If you are planning a trip to Thailand, there are many things to think about. You spend hours looking up your perfect vacation spot. But what about the transportation? Should you rent a car or take a train? Choosing a car rental company can be difficult. Every company has its own rates and policies with different options for insurance and additional fees that can make it hard to know which one is right for you. This article will break down the best tips for choosing the perfect company on your next trip to Thailand.
What to consider when choosing a car rental company
When you are choosing a car rental company, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you need to find out what the rates are. The prices vary from company to company and can be quite expensive if you choose a luxury car, also known as เช่ารถหรู, so it is important to compare them all to determine which one is best for your budget. You should also think about the excess insurance options offered by the company. Insurance is not required but sometimes necessary depending on where you are going in Thailand and your driving history.
Some companies offer additional protection that will protect your personal items if something happens to your rented vehicle. For example, if someone bumps into the side of your car while it is parked and they don’t leave a note or number, some companies will cover any damages that happen as long as they were not intentional on behalf of the renter. You should also inquire about any charges or fees accompanying the rental. These may include pick-up or drop-off fees, fuel surcharges, airport parking fees, etcetera.
Things to know about renting a car in Thailand
- First and foremost, make sure you have a valid driver’s license.
- You will need to be at least 23 years of age.
- You will need to pay an additional cost for insurance if you want it.
- In Thailand, all drivers are required to have third-party liability insurance and personal accident insurance.
- If you want to avoid the hassle of getting a local Thai driver’s license, it’s wise to rent a car with an international driving license.
Plan ahead for your trip
The first step in choosing the right company is to think about where you will be going. Are you going to be driving in Bangkok or the more rural areas? The type of car rental company that works best for your itinerary should be the one you choose.
For example, if you are planning to drive in Bangkok, a large metropolitan city with plenty of traffic, then it would make sense to rent from a different company that specializes in bigger cities and highways. If this is not the case and you plan on driving outside of Bangkok, then it may make more sense to go with a smaller company that specializes in country roads. You can also use other factors like your budget or how often you travel abroad to help determine what type of company is best for you.
Make sure you understand the terms and conditions
To choose a car rental company, it is important to know what you are getting. Before choosing a company, you first need to understand how their terms work. Terms and conditions can change the cost of your car rental drastically.
Different countries in Asia have different terms and conditions. You can’t use a condition from your last trip to Japan when you are now in Bangkok!
First things first, look at the charges and fees that come with the car rental. You may want to consider if an access card or parking fee will be added on top of your final price.
Next, take a look at the insurance options available for your vehicle. You may want to do some research beforehand in order to find out which insurance option would suit your needs best.
Finally, read over any limitations and restrictions set by the company ahead of time. Read what things could happen that would result in additional costs being incurred by you as the renter and make decisions accordingly.
Shop around on different websites
One of the first things to do when planning a trip to Thailand is to shop around on different websites. Choosing a car rental company is often easier said than done. There are so many companies with different rates and policies that it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for you.
You want to make sure you are getting the best deal possible, but at the same time, you don’t want to spend hours looking through every last detail of a contract before committing. You should take your time and find a company that suits your needs without breaking your wallet.
Compare prices, features, and customer reviews
To start off, you want to compare prices. You can do this by going on the company’s website and seeing what the packages are for each different type of car. Try to find a company with cars that are comfortable for your needs and not too expensive. Next, compare features.
A rental car may be perfect for you if it has GPS, air conditioning, or other features that you need. You should also look at the customer reviews to see what people say about their experience with each company. Create a list of companies and then narrow down your list based on the tips laid out here.