Renting a Car in Thailand: What You Need to Know

Renting a car is a great way to explore the Kingdom of Thailand, especially if you’re not staying in Bangkok.

Having a car in Thailand makes it easier for you to visit different places in the country at your own pace and venture off the beaten path.

You can discover Thailand’s quaint villages, natural parks, and secluded sandy beaches that aren’t part of the usual tourist itineraries.

This guide shows you how to find and rent a car of your choice, the cost of car rentals, and other important things to consider. Or, you can use the form below to find out available deals right away.

If you want to skip all the details and get right to renting a car in Thailand, check out Discover Cars.

If you want to get into the nitty-gritty of renting a car, continue reading.

Disclaimer: This article may include links to products or services offered by ExpatDen’s partners, which give us commissions when you click on them. Although this may influence how they appear in the text, we only recommend solutions that we would use in your situation. Read more in our Advertising Disclosure.

Do You Need to Rent a Car in Thailand?

The answer to this question depends on where you plan to travel in Thailand. I

If it’s Bangkok, you won’t need to rent a car, as it’s much more convenient to use the available public transportation options. If it’s other provinces, and you only plan to stay inside a city, again, renting a car is not necessary.

However, if you plan to travel around, enjoy a road trip, and fully explore what Thailand has to offer, renting a car is highly recommended.

Bangkok

Although you can rent a car from any car rental company mentioned in this article in Bangkok, it’s not a good idea to rent a car and drive in the city.

It’s a real challenge to drive in Bangkok, especially when you’re new to the country. Traffic can be a nightmare, roads can be hard to navigate, and some drivers don’t follow traffic rules.

In addition to that, many popular attractions in Bangkok don’t have sufficient parking lots. 

Therefore, it’s much more convenient to take public transportation, whether that’s a taxi, MRT, or BTS.

The exception is when you want to drive to a nearby province such as Chonburi (home to Pattaya City), Ayutthaya, or Nakhon Nayok. 

In this case, the most convenient way to rent a car is at the airport. All major car rental companies in Thailand allow you to pick up and drop off rental cars at both Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport. 

Phuket

It’s highly recommended to rent a car in Phuket. It won’t only allow you to explore all of the island, but you can even save money on taxi fares, which tend to be very expensive in the province. 

In fact, a one-way airport transfer in Phuket could cost just as much as renting a car for the day. 

You have plenty of car rental options in Phuket. All major car rental companies in this article have branches on the island. There’s also a company that’s dedicated to jeeps rental if you want to go off-roading. 

One thing you need to be careful of when driving in Phuket is that roads can be small and steep in certain areas because of the mountainous terrain. 

Chiang Mai

If you plan to visit mountains in Chiang Mai, renting a car is a good idea.

Advertisement

You have fewer car rental options in Chiang Mai than in Phuket or Bangkok. Still, all major car rental companies have branches in the province. And Chiang Mai has more local companies than the two aforementioned provinces. 

These local companies tend to be cheaper. For example, you can rent a car from T Carrent Chaing Mai from 700 baht per day. It has a decent selection of cars and accepts cash. You will need to contact them via Facebook for a booking.

In some cases, customer service at these local companies might also be better than the service you’d receive at international companies.

Pattaya

You may not need to rent a car in Pattaya since the city can be small with a lot of transportation options, especially when you plan to spend most of your time in Pattaya City near Walking Street.

Hua Hin

If you plan to visit Hua Hin, you should rent a car. Although Grab and taxis are more reasonably priced in Hua Hin than Pattaya, attractions are quite far apart from each other, so it would be more time and cost-effective to rent a car. 

You can rent a car from Bangkok and drive there easily for just 3 hours.

There are quite a few rental companies to choose from, including Budget, Hertz, and Chic Car. The cost of renting a car in Hua Hin is the same as renting one in Bangkok with these companies.

Koh Samui

Most people who visit Samui don’t need a car because they spend most of their time at the hotel or resort or on a tour that includes transportation.

But if you want to explore Samui on your own, you’ll need to take a car or scooter because taxis and public transportation are very limited and pricey. 

Even though there are local rental companies on the island, it’s best to go with a larger company like Hertz, Budget, or Avis to make sure everything goes smoothly and there are no hidden costs. 

You can also ask your hotel to help you rent or hire a car during your time on Koh Samui. 

Krabi

Krabi is a larger island, so renting a car would be useful to explore all the beaches, national parks, and surrounding areas. 

Driving around Krabi is also easy; most signs are available in both English and Thai. 

All major rental companies operate from Krabi Airport. Prices are quite different among the companies, so we recommended using comparison portals to get the best rental deal.

