I will be staying at the Chedi in Phuket for 5 days next month. Does anyone have experience renting a car there? I would like to hire one for a day or two and have them deliver & pick it up from the hotel. Prefer to use Hertz or Avis.

Thanks,

Dave

I have not rented on Phuket (but might do so on next visit in Sept). Thought you might want to take a look at the thread about international drivers license for Thailand. There was a good discussion on the requirements and how they are or are not enforced.

Carol

I just topped "Driving in Koh Samui" so you can read about drivers license requirements.

i did rent for one day from the marriott in june...it was very easy...i made an internet reservation and then had thoughts that the car might not be big enough for me, so i called to ask...they brought the first car and it was too small so in 10 minutes they brought a bigger one...a honda CVX??? the mini-suv...it was perfect and very comfortable...it was Budget that i used...it was 1900 B all inclusive for the one day--24 hours and that was with delivery and pick-up...the normal car was about 1300 B i think...seamless....i know avis is there and think i saw hertz as well...

in one day we made a loop of the island and saw about everything we wanted to see...it was june so it was quiet and easy to get around from place to place...

Budget, Airport Car Rent, David's Car Rental, Avis. Expect to pay about B 1,300 for a Corolla size. Do not the thread relating to licenses.

When I 1st started my life as a traveling salesman, I went down to AAA and got one of those IDPs. After renting cars in many countries and never once being asked for it I thought it was useless and never renewed it after the 1st year.

It's no big deal to go in and get another, but now I'm concerned with being able to purchase sufficient insurance. If you read Budget's website it says "Optional Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) offered by car rental companies is not insurance. It's an option that relieves renters of financial responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen while under rental contract.

Personal Accident and Effects:
Personal Accident and Effects (PAE) protects you and your passengers, whether you're in or out of your rental vehicle, against expenses arising from accident, injury, and loss to personal property."

LDW and PAE are the only types of insurance offered? I know my personal VISA card will cover the car, but how will I be insured if I run over a Thai?