Driving in Thailand - license requirements
#4
Join Date: Jul 2004
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Hired a nice large Honda 4 x 4 from what appeared to be a reputable agency at Laguna Phuket (The Dusit pointed us there saying it was half the price of getting it from them) - no problems with my tatty old paper UK driving licence with my passport for photo ID- but I believe the "official" line is International Driver's Licence
#5
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Not having an international driver's license won't be a problem unless your are involved in an accident of some sort. As it is required by law, not having it will invalidate insurance coverage, leaving you personally liable.
#7
Join Date: Feb 2004
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Often the non-chain company rental agents won't require a license or anything...but beware...it IS your responsibility to have the proper license and insurance (so check your rental agreement to be sure you're covered as well as your home policy's validity overseas as well).
It is a surefire way to wreck a holiday having to pay out for damages/injury due to lack of insurance. In many countries in Asia, including Thailand, in the event of accident, regardless of whose fault it REALLY is, the foreigner is responsible by default...it's not fair, but it's the way it works in many places. Best to cover yourself best you can, so if you must drive, have the proper license rather then tempt fate.
The international license costs around $10.00 and is available from AAA offices in the US. Easy and cheap to get, and satisfies your legal obligation to have one to drive in Thailand.
It is a surefire way to wreck a holiday having to pay out for damages/injury due to lack of insurance. In many countries in Asia, including Thailand, in the event of accident, regardless of whose fault it REALLY is, the foreigner is responsible by default...it's not fair, but it's the way it works in many places. Best to cover yourself best you can, so if you must drive, have the proper license rather then tempt fate.
The international license costs around $10.00 and is available from AAA offices in the US. Easy and cheap to get, and satisfies your legal obligation to have one to drive in Thailand.
#8
Join Date: May 2004
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Some info on the International Driving Permit from my local AAA office in Hawaii
http://www.aaa-hawaii.com/travel/idp.aspx
Aloha!
http://www.aaa-hawaii.com/travel/idp.aspx
Aloha!
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
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An International Licence 'is' required by law. Rental companies though don't seem to bother. However, it 'is the law' and if something goes wrong and you don't have one you will wonder why you just didn't spend that $10-15 for one !
They area easily obtained, in Australia it's about A$15 from any RAAA or local equivelent and about $10 in US from AAA.
They area easily obtained, in Australia it's about A$15 from any RAAA or local equivelent and about $10 in US from AAA.