Preparing to Rent a Car

Before you rent a car in Thailand, you should know about a few things, like if you’re eligible, what you need, and what you’re up against.

Age Requirements

The minimum age is set by car rental companies. Some companies set the minimum age at 21, while other car rental companies require the driver to be at least 23.

All car rental companies in Thailand require the driver to have a driver’s license for at least one year. Luxury cars are reserved for more experienced drivers.

Driving License Requirements

If you plan to rent a car in Thailand, you should obtain an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) from your home country before arriving in Thailand.

Additionally, you need to carry your IDP along with your passport, which should include a valid visa stamp, as traffic police may request them occasionally.

If you’re planning a long-term stay in Thailand, it’s advisable to acquire a Thai driver’s license. This process is straightforward, especially if you already have a driver’s license from your home country.

Read our guide on obtaining a Thai driving license provides detailed instructions on how to do this.

Can I Use My Home Country’s Driver’s License to Drive in Thailand?

Regarding the question, “Can I use my home country’s driver’s license to drive in Thailand?” there has been much debate.

Online research reveals mixed experiences; some people report being able to drive in Thailand using their home country’s driver’s license.

Legally, however, a foreign driver’s license is not recognized in Thailand.

While traffic police might occasionally accept it, this approach has risks, particularly regarding insurance coverage.

To avoid any issues, it’s always safer to secure an International Driver’s Permit or a Thai driver’s license.

Cost of Renting a Car

The cost of renting a car varies depending on the location in Thailand and the car rental company.

But car rental companies like Avis and Budget tend to offer standardized prices.

The other major factor that affects rental costs is the size and style of the car.

The cost for renting a small, standard budget car starts at 1,200 baht per day and runs all the way up to 4,000 baht per day for a luxury model.

You could pay as much as 5,000 baht per day for a large, luxury car with a few added extras.

Below is an average daily price for popular models.

Model	Daily Price (THB)	Daily Price (USD)
Toyota Yaris 1.2	THB1,400	US$42
Toyota Vios	THB1,500	US$45
Toyota Altis	THB1,800	US$55
Toyota Camry	THB2,200	US$67
Mitsubishi Pajero	THB2,500	US$76
BMW 3 Series	THB10,000	US$303
BMW 520D	THB10,000	US$303

You can get discounts by making a reservation in advance.

It’s always a good idea to use a comparison site and book online at least a month in advance to get the best deal.

There is also a standard VAT charge of 7%, which is usually included in the rental charge.

There is a 24-hour minimum rental charge, as well. If you return the car late, you should expect to pay extra charges or a full day’s rate.

Some rental companies like Sixt don’t charge for a few additional hours.

If you want to extend your rental period beyond the agreed length of time, you usually need to let the rental company know at least two days in advance.

Rental companies then charge you the regular daily rate. Added features, like baby seats and GPS, increase daily rates.

If you rent a car for several weeks or even months, you may get a discount.

Sponsored

Price Fluctuation and Promotion

Rental prices tend to drop slightly in the low season (July to September) and rise in the high season (November to March).

Many of the larger car rental companies offer special deals and promotions throughout the year.

The remaining number of cars the rental company has for your date also affects your rental costs.

If there are a lot of rental cars left, the cost is lower. If there are only a few left, the price goes up.

But some rental companies have a fixed price, no matter what time of year or how many cars they have left.

These are usually small companies aiming at long-term rentals.

Security Deposit

After selecting the type of car, you want to rent, you need to leave your credit card details with the rental company and pay a deposit. It can be between 8,000 baht and 15,000 baht, depending on the type of your car.

You can pay the remaining balance upon returning the vehicle.

Payment Method

Although most car rental companies prefer drivers to pay using a credit card, some small local companies can take cash or wire transfer.

Two major credit cards, Visa and Mastercard, are accepted throughout Thailand, while American Express and Diners Club are used sparingly as they are not as widely accepted as the two aforementioned cards.

Car Rental Procedure

When renting a car in Thailand, the procedure is usually the same with every company. Here’s what to expect.

Signing a Car Rental Contract

To rent a car in Thailand, you must sign a car rental contract, which is a legally binding document designed to protect you and the rental company.

Before signing, however, you should ask certain questions such as:

• What am I expected to do if the car breaks down?
• What happens if I lose the car key?
• What phone numbers can I call if the car is stolen, breaks down, or is damaged?

Car rental contracts vary between companies, but generally you get a few pages of A4-sized paper full of terms and conditions written in fine print.

