with driver’s licenses that aren’t written in English and don’t comply with specific criteria must issue an International Driving Permit (IDP). Drivers with a license issued from an ASEAN country aren’t obligated to obtain an IDP.
Our Tip: If your driver’s license isn’t in English, you should always issue an International Driving Permit. Even if the car hire company doesn’t ask for it, it will be necessary in the unfortunate case of an accident.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Car in Phuket?
The majority of Phuket car rental companies set the minimum age limit at 21 years. Still, drivers may have to be at least 25 years old to rent certain vehicle categories, such as luxury cars. In any case, young drivers (21 to 25 years of age) usually pay an extra fee. That being said, it’s important to check the age limit policy of the car hire company you choose.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car in Phuket?
The cost of a Phuket car rental depends on several factors, including the time of the year, the duration of the car hire, the chosen car hire company, the selected vehicle, and the extra amenities. In general terms, the price of a mini car rental in Phuket is around THB 971 ($28/€26,50).
What is the Best Car Rental in Phuket?
In general terms, visitors to the Thai island choose economy and mini car rentals for their rides around Phuket, as they are easy to navigate on narrow streets, facilitate the parking process, and don’t consume much gas. For instance, one of the most popular rental cars in Phuket is the Toyota Yaris. On the other hand, if you travel with 4-5 people and plan to explore rough destinations, an SUV would be the ideal Phuket rental car for you.
Where to Rent a Car in Phuket?
Phuket car rental companies have desks scattered around the island. Thus, you’ll find car hire agencies located inside Phuket International Airport and in the most popular locations of the island, such as Phuket Town and Patong Beach. Overall, renting a car from an off-airport location is considered more affordable than opting for a Phuket airport car rental. In any case, you should do your search, check the prices, and choose the pick-up point that best suits your needs.
Do I Need Insurance to Drive a Car in Phuket?
Car rental in Phuket comes with a minimum insurance package. Thus, a minimum level of insurance should be included in the price of your Phuket car rental. That being said, car hire agencies provide several insurance packages. Therefore, if you want to reduce your liability and drive around Phuket relaxed and stress-free, you should add full insurance to your rental car by paying the extra fee.
Is it Easy to Park a Car in Phuket?
Street parking is the rule in Phuket. Indeed, car parks aren’t numerous, although you’ll find several facilities around the island. Expectantly, parking in the city center of Phuket Town and close to the most popular attractions can be challenging. You should keep in mind that parking isn’t allowed where yellow-white or red-white stripes appear on the road. Moreover, it isn’t advised to park in the areas where taxis and tuk-tuks are lining up. In any case, shopping malls and various restaurants around Phuket offer parking services.
Useful Info about Car Rental in Phuket
- Traffic jams are a common problem in Phuket. Traffic congestion is particularly high during rush hours, that is, from 08:00 am to 09:00 am and from 04:00 pm to 07:00 pm.
- If you relish autonomous rides but don’t feel like driving around Phuket, you could rent a car with a driver.
- The vehicle’s documents should remain on its interior at all times. Moreover, drivers are required to carry their driver’s licenses (and IDP).
- The use of seatbelts is obligatory for all passengers.
- Children under the age of six must be seated in children’s seats.
- Motorists must drive in urban areas at an up-to-50km/h (31 mph) speed, while outside the urban zone, they can drive at an up to 90km/h (56 mph) speed. On highways, the speed limits vary from 100km/h (62 mph) to 110km/h (68 mph). However, if the road signs indicate otherwise, drivers must follow their instructions.
- The use of mobile phones while driving is permitted only with hands-free devices.
- The alcohol blood limit in Phuket is 0.05%. However, the law sets a stricter alcohol limit for new drivers (0.02%).