scooter hire in Thailand
Discussion
Blackpuddin said:
What licence docs will Bangkok scooter hire firms want to see for a simple twist'n'go 125 scooter? Would be nice to get one each for me and the missus. I've got a full bike licence but the OH has no bike credentials, just a car licence.
They'll probably want to retain your passport but unlikely they even want to see your licence. If you go for it, wear a helmet even if the locals don't. Not only on safety grounds (although I'm not convinced their helmets offer any greater protection than a cycling helmet), but also because you're likely to be stopped by the police at the most inconvenient time. Yes, I got stopped an hour before I needed to leave for the airport and had to go the police station and sort it all out.
Can you ride? Thailand is not a place to learn, if you can ride it is OK, but I've seen some horrible accidents, scooters are the biggest killer of white men in the country.
Having said that you will not need a license, but do not give your passport as a deposit, same goes for jetskis.
I've picked two tourist up of the street in Thailand who got knocked off scooters, one of them seriously hurt, and loads of Thais, I ride in Thailand as much as any one, on proper bikes, and more than any one else on here, scooters are real dangerous if you don't know what you are doing, and of course you can not drink, better to just get a tuktuk.
We go to Phucket bike week most years and we always leave the bike at the hotel, have a bear and leave the scooter alone.
Having said that you will not need a license, but do not give your passport as a deposit, same goes for jetskis.
I've picked two tourist up of the street in Thailand who got knocked off scooters, one of them seriously hurt, and loads of Thais, I ride in Thailand as much as any one, on proper bikes, and more than any one else on here, scooters are real dangerous if you don't know what you are doing, and of course you can not drink, better to just get a tuktuk.
We go to Phucket bike week most years and we always leave the bike at the hotel, have a bear and leave the scooter alone.
Not many scooter hire companies in Bangkok, but plenty on the islands and in tourist destinations. Most aren't too fussy about documents but many places ask for your passport as a deposit. I've never had a problem with this but I have heard of others having big problems with excessive claims for pre-existing damage etc.
In defence of Bangkok drivers they are generally pretty aware of bikes, as it's hard not to be when there's a forest of them at every junction, but they can also be utterly nuts, selfish and aggressive in ways you just wouldn't see in the west. Unless you're very used to Asian traffic at it's worst I'd save your biking adventures for outside Bangkok and use the cheap and abundant taxis you'll find everywhere here.
In defence of Bangkok drivers they are generally pretty aware of bikes, as it's hard not to be when there's a forest of them at every junction, but they can also be utterly nuts, selfish and aggressive in ways you just wouldn't see in the west. Unless you're very used to Asian traffic at it's worst I'd save your biking adventures for outside Bangkok and use the cheap and abundant taxis you'll find everywhere here.
I drive in Bangkok daily, and honestly would not recomend riding scooters here if youa re not familiar with the driving style, where you are going and what other people will do.
Also a Farang on a bike in BKK is like a mobile ATM machine to police.
however in answer to your question - motorbike rental wont care what you give them, its police.
you will need to go to the post office and get this http://www.postoffice.co.uk/international-driving-...
Have it and your drivers lisence on you at all times, this will at least save you B1000 a stop
Riding bikes in Pattaya / Phuket / Samuia etc - no problem, just dont go off like a loon, and watch out for the pissed riders around you (90% of them)
Enjoy!
ETA - crash helmets - they are only there to protect your wallet - B200 - 400 a time without. Strangely the pillion does not need to wear one!?!?!?
Have a photocopy of your license and passport - if they ask for docs, give them that instead.
as mentioned in BKK, motorcycle taxi, Tuk Tuk and Taxi, all cheap.
Also a Farang on a bike in BKK is like a mobile ATM machine to police.
however in answer to your question - motorbike rental wont care what you give them, its police.
you will need to go to the post office and get this http://www.postoffice.co.uk/international-driving-...
Have it and your drivers lisence on you at all times, this will at least save you B1000 a stop
Riding bikes in Pattaya / Phuket / Samuia etc - no problem, just dont go off like a loon, and watch out for the pissed riders around you (90% of them)
Enjoy!
ETA - crash helmets - they are only there to protect your wallet - B200 - 400 a time without. Strangely the pillion does not need to wear one!?!?!?
Have a photocopy of your license and passport - if they ask for docs, give them that instead.
as mentioned in BKK, motorcycle taxi, Tuk Tuk and Taxi, all cheap.
Edited by XJSJohn on Tuesday 10th September 05:33
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