You might be tempted to skim through contracts and sign them as quickly as possible.

If you don’t read and understand all of the terms and conditions, you could have problems later on.

International companies usually post a copy of their car rental contract online, which allows you to read it in advance so you understand and agree with everything.

Here’s what a typical car rental contract looks like.

There are three things to be aware of before signing the contract.

• Fuel: First, you must return the rental car with a full tank of gas or pay extra for the car rental company to fill up the tank, usually at a much higher price of gas.
• Mileage Limit: Second, if there is a clause in the contract that limits the amount of miles that can be covered, you should stay within the limits. The excess mileage fee can be very high.
• Late Return: Third, you may be charged for returning the rental car late or early. It’s important to check this carefully before signing the contract.

Inspecting the Rental Car

You should fully inspect the rental car along with a member of the rental car company before signing the rental car contract.

There are several things to pay attention to while walking around the car and checking for obvious signs of damage.

If you happen to notice scratches, dents, or other signs or damage, take pictures and point them out to the member of staff and make sure the staff notes it.

You and the company should keep a signed record to prevent being charged for this damage when you return the vehicle.

Make sure that the license plates on the rental car are current and that the tires are fully inflated and have even tread wear.

The interior of the vehicle should be clean and tidy with the owner’s manual in the glove box.

Check under the hood and trunk, and look for a spare tire, lug wrench, and jack.

Picking Up and Dropping Off the Car

If you plan to use a rental car to explore Thailand, you may find that you have to leave the country at a different airport or land border from where you arrived.

In this case, you can specify your preferred drop off location when renting the car.

Many of the larger car rental companies have several offices throughout the country, so selecting a different drop off location isn’t usually a problem.

For example, you can fly to Bangkok, rent a car there, take a road trip to Chiang Mai, and then return the car there. In some cases, rental car companies may charge a small fee.

Advertisement

Some companies also charge a fee for dropping off the rental car outside of office hours.

Most car rental companies in Thailand offer a delivery and pickup service, but these should be booked in advance.

The service is usually free if you are located within 10 km of the nearest rental office, otherwise, car rental companies charge a collection fee.

Inspecting the Car During Drop Off

When you return your rental car, a staff member inspects it carefully.

In addition to checking for damage, the staff checks the trunk, glove box, storage compartments, underneath the back and front seats, and the mileage and gas gauge.

If they find any dents or scratches, you are expected to pay for them.

Check out this website for a full car rental checklist.

Car Rental Companies in Thailand

You can choose to rent a car from many different local and international car rental companies in Thailand.

But because the rates, insurance coverage, and types of vehicles differ between each company, you should use a comparison site to get the best deal.

Local Thai car rental companies generally offer better prices, both in terms of the rental price and other related costs like insurance, delivery services, and extras.

In addition, they tend to be flexible and less strict with policies and regulations, making communication easier in case a renter encounters unexpected problems.

On the other hand, when renting a car from an international company, you get international standards and service.

International companies generally have better selections of vehicles with more branches throughout Thailand.

If you’re an Avis, Hertz, or other international car rental company customer, you can collect membership points for discounts on future car rentals.

Local Companies

When it comes to local rental car companies, Thailand has a lot of options. Below are some of the more popular choices

Thai Rent a Car

Minimum Age Requirement	21
Estimated Price Per Day	THB1200 – THB2,550
Minimum Rental Period	1
Deposit	THB5,000 -THB 25,000
Cash Acceptance	No
Debit Card Acceptance	No
Weekly Rent Estimated Discount	15%
Monthly Rent Estimated Discount	25%
Contact Number	1647
Office Locations	Most parts of Thailand
LDW/CDW Excess Amounts	THB5,000 – THB10,700
Super Collision Damage Waiver	THB200 – THB500 a day
Personal Accident Insurance	Not provided
Theft Protection	Included in LDW/CDW
Excess for Total Loss	THB4,280 – THB10,700
GPS	N/A
Child Seat	100 THB a day
Out of Hours Charge	No
Additional Driver Charge	No
Delivery Pickup/Return	Price based on duration
Grace Period	4 hours

Thai Rent a Car is the biggest and one of the most well-known car rental companies in Thailand.

They’ve been in the industry for over 30 years and have many branches and counting spread across Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Khon Kaen. 

Thai Rent a Car has similar standards and policies as international companies but at cheaper prices. Walk-in prices are also good and they have short wait times.

Thai Rent a Car fleet offers about more than 10 available models in total.

Toyota and Mitsubishi are the main vehicles in their standard fleet.

The luxury fleet includes vehicles from Mercedes Benz, but with five different sedan models to choose from.

