Car rental in Pattaya

[Guest Toto]

Hi all! New to this forum, so be nice

 

Going to Pattaya the end of April and was wondering what it takes for a Norwegian to rent a car in Pattaya.

 

I mean, what documents will they ask for?

Do I need an international driving license or maybe even a Thai official document of some kind? (...think I read something like that sometimes)

 

Or is it like anywhere in Europe, all you need is your national driving-license, passport and some plastic?

 

And what about the mop-rentals? Same rules or easier.

 

 

BTW: What will weather be like normally in May? What to expect? Hot I guess, but how about rain? (please say it will be nice everything...)

 

Cheers, Toto

 

Did some searchs on 'cars','car-rental'..., but diden't find any threads. So hopefully this is a new topic..?

[Eneukman]

I don't know for certain but I think you'll need an International Driving Permit if you want to hire a car. I applied for mine from the RAC by post on Tuesday and my permit was in my hands on Thursday. Personally, I would avoid motor bikes in Pattaya, they're just too dangerous. I would suggest that you also ask this question on the thai visa forum - http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?act=portal

 

As for the weather, it will be hot and I imagine very, very himid.

 

Hope you have fun.

 

Alan

[Guest Toto]

I don't know for certain but I think you'll need an International Driving Permit if you want to hire a car. I applied for mine from the RAC by post on Tuesday and my permit was in my hands on Thursday. Personally, I would avoid motor bikes in Pattaya, they're just too dangerous. I would suggest that you also ask this question on the thai visa forum - http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?act=portal

 

As for the weather, it will be hot and I imagine very, very himid.

 

Hope you have fun.

 

Alan

Thanks Alan

 

Okay, if I understand correctly, all I need in addition to cash and a passport, is an international driving permit to rent a car, right?

 

Next, which is a good place to rent a car in Pattaya, and what is a good price for maybe a week, free milage? Airconditioned 'normal' car with room for 2 and luggage.

 

And last, weather. I will be able to obtain a nice tan during May, or are prognoses I will spend most of my time indoors because of rain and return home in June paler than when I left?

 

What would you say is the normal temperature in May?

 

Cheers, Toto

[Eneukman]

Toto, I haven't hired a car before in Pattaya so can't offer any advice on costs etc. As far as I can recall, Avis have an office at the Dusit Resort (at the Northern end of Beach Road) though I think it is essential to check carefully what your "fully comprehensive" insurance really does cover.

 

As far weather, the main rainy season is a bit later in the year. It will likely rain at some point but only for an hour or so.

 

Alan

[Guest Toto]

As far weather, the main rainy season is a bit later in the year. It will likely rain at some point but only for an hour or so.

Ah! Thanks Alan

[carcareers]

Do you really need a car in Pattaya? Transportation is very cheap and available 24 hours a day.

 

Renting a motorcycle is as easy as $$$$ and a copy of your passport. I have rented them many times to take sidtrips during the daytime. Never have I been asked for any type of license. Motorcycles........very dangerous even for seasoned riders.

 

Weather...............hmmmmmm, hot, humid, some rain. Repeat on an hourly basis. No problem tanning though.

[Guest Toto]

Do you really need a car in Pattaya? Transportation is very cheap and available 24 hours a day.

Yes I know. But though maybe taking a trip seeing some other places would be nice (no?). At least good to know I CAN rent a car if needed. If all it takes is bringing an International driving permit that is not a big deal to do, but impossible to obtain there. So why not...just in case.

[carcareers]

No problem, just suggestions. Remember...in Thailand if you are in an accident 99% chance your fault no matter what (all about the $$$$) I used motorcycles on my sidetrips outside of Pattaya on a daily basis, car would offer you much more protection and comfort though.

 

There are great sights to see outside Pattaya no matter how you choose to travel!

 

Food from fishing village:

 

 

My ride (LOL):

 

The rest are near Buddah Hill:

 

Edited April 24, 2005 by carcareers

[Guest Toto]

Great pictures and thanks for the advice regarding accidents. Good point!

[carcareers]

Yeah...thats the scary part.

 

I would only ride the motorcycles during the daytime and usually not in Pattaya except out of town. Once out of Pattaya you can ride forever on backroads and just explore, obviously the same can be done in a rental car in much more comfort. I have never rented a car so have no idea about prices or insurance.

 

I do know that any accident in Thailand, foreighner vs falang.....falang at fault and will pay $$$$.

 

Also, you will most likely be hit up by the traffic cops in and outside of Pattaya. Falang's are targets for "tea money" when driving.

 

In all my trips it seems to be getting worse and worse. Last time in 2003 I was heading towards Sattahip with my TG dejur. We were completely legal, helmets etc....Highway patrol cop waves me down and stops me, says you pay B500. I ask why...no engrish, tg ask why and gets no answer.....you pat B500. I rarely lose my temper but did with this asshole as it was a pure and obvious shakedown for $$$. My tg actually had to pull me away before I ended up face down in the jungle.

 

Sucks, but T.I.T.

 

Have a fun trip no matter how you travel!

Edited April 24, 2005 by carcareers

[TF_Heinz]

I have rented cars in Thailand many times, including Pattaya. Actually, last time in Pattaya was in March 05. Having a car at hand is very convenient for me, both in and around town. Last time I rented from Avis, and before several times from Budget. National is also in Pattaya.

Consider making a booking from home: especially with Budget, the cheapest cars usually are not available on short-term, and you are forced to take a more expensive model. Never managed to get their (cheap) pick-up truck. Also, Budget has for free pamphlets called 'Great Drives' or similar: combination of maps and travel advice for their foreign renters. You can download them from the Budget Thailand web page, or pick them up in their office.

You only need an International driver's license (sometimes your home license will do), and a credit card.

I also rented from local operators. While cheaper, the cars tended to be more decrepit, and insurance conditions less clearly spelled out.

And yes, it is completely possible, and a pleasant one-day drive, to go to Koh Samet from Pattaya.

Somewhat more of a challenge is the drive back to Bangkok. I would not recommend to do it if you have to catch a flight.

PM me if you would like further info.

And stay away form those Suzuki Caribbeans (or other small Jeeps) if you plan to do any serious driving.

[Greg_B]

http://avisthailand.com/home/index.php

[Guest Toto]

Thanks Heinz, Greg

 

Cheers, Toto