Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Motorcycles
One of the common adventures that visitors like to experience is renting a motorbike or
scooter and zipping around the countryside or along the beaches, wind in your hair and flip-
flops dangling. However with this blissful image comes some serious danger if you are not
careful as many tourists have found out.
When renting a vehicle in Thailand you need a driver's license and an International Driver's
Permit, obtainable through AAA in the United States or your nation's auto club. They are
usually less than $20 and good for a full year. If you are renting a motorcycle then you need
a motorcycle license, just as you would in your home country. Of course you can find places
that will let you rent a bike without a license but Thai police regularly pull over tourists to
check if they have one. If you are caught without one then you will be facing a fine of 200 to
500 baht, which isn't too steep and it is why many tourists rent motorcycles anyways. After
all the rental agencies usually won't check as long as you can pay for the rental.
Before you go thinking that illegally (yes it is illegal) renting a motorcycle is a good idea
consider the insurance coverage. If you get into an accident, your bike is stolen or damaged,
or you get hurt while on your bike then your insurance company will certainly check wheth-
er or not you are licensed to be driving that type of vehicle.
Before you drive off with your newly rented wheels with your insurance in order, make sure
you do a close inspection of the bike. Any damage to the bike will be charged to you and it
is common for foreigners to be charged for damage they didn't cause. Take a few pictures of
any scratches or dings to prove to the shop that you returned it in the same condition as you
received it. Another requirement for renting a bike is that you and any passengers always
wear a helmet. This should come free with the motorbike so be sure to ask. Best to see if
they have a full face mask style of helmet. You won't get the wind in your hair effect but you
will be much safer as you drive around the windy mountain roads.
Sometimes theworstcasescenariohappensandyoudogetinanaccident. Firstseekmedical
attention if necessary. Once you have taken care of yourself and anyone else involved then
take a look at the bike and survey the damage. Often you can get it fixed for much cheaper
elsewhere than at the rental agency so if they quote the damages as being exorbitantly ex-
pensive then consider shopping around for a different mechanic.
If you do decide to rent a motorbike while in Thailand then make sure you don't go home
with a Thai tattoo. This scar could be the result of an accident where you find yourself slid-