But Thai Rent a Car uses the base car models for their luxury fleet, so you might not get basic features such as a remote key.

Thai Rent a Car may offer a free delivery and pickup service if you’re located near one of their offices.

There is a surcharge of THB250-THB400 per day for weekend rentals and THB500/day for public holidays and peak periods. 

Chic Car Rent

Minimum Age Requirement	21
Estimated Price Per Day	THB820 – THB2,100
Minimum Rental Period	1-2 Days
Deposit	THB5,000
Cash Acceptance	No
Debit Card Acceptance	No
Weekly Rent Estimated Discount	15%
Monthly Rent Estimated Discount	25%
Contact Number	+6622866799
Office Locations	A few major tourism provinces
LDW/CDW Excess Amounts	THB2,000 – THB10,000
Super Collision Damage Waiver	THB100 a day
Personal Accident Insurance	Not provided
Theft Protection	THB100 a day
Excess for Total Loss	THB10,000
GPS	THB100 a day
Child Seat	THB200a day
Out of Hours Charge	THB535 – THB1,070
Additional Driver Charge	No
Delivery Pickup/Return	15 km within Bangkok, only for renting at least 3 days
Grace Period	4 hours

Chic Car Rent is a prominent Thai car rental company that was established in 2004.

The company has pick-up locations in 18 airports in Thailand, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Ubon Ratchathani, and more. The full list is available on their website. 

Chic Car Rent is supported by the leading Honda dealer in Thailand. And they supply customers with a full range of Hondas, from economy models to full-size SUVs.

Chic Car Rent is among the cheapest car rental companies in Thailand, with the average starting price at only 820 baht per day. 

There is a minimum rental of 2 days for bookings made Friday-Sunday or on public holidays. 

Similar to Thai Rent a Car, rental cars from Chic Car Rent are usually standard models in the series.

Chic Car Rent has offices and kiosks mainly at airports and a few in downtown Bangkok and Pattaya.

Bizcar Rental

Minimum Age Requirement	23
Estimated Price Per Day	THB1,300 – THB6,500
Minimum Rental Period	1
Deposit	THB5,000
Cash Acceptance	No
Debit Card Acceptance	No
Weekly Rent Estimated Discount	–
Monthly Rent Estimated Discount	–
Contact Number	+66818608483
Office Locations	Most major tourism provinces
LDW/CDW Excess Amounts	THB321 a day
Super Collision Damage Waiver	THB200 – THB300
Personal Accident Insurance	Not provided
Theft Protection	Included in LDW/CDW
Excess for Total Loss	N/A
GPS	Free of Charge
Child Seat	Free of Charge
Out of Hours Charge	N/A
Additional Driver Charge	Free of Charge
Delivery Pickup/Return	Free within 10 km
Grace Period	59 minutes

Bizcar Rental is another well known Thai car rental company that was established more than 15 years ago in Bangkok.

Bizcar Rental stands out because they offer a range of economy and luxury cars, SUVs, and vans from Toyota, Honda, and Mercedes Benz.

Bizcar Rental also offers chauffeur services but you will need to contact them via email or phone to book this service.

While the company headquarters is in Bangkok, you can find branches in Rayong, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Their branches in Suvarnabhumi, Don Muang, and Phuket offer 24-hour services. 

ASAP Car Rental

Minimum Age Requirement	21
Estimated Price Per Day	THB900 to THB2,700
Minimum Rental Period	1
Deposit	THB6,000
Cash Acceptance	No
Debit Card Acceptance	No
Weekly Rent Estimated Discount	10 percent
Monthly Rent Estimated Discount	25 percent to 30 percent
Contact Number	+6620918000
Office Locations	Most major tourism provinces
LDW/CDW Excess Amounts	THB5,000
Super Collision Damage Waiver	THB200
Personal Accident Insurance	Included in CDW
Theft Protection	Included in LDW/CDW
Excess for Total Loss	N/A
GPS	N/A
Child Seat	Free of Charge
Out of Hours Charge	Hourly rate
Additional Driver Charge	Free of Charge
Delivery Pickup/Return	THB10 per km
Grace Period	4 hours

ASAP car rental is a Thai-owned company that provides both short- and long-term rental services in Thailand. The company is owned by Synergetic Auto Performance, which also deals with used cars, insurance, and corporate car rentals. 

ASAP provides car rental services mainly through its mobile app, but you can also use Line to book as well. 

It can be found in most major Thai airports in Thailand and is easy to spot because its kiosks are almost always located near the baggage claim areas. The full list of pick-up locations are available on the app. 

