Car rental in hua hin

[marty175]

Hi guys, I am visiting Hua Hin in November. I was thinking of renting a car possibly to drive to and around sam roi yod as well as hua hin itself.

Can I drive in thailand with a uk driving license?

It will be my first time driving in Thailand, would you recommend using a GPS for driving in and around Hua Hin?

Thanks!

[Big Boy]

Hi Marty, welcome to the forum. Hire companies will probably rent you a car with a UK licence, but officially you need an International Licence obtainable for about £6 from certain UK Post Offices.

Regarding GPS around Hua Hin - difficult. The whole of Hua Hin has a 77110 post code, so not as easy as the UK. You need grid references, which isn't going to be easy for a first time visitor.

[crazy88]

Taken from Budget website.


"Drivers License
All drivers must hold a current, non-probationary license. The license may either be Thai, or from a renter's country of residence (with an English translation) or an international drivers permit. Licenses (and a valid passport) must be carried at all times when driving"

Crazy 88

[Gregjam]

Renting a car is easy and as Big Boy says you had best get an international licence. Driving here is very different from the UK and I would recommend looking through the motoring section as a guide to some of the hazards and differences you will find here. If you have never been here before it can be very daunting and going around using a taxi/tuk tuk will give you a quick introduction to it.
Without knowing your driving experience and working on the basis you have only driven in Europe (forgive me if I am wrong) a GPS is likely to distract you from the road which you really do not need. There are similar laws here to the UK but their application varies from not a lot to not at all. When you do rent it is advisable to use a reputable company with all the insurances as this will protect you in case something happens and you are pretty sure of getting a safe vehicle.
Too much to say in one post, just look around the forum and you should get a good idea of what it is like.

[Ginjaninja]

Is it mandatory to carry your passport and driving licence at all times when driving in Thailand? Is this applicable for both car and motorcycle?
Thanks,
GN.

[traveller2]

Is it mandatory to carry your passport and driving licence at all times when driving in Thailand? Is this applicable for both car and motorcycle?
Thanks,
GN.

Yes, I believe so.

T2

[johnnyk]

The international license is worth the small cost. I've produced it when stopped and no pompem. Last time I got pulled over with two other bikes right in front of the cop shop. The copper grabbed it and smiled at me. Then ran over to the other two bikes to show them. Payday! He had them nailed and happily returned it to me saying kkk with a smile. Never been asked for a passport though.

[dtaai-maai]

Is it mandatory to carry your passport and driving licence at all times when driving in Thailand? Is this applicable for both car and motorcycle?
Thanks,
GN.

As far as the passport is concerned, I believe it's technically mandatory to carry it with you all the time, whether driving or not. I'm not sure of this, although I am sure that very few people do. Those that are worried about this tend to carry a copy of the personal details and visa pages. Personally, I never have either!
And I still keep forgetting to get myself a Thai driving license.

[Dannie Boy]

Is it mandatory to carry your passport and driving licence at all times when driving in Thailand? Is this applicable for both car and motorcycle?
Thanks,
GN.

I have a Thai driving licence that I keep in my wallet so with me just about 99% of the time, also a photocopy of the detail page of my passport and Thai visa page. I have been lucky so far and never been stopped/asked to show either.

[marty175]

Ok that great guys thanks for the info! I will get myself an international driving license!