Bangkok Cheap Car Rentals - BKK

International chains such as Avis, Budget and Hertz have offices in Don Mueang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport. You’ll find lower rates at their branches in Phuket, Pattaya, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui, many of which are located right inside the major international hotels. These companies often give you the option of picking up the car at one of these downtown locations or at the airport, so just confirm this with them when you reserve the car. If you decide to go local, a complete listing of Thai-based car companies can be found in the Bangkok Post classifieds, Thailand’s major English newspaper available throughout Bangkok and elsewhere. Some reputable local companies include Thai Rent A Car and Sawasdee. Car rental rates in Thailand are relatively cheap and you shouldn’t pay more than $30 a day for a mid-sized car.

The process for renting a car is rather straightforward. All you need is an international driver’s license, passport, and credit card, though many of the local companies sometimes look the other way when it comes to regulations. Since accidents are very common in Bangkok, especially collisions with motorbikes, verify that your insurance will cover any mishap and purchase extra insurance if need be. Be vigilant about the exact rates being offered to you, as you don’t want to wind up paying by the mile for example.

Driving in Bangkok can be terrifying and is highly discouraged for foreigners considering the multitude of safe, convenient public transportation alternatives. The average death toll per year due to traffic collisions is nearly 30,000. Perhaps the main contributing factor is the high concentration of motorcycles that dart in and out of traffic, but Bangkok drivers are in general very aggressive. Proper auto insurance is not a given nor is immediate access to a hospital, so the risks of driving are enormously high. If you do rent a car, do yourself a favor and hire a driver which you can do in most car agencies throughout the city.