ASAP’s fleet consists of these four Toyota models: Yaris, Vios, CHR, and Fortuner.

There are promotional codes and prices available on the app. ASAP also sells discounted vouchers on Lazada. This means you can get a Toyota Fortuner for THB1,800 per day instead of the standard THB2,700.

SCB cardholders can also receive up to a 30 percent discount on total booking.

International Companies

Local companies aren’t your only choice when renting a car in Thailand. You can also use an international car rental company.

Sixt

Minimum Age Requirement	21
Estimated Price Per Day	THB800 – THB9,000
Minimum Rental Period	1
Deposit	THB8,000 – THB30,000
Cash Acceptance	No
Debit Card Acceptance	No
Weekly Rent Estimated Discount	N/A
Monthly Rent Estimated Discount	N/A
Contact Number	1798
Office Locations	Most major tourism provinces
LDW/CDW Excess Amounts	THB8,000 – THB15,000
Super Collision Damage Waiver	THB200 a day
Personal Accident Insurance	THB100 a day
Theft Protection	Included in LDW/CDW
Excess for Total Loss	THB50,000 THB
GPS	THB200 a day
Child Seat	THB300 a day
Out of Hours Charge	THB321 per hour
Additional Driver Charge	No
Delivery Pickup/Return	Not provided
Grace Period	3 hours

Sixt is the among the largest car rental companies in the world and boasts several locations scattered throughout Thailand.

Sixt Thailand has a range of cars for rent. Their fleet consists of Honda and Toyota, and luxury and premium cars from BMW and Peugeot. They’ve recently added electric vehicles as well from BYD, ORA Good Cat, and MG. 

They offer the lowest excess rate among international companies, starting at THB8,000, which is THB2,000 lower than other companies.

In addition, the theft protection insurance is also included in their LDW, but it comes with the most expensive excess at THB50,000.

Extras provided by Sixt such as GPS and a child seat are generally higher than those of other international service providers.

Despite not having delivery service, Sixt Thailand airport offices make it easier to pick up and return a car if you travel by plane.

Their prices are higher than average, but they come with a grace period of three hours—six times longer than the grace period offered by other companies.

Hertz

Minimum Age Requirement	21
Estimated Price Per Day	THB1,200 – THB2,500
Minimum Rental Period	1 day
Deposit	THB10,000
Cash Acceptance	No
Debit Card Acceptance	No
Weekly Rent Estimated Discount	16%
Monthly Rent Estimated Discount	35%
Contact Number	+6622664666
Office Locations	Most parts of Thailand
LDW/CDW Excess Amounts	THB2,000 – THB10,000
Super Collision Damage Waiver	THB200 – THB500 a day
Personal Accident Insurance	THB160 a day
Theft Protection	Included in SCDW
Excess for Total Loss	THB30,000
GPS	THB214 a day
Child Seat	THB321 a day
Out of Hours Charge	Fixed cost at THB1,000
Additional Driver Charge	No
Delivery Pickup/Return	Free within 15 km
Grace Period	30 minutes. After that, 1/4 of daily rate applied per hour

Hertz has one of the largest selections of vehicles in Thailand.

Drivers looking for newer models of rental cars from Honda and Toyota can be certain that Hertz carries them.

This is one of the most popular and experienced car rental companies in the world. Expect to get similar standards as Hertz locations in other countries.

Similar to Sixt, Hertz provides Toyota and Honda cars as its two main car companies. They also offer ORA Good Cat under their electric vehicle options.

Also, the THB10,000 deposit is around two times lower than their international competitors.

Average daily prices are higher than average, but Hertz has deals for long-term renters, providing a 15% discount for weekly rentals and 35% for month rentals.

Hertz also offers free delivery service within a 15-kilometer radius from all of its Thailand offices.

Hertz charges a quarter of their daily rates for every hour you return the car late.

Avis

Minimum Age Requirement	21
Estimated Price Per Day	THB800 – THB1,600
Minimum Rental Period	1
Deposit	THB20,000
Cash Acceptance	No
Debit Card Acceptance	No
Weekly Rent Estimated Discount	–
Monthly Rent Estimated Discount	30%
Contact Number	+6622511131
Office Locations	Most parts of Thailand
LDW/CDW Excess Amounts	THB8,000 – THB15,000
Super Collision Damage Waiver	THB300 – THB500 a day
Personal Accident Insurance	THB128 a day
Theft Protection	THB300 – THB500 a day
Excess for Total Loss	THB8,000 – THB15,000
GPS	N/A
Child Seat	THB170 a day
Out of Hours Charge	THB300 per hour
Additional Driver Charge	THB170 a day
Delivery Pickup/Return	Free for long-term rentals
Grace Period	4 hours

Avis is another leading international car rental company that has offices in Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Samui, Krabi, and Hat Yai.

