Hiring a car in Phuket is one of the best ways to explore Thailand’s most popular island. From hidden beaches to vibrant old-town streets to scenic coastal drives, a rental car offers flexibility, comfort, and freedom. But before you hit the road, it is essential to understand the rules, costs, and other practicalities of renting a car in Phuket.
This guide covers everything you need to know to rent a car in Phuket, Thailand, to ensure a smooth, safe, and hassle-free experience.
🏢 Choose the Best Car Rental Companies in Phuket
You can choose from a wide range of top-notch car hire companies that operate in Phuket, Thailand. Not only leading global brands but also domestic companies offer car hire services to travellers. Some of the leading international and local suppliers are as follows:
Global Car Hire Companies
Some of the top international suppliers and reasons to choose them are as follows:-
| International Companies | Ratings | Why book with them? |
|---|---|---|
| Sixt | 9.4 | – Modern fleet of cars, including electric vehicle (EV) options – Convenient pick-up and drop-off services |
| National Car Rental | 9 | – Well-maintained and clean vehicles – Good customer support and a hassle-free process |
| Europcar | 8.8 | – Flexible booking options and rental durations – Transparent and well-reputed |
| Budget Car Rental | 8 | – Offers competitive prices – 24/7 roadside assistance |
Domestic Car Hire Companies
A few leading local rental companies and a brief about comparing them are listed in the table below:-
| Local Companies | Ratings | Why book with them? |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Car Rental | 9.4 | – High-quality customer service – Large fleet of vehicles |
| ASAP Car Rental | 9.2 | – Transparency in pricing – Convenient airport and city pick-up options |
| Chic Car Rent | 9.2 | – Wide selection of vehicles – Customer-friendly service |
| Thai Rent A Car | 9 | – Strong presence at the airport – Well-maintained vehicles |
🚘 Popular Car Categories and Prices in Phuket
The economy and compact car categories are the most popular in Phuket. These vehicles allow easy navigation through crowded regions and are convenient to park. Moreover, they are more eco-friendly, which helps preserve the natural beauty of this island in Thailand. However, other vehicle segments, such as mini cars, minivans, and SUVs, are also available.
| Car Segments | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Mini Cars | $26.20 – $38.42 per day |
| Economy Cars | $27.12 – $71.82 per day |
| Compact Cars | $27.12 – $75.22 per day |
| SUV Rentals | $40.28 – $125.68 per day |
| Vans/Minivans | $42.18 – $179.54 per day |
However, these prices can vary depending on multiple factors such as rental duration, driver’s age, seasonality, and company.
Requirements for Hiring a Car in Phuket
It is always recommended to read the supplier’s rental terms before booking, as documentation requirements can vary from one supplier to another. However, some of the documents typically required for renting a car in Phuket, Thailand, are mentioned below:-
- Passport/Proof of ID
- Credit Card of the main driver
- A valid Driver’s License (in the name of the main driver, with no major endorsements)
- International Driving Permit (IDP, if your domestic license is not in the Latin alphabet)
- Rental Confirmation Voucher
✔️ International Driving Permit (IDP) Requirement for Car Hire
In case your domestic driving license is not in the Latin alphabet, then an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required at the time of pick-up. If you reside in a country that does not issue an IDP, you must present an official translation of your national driver’s license, along with your original permit, at the rental desk.
✔️ Keep a Credit Card Handy for Security Deposit
Most rental car companies require a credit card to hold a deposit for security purposes. The amount is temporarily blocked on the main driver’s credit card and released in full upon the completion of the rental period, provided the vehicle is returned without any wear and tear. However, the security amount may differ between companies depending on the car category, seasonality, and rental duration.
✔️ Can I rent a vehicle at the age of 21?
Most car hire companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although the legal driving age in Thailand is 18. A young driver surcharge may apply to drivers aged 21 to 25. However, it is advisable to read the company’s rental terms when making a reservation, as the age requirements may vary among suppliers.
What are the Mileage and Fuel Policies in Phuket?
📏 Mileage Policy
The limited mileage policy limits the number of kilometres you can travel; if you exceed the limit, extra charges will apply. However, with the unlimited mileage policy, there are no distance restrictions; you can travel as far as you want without incurring additional fees.
⛽ Fuel Policy
Under the full-to-full fuel policy, you receive a tank full of fuel at the time of pick-up and are expected to return it with the same amount. This policy allows you to pay only for the fuel you use during your rental. However, with the same-to-same fuel policy, you must return the tank with the same fuel level as at pick-up. If the fuel levels do not match, ‘Missing Fuel’ charges will apply. Additionally, if you have extra fuel on return, no reimbursement will be provided.
What optional extras are available with car hire in Phuket?
It is always advisable to add extra equipment to your car rental deal at an additional cost, not only to comply with the rules and regulations but also for safety and protection. However, the availability of the add-ons is subject to the supplier’s availability. The following are two crucial optional equipment that all travellers are recommended to purchase for their journey:-
👶 Child Seats
Make sure to add a child seat to your rental deal if travelling with children, as it is mandatory to provide appropriate seating or restraints for children under 6 years for added safety.
🧭 GPS Navigation Device
It is always recommended to get a GPS navigation device added to your car hire. It makes travelling through the remote and crowded regions of the island easy. You can also download offline maps, as some areas may have limited mobile network coverage.
👨✈️ Additional Driver
You can also add an extra driver to your car hire deal at an additional cost. This is usually helpful for drivers travelling longer distances. Note that the documentation requirements for the additional driver will be similar to those for the main driver.
Tips for Renting a Car in Phuket
1️⃣ Book in Advance
Phuket becomes crowded during the peak season from November to April, leading to vehicle shortages. It is advised to reserve your rental car early to secure your preferred vehicle model.
2️⃣ Inspect the Vehicle
Check the interior and exterior of your vehicle before driving to explore Phuket. Take photos and videos for future reference. This ensures a smooth and transparent experience for both you and the supplier.
3️⃣ Understand the Insurance Coverage
Usually, insurance covers Collision Damage Waiver, Theft Protection Waiver, Third Party Liability, and more. You should verify the insurance details with your car rental provider before your trip.