For The More Independent Visitor To Phuket I Can Recommend Phuket Car Rental.

Having driven my family from Phuket to Krabi I have experienced Phuket Car Rental first hand. Rent a car and explore the island and beyond just like we did.

As I explained on my Getting To Phuket Thailand page, one year we rented a car to travel from Phuket to Krabi, and this we did by picking it up from Phuket Airport.

Although I am sure you could probably hire a car without pre-booking I would always recommend you rent a car in advance either through your travel agent or online. This would be especially true during the peak season i.e. January to March when the Phuket weather is at its best.

Anyway the whole process was very straightforward. A representative from the car rental company met us in the Arrival Hall and drove us to the rental office just outside the office. We filled in some forms and away we went.

Some important points to note for car rental in Phuket:

• You will need an International Driving Licence or a full country licence. (Check this when you book: my British Licence was accepted.) Keep it with you when in the car in case a Policeman should ask to see it.
• Make sure you have full insurance cover which includes Collision Damage Waiver Insurance. You want to ensure you are covered for injury and damage to a third party and also that your own vehicle is covered if it is damaged by a third party. In fact usually the only cover you might not need is Personal Accident Insurance: this should be covered by your own personal Travel Insurance. If you know you are going to rent a car in Thailand check your cover before you leave. Then when you get there check the small print on the rental agreement. Personally I prefer to find a rental company that offers an inclusive arrangement.
• Check around the vehicle before you leave the rental station and agree any damage with the rental agent. Do the same at the end of the rental period.
• Driving is on the left.
• Buy a map – see Phuket Map. There may or may not be a map in the car.
• Expect the unexpected from all other road users.
• Look out for motorcyclists – they are everywhere and will appear without warning. I believe most road deaths in Thailand are motorcyclists.
• Lorry drivers and bus drivers believe they have exclusive use of the roads.
• Do not drink and drive. Apart from the obvious safety aspect, the police can prosecute.
• Do not drive at night. This might be over-protective but motorcyclists in particular do not like using lights and neither do dogs!

Bear these points in mind and enjoy your Phuket Car Rental.





Return From Phuket Car Rental To Getting Around - Phuket Travel