The company offers a full range of vehicles for customers to choose from.

Avis daily rates are some of the lowest for their standard vehicles. They also offer up to 50% discounts with a valid boarding pass from Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, and Thai AirAsia.  

However, some rental cars might be in poor condition. Inspect the rental car before signing the contract.

The long-term rental option is a good deal for expats who plan on spending at least a month or even years in Thailand but don’t want to buy a car. 

The monthly price to rent a Toyota Yaris or Toyota Vios starts around THB15,000 a month. 

The company also offers limousine and other first rate services. And their car rental contract is clear and straightforward.

Avis fleets consist of vehicles from Honda and Toyota, ranging from economy to mid-size cars and from trucks to vans.

Although Avis charges for extras such as an additional driver, theft protection insurance, and baby seats, they offer a free grace period of four hours and one-time free reservation modification. 

In addition, a long-term renter can enjoy their free delivery and pickup service within 30 kilometers of one of their offices when you rent for at least five days.

Europcar

Minimum Age Requirement	21
Estimated Price Per Day	THB1300 – THB5,000
Minimum Rental Period	1 day
Deposit	THB12,000
Cash Acceptance	No
Debit Card Acceptance	No
Weekly Rent Estimated Discount	–
Monthly Rent Estimated Discount	–
Contact Number	+6622030739
Office Locations	Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket
LDW/CDW Excess Amounts	THB15,000
Super Collision Damage Waiver	THB450 a day
Personal Accident Insurance	THB160 a day
Theft Protection	THB160 a day
Excess for Total Loss	THB15,000
GPS	THB400 a day
Child Seat	THB500 a day
Out of Hours Charge	N/A
Additional Driver Charge	THB214 a day
Delivery Pickup/Return	No
Grace Period	30 minutes

Europcar has been in business for more than 60 years and expanded into Thailand in 2015.

With more than 3,700 different locations around the world, Europcar is now the largest car rental company on the planet.

Average prices are normally higher than average, but they offer several extras, including an additional driver, child seats, navigation system, and insurance.

The company has offices in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Krabi, Samui, and Khon Kaen. 

Europcar carries a variety of cars from Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota, and Honda with choices of sedans and family cars.

Europcar has the most expensive car insurance cost of all. They have the highest excess at THB15,000 per accident unless you buy SCDW for 300 baht a day.

Budget

Minimum Age Requirement	21
Estimated Price Per Day	THB1,000 – THB2,000
Minimum Rental Period	1
Deposit	THB20,000
Cash Acceptance	No
Debit Card Acceptance	No
Weekly Rent Estimated Discount	–
Monthly Rent Estimated Discount	20%
Contact Number	+6622039222
Office Locations	Most parts of Thailand
LDW/CDW Excess Amounts	THB10,000 – THB20,000
Super Collision Damage Waiver	THB199 – THB289 a day
Personal Accident Insurance	Included in SCDW
Theft Protection	THB69 – THB99 a day
Excess for Total Loss	THB10,000 – THB20,000
GPS	THB200 THB a day
Child Seat	THB200 a day
Out of Hours Charge	No
Additional Driver Charge	THB200 a day
Delivery Pickup/Return	Free within 3 km
Grace Period	59 minutes. ⅓ daily rate applied for every extra hour.

As the name suggests, Budget specializes in providing low-cost rental vehicles and boasts several different branches in Thailand.

The company has 33 locations throughout Thailand and they’ve established a strong reputation for quality service and well-maintained cars.

Budget also updates their range of cars, SUVs, mini vans, and trucks, while delivering friendly service.

Honda and Toyota are the two main fleets of Budget.

Budget has eight models starting from economic cars like Toyota Yaris to higher-end models like Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu Dmax, and vans.

Budget vehicles are usually in good condition since they promise to use only the latest models and replace their fleet every two years.

Budget also offers a free delivery service within three kilometers of their offices.

Budget doesn’t charge for out-of-hour operations, making it a good choice for those who fly at night or early in the morning.

Car Rental Comparison Sites

Using a car rental comparison portal is a good way to find the best and most affordable options.

It provides a quick and effective way to compare the costs of rental cars, the vehicles offered, and other important factors side by side.

You can also see reviews and ratings from other customers to get a better idea of the service you are likely to receive, which can differ from the mostly positive reviews found on individual car rental company sites.

