How to avoid letting a rental business hold my passport in Thailand?

1. Do I need to carry my passport in Thailand?
2. Should I rent a scooter in Thailand?
3. How much is it to hire a moped in Thailand?
4. How much is a used scooter in Thailand?
5. Why is it illegal to step on money in Thailand?
6. Is it OK to tip in Thailand?
7. Can foreigners drive in Thailand?
8. Are e scooters legal in Thailand?
9. What is the penalty for driving without a license in Thailand?
10. What do you need to rent a moped in Thailand?
11. How much is it to hire a scooter in Phuket?
12. How much is it to rent a scooter in Pattaya?

Do I need to carry my passport in Thailand?

“By law, you must carry your passport with you at all times in Thailand. Tourists have been arrested because they were unable to produce their passport upon request. ... “When traveling, please remember to carry a photocopy of your passport separately from your passport.

Should I rent a scooter in Thailand?

Most travelers rent scooters in Thailand without having the right driving license. It might be just okay for you – but if you get into a scooter accident – you won't be able to claim medical expenses to your travel insurance.

How much is it to hire a moped in Thailand?

The mopeds cost only 150 Thai Baht per day ($4.19 USD), 200 Baht for a nice, brand new 125cc moped, 300 Baht for a small motorcycle. Those are flat rates, there are no hidden fees or any extra costs or taxes like at a car rental company. It's 150 Baht per day, period.

How much is a used scooter in Thailand?

A scooter is affordable. A car isn't for many people. Brand new bikes are from around 40,000 baht upwards. But you can pick up a second hand scooter in good condition for 15 – 20,000 Baht easily.

Why is it illegal to step on money in Thailand?

Why is your money on the floor we ask? Either way, it is actually illegal to step on any of the Thai currency, the Baht. This is because, you guessed it, the King's face is printed and engraved on the Thai notes and coins.

Is it OK to tip in Thailand?

Tipping is NOT customary in Thailand, there is absolutely NO mandatory requirement to tip anyone, but small gratuities for great service are very much appreciated. In all restaurants it is customary to leave behind any loose change in coins as a tip. ...

Can foreigners drive in Thailand?

If you are not a resident (you are on a tourist visa or exemption of visa), you need an international driving permit (IDP) to be able to drive in Thailand. An international driving permit (IDP) can be obtained in your home country. ...

Are e scooters legal in Thailand?

At the moment it is legal to ride a scooter in Thailand, but this might change if people abuse this privilege or too many people start using them. I also need to consider whether it would be cheaper and more convenient to rent an electric scooter.

What is the penalty for driving without a license in Thailand?

The penalty for those driving without a licence, for instance, will jump from a maximum fine of Bt1,000 and/or up to one month in jail to a fine of Bt50,000 and/or up to three months in jail.

What do you need to rent a moped in Thailand?

Do you need your passport, driving licence or an international drivers license when renting a motorbike in Thailand. If you do decide to rent a moped, then prepare to be asked to be parted with your passport. We would recommend you never hand your passport over to a rental company.

How much is it to hire a scooter in Phuket?

Some shops increase their prices during the high season (November to April) to about 250 baht per day. If you know you will need the bike for a long time, you can save a bit of money by renting by the week (1,200 to 2,000 baht) and even by the month (from 3,500 baht).

How much is it to rent a scooter in Pattaya?

Tik's Pattaya motorcycle rentals