However, you might not be able to collect rewards and loyalty points provided by international car rental companies for repeat customers. Nonetheless, using a car rental comparison site is still a great way to quickly find a good car rental deal in Thailand.

Discover Cars, for example, offers a dedicated car rental page and allows visitors to see many options at a glance.

You can find both international and local car rental companies there.

They also provide a comprehensive table of what each car rental company offers in the specified location, such as:

• The specific address of the office
• Whether delivery to another address is possible
• Whether tax is included
• The types of insurance included

In addition to Discover Cars, you can check out Rentalcars and Skyscanner.

Rental Car Insurance

When renting a car in Thailand, car insurance is something you shouldn’t overlook.

Por Ror Bor

All rental cars in Thailand come with compulsory third-party liability insurance, known as “por ror bor” in Thai. However, it only offers limited coverage for injury and death to anyone involved in an accident, providing THB80,000 for medical expenses and THB300,000 for loss of life.

Collision Damage Waiver

In addition to Por Ror Bor, a Collision Damage Waiver is usually included. This means if you have an accident, you’ll need to pay a specific amount as an excess to repair the rental car. However, the coverage amount and excess can vary significantly.

Some companies may require an excess of THB8,000, while others may ask for more than THB10,000. It’s important to check the coverage amount offered before renting a car.

Super Collision Damage Waiver

A Super Collision Damage Waiver is typically available as an add-on.

It generally costs between THB200 and THB400 per day and allows you to waive the excess in case of an accident.

Please note that even with a Super Collision Damage Waiver, it only covers exterior damage from an accident. For interior damage, such as car seat damage, you may need to pay out of pocket to repair it.

Other Insurance Options

Certain travel insurance plans may include car rental insurance.

However, it’s often available as additional coverage and typically covers collision damage.

Coverage varies significantly between travel insurance companies, so it’s highly recommended to thoroughly understand what is and isn’t covered.

This is similar to insurance from a credit card, which usually comes with limited coverage for personal accidents and doesn’t cover collision damage.

Alternative Options

If you do not want to rent a car, there are also other options that give you a private transportation option in Thailand.

Van Rentals with a Driver

In Thailand, you can rent a van with a driver who takes you to any part of Thailand. It’s suitable for those who travel with a big group since 8-10 people can easily fit in the van.

A van rental with a driver is usually provided by an individual who purchases a van of their own and provides this service. So, the driver is also the owner of the van in many cases.

It costs around THB2,000 to THB3,000 per day to rent a van with a driver, excluding fuel and tolls. In total, eight to 10 people can fit in the van. 

Although it’s not necessary, you should also pay for the driver’s accommodations if you’re taking an overnight trip. This is to make sure that your driver is well rested so that he or she can drive safely. When it comes to meals, it’s also common in Thailand to provide food for your driver. 

The easiest way to find a van rental with a driver is to use a travel website such as Klook. You can choose your initial destination on the website, but you can then tell your driver to stop anywhere during the trip.

Car Sharing

Car sharing is a relatively new business model in Thailand. It is an alternative to traditional car rentals where people rent or share cars at any time via their smartphone. 

The most popular one currently is Haupcar, which is modeled after Zipcar, the world’s largest car-sharing service.

They are a startup in Thailand founded in 2016 and provides 24-hour car rental services via its mobile app. 

Instead of going to car rental shops, you can easily use your phone or Haupcar card to pick up a rental at one of its mobility stations in shopping malls, condo parking lots, and hotels throughout Bangkok.

There are also pickup points in Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. The full list is on the app and updates regularly as more people join Haupcar. 

To register for an account, all you need is to upload your Thai or international driver’s license that is valid for one year or more, and your passport. 

It can take up to 24 hours for approval. You can start booking cars once your documents are verified. 

This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to apply for, pick up, and return a Haupcar.

You can rent a vehicle for as little as 30 minutes. You pay only for the amount of time and the number of kilometers you drive.

Gas and insurance are also included in the rental fee, so you won’t have to worry about filling up after you return the car. 

Because it’s a car-sharing business, there are many makes and models to choose from. Haupcar also has a large selection of electric vehicles. And its luxury fleet contains some BMW models. 

Haupcar charges an average of THB120 per hour for a size S car. Rates less than an hour are divided accordingly, so 30 minutes would be THB60. 

When renting a car by the hour, there is a mileage limit. If you exceed the distance, you will be charged per kilometer. Size S cars are given an allowance of around 10 kilometers per hour, then THB5.5 per kilometer after that. 

Daily rates start around THB700 to THB1,300 for most size S and M cars. 

Haupcar also recently allowed long-term rentals from one week up to one year, but you will need to book well in advance for this option. 

It frequently runs promotions shown on its app or Facebook page, offering anywhere from 10 percent to 30 percent off based on the number of days you rent the car. 

Long-Term Car Rental

Many providers offer long-term car rental services in Thailand. These can be weekly, monthly, quarterly, or even yearly.

The most popular option is monthly rental.

The requirements for renting a car long-term are similar to those for a short-term rental. However, this time you need to provide your latest salary slip and visa stamp to the car rental company.

In addition, everything else, including payment terms, insurance, fines, and much more, operates similarly to a short-term rental.

Long-Term Rental Costs

The cost of long-term car rental mainly depends on the car model.

The table below will give you a better idea of how much it costs to rent a car in Thailand per month.

Please note that this cost already includes maintenance costs, which you need to undertake regularly as required by the car rental company.

Long-term Rental Providers

There are many long-term car rentals in Thailand. To give you an idea of how it works, we will show you two popular car rentals in Bangkok that offer long-term car rental.

Sawasdee Rent a Car

Minimum Age Requirement	25
Estimated Price Per Day	THB12,000 – THB18,000 (per month)
Minimum Rental Period	3 months
Deposit	None
Cash Acceptance	No
Debit Card Acceptance	No
Monthly Rent Estimated Discount	–
Contact Number	+66813466888
Office Locations	Bangkok
LDW/CDW Excess Amounts	Free of Charge
Super Collision Damage Waiver	Free of Charge
Personal Accident Insurance	Not provided
Theft Protection	Included in LDW/CDW
Excess for Total Loss	THB5,000
GPS	–
Child Seat	Not provided
Out of Hours Charge	Free of charge
Additional Driver Charge	No
Delivery Pickup/Return	Free within Bangkok
Grace Period	3 hours

Open since 2006, Sawasdee Rent a Car is recommended for those who want to rent a car in Bangkok for long-term. 

They offer monthly rentals with a minimum of 3 months. They also require proof of work permit or a valid visa for long-term rentals.

They offer only standard 4 seater sedans, such as the Toyota Yaris or Honda City.  

Sawasdee offers free delivery within Bangkok and ’round-the-clock roadside assistance at no extra cost.

One of the best things about Sawasdee Rent a Car is the full coverage insurance they offer, which brings you peace of mind.

The only thing that isn’t covered in the insurance is the total loss of the car. In this case you’d need to pay an excess of THB5,000.

Sawasdee Rent a Car offers fixed prices for monthly rentals without hidden costs.

In addition, they do not require a deposit, just a credit card upon pick-up. 

If you would like to rent a car from Sawasdee Rent a Car, you will need to contact them via email, Facebook, or phone as their website does not have a booking portal. 

ATA Car Rental

Minimum Age Requirement	21
Estimated Price Per Day	THB1,000
Minimum Rental Period	7
Deposit	THB5,000 – THB10,000
Cash Acceptance	Yes
Debit Card Acceptance	No
Weekly Rent Estimated Discount	–
Monthly Rent Estimated Discount	35%
Contact Number	+6627443180
Office Locations	Bangkok
LDW/CDW Excess Amounts	Free of charge
Super Collision Damage Waiver	Free of charge
Personal Accident Insurance	Not provided
Theft Protection	Included in LDW/CDW
Excess for Total Loss	Free of charge
GPS	Free of charge
Child Seat	THB200 per day
Out of Hours Charge	Negotiable
Additional Driver Charge	No
Delivery Pickup/Return	Free within Bangkok area
Grace Period	Negotiable

Unlike other international car rental companies, ATa Car Rental is a small company with family-minded service.

They aim to serve only long-term clients who plan to rent a car for months or years. ATa requires a minimum 1 month rental. 

Prices range from THB14,000 per month for a Toyota Altis to THB25,000 per month for a Ford Everest.

The best part of ATa Car Rental is that the rental price includes unlimited mileage, insurance, booster seats, and other free features. You don’t have to pay more in addition to the rental price.

ATa Rental offers free delivery and pickup services in Bangkok and airport transfers.

They provide additional limousine and driver services for those who don’t want to drive.

ATa Car Rental only accepts cash in some cases and wire transfers.

Now, on to You

If you’re still not sure where to start, head over to the car rental comparison site Discover Cars.

Discover Cars helps you narrow down your searches for car rentals, making it easier to find the perfect car for your needs at the best rate available.

After renting a car in Thailand, you can also read our guide to driving in Thailand to help you prepare in advance on how to drive safely here.