Features of car rental in Phuket

Phuket, Thailand's largest island, beckons with stunning beaches, a vibrant culture, and a laid-back pace of life. But to truly uncover its hidden treasures and explore beyond the tourist hotspots, a rental car is the best option. Car rental is a great way to explore the island independently and reach hard-to-reach attractions typically off-limits to tour groups and public transportation. Renting a car allows you to create a personalized itinerary, ticking off all the interesting sights and hidden gems on your bucket list. There are a variety of rental companies, from international chain brands to local operators in the island. Before renting a car, it's important to familiarize yourself with the service's terms and conditions to avoid any complications or issues. Even if you're an experienced traveler and frequent car rental operators, each country has its own rules and pitfalls. In this article, we've compiled some general information about car rental in Phuket , which you'll definitely find helpful if you decide to rent a car.

The range of cars available for rent in Phuket begins with the standard class. These include simple, budget-friendly compact sedans and hatchbacks from Toyota and Honda, while less frequently, rental companies offer a choice of Mazda, Nissan, Suzuki, and Mitsubishi. The standard class includes cars such as the Toyota Vios, Toyota Ativ, and Yaris, Nissan Almera, Honda Jazz, Honda City, Nissan March (aka Micra), Mazda 2, Suzuki Swift, and Mitsubishi Mirage and Attrage. All these cars have roughly the same dimensions, are equipped with automatic transmissions, and differ only in appearance. Entry-level rental cars typically have 1.2-1.5-liter engines, while hatchbacks often have 1.2-liter engines. However, there are exceptions: the Nissan Almera and Toyota Yaris Ativ also have 1.2-liter engines despite being sedans, while the Honda Jazz hatchback has a 1.5-liter engine. Economy class seats five people, including the driver, and luggage compartments vary across models. Quotes you receive through Sabai Motors indicate trunk capacity, and there's even a volume calculator to help you calculate the capacity of a particular car.

For large groups and families traveling with a lot of luggage, we recommend considering minivans. They are equipped with engines of 1.5 liters or higher, automatic transmissions, and three-row seating. These vehicles can accommodate up to seven people, including the driver, while still leaving plenty of room for luggage. These vehicles include the Honda Mobilio, Toyota Avanza, Toyota Innova, Mitsubishi Xpander, and Toyota Veloz. Unlike the Toyota Commuter minibus, driving one of these vehicles requires no special permits; a standard Class B international driver's license is sufficient.

For travelers who demand comfort and power, we recommend renting a Premium or SUV. Powerful 1.6-2.0-liter engines, spacious interiors with good soundproofing and numerous options, and automatic transmissions will make your vacation even more enjoyable. Maximum travel comfort can be achieved with a business or premium car, such as the Toyota Camry, and maximum power and spaciousness with the Toyota Fortuner SUV. Entry-level premium options also include cars such as the Mazda CX3 and CX5, Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda 3, or Toyota Corolla Altis.

There's no set price for car rental in Phuket. Each company offers its own terms, different car models, and, of course, each company has its own price. Rental prices depend on many factors, including the distance of the rental company's office from the delivery location, the season, the car model and make, and the number of days.  The more rental days, the lower the daily rate. A three-week rental is often the same as a monthly rental, with the daily rate decreasing as the number of days increases. The biggest discounts are available for multi-month rentals with 100% prepayment for the entire rental period.

Most companies require a deposit. This is a certain amount that the renter pays along with the rental amount. It can be paid in cash in baht or USD, or blocked on a bank card. This should be clarified before booking. For example, international chain companies require a credit card, and without one, you won't be able to rent a vehicle. The deposit is blocked on the card until the end of the rental period. If you don't have one, consider local small businesses. Private rental companies readily accept cash. At the end of the rental, the deposit is refunded in full or in part, depending on the condition of the car on the same day. This is undoubtedly an advantage, as chain companies don't release the deposit until some time after the end of the service, making it difficult to prove your case in the event of a dispute. If any new damage is discovered that wasn't present on the day of delivery, its cost will be deducted from the deposit. The deposit is a guarantee of careful driving. The amount varies from company to company and should be specified in the rental agreement.

Many companies offer free car delivery anywhere on the island, but some charge a fee, and the cost will depend directly on the location of the office. For example, if you're staying on Nai Thon Beach in the north of the island and the rental office is in Rawai, the southernmost point, one-way delivery will cost at least 500 baht. However, if the company's office is at the airport in the north, it will likely be free. The price also depends directly on the rental duration. The longer the rental period, the more likely it is to be included in the total bill. 

In this article, we'll cover the nuances of renting a car in Phuket. If you're interested in general questions about car rental in Thailand, traffic regulations, and a full description of the booking process, we recommend reading the article: How to Avoid Mistakes When Renting a Car in Thailand

In most cases, rental companies avoid renting cars with off-island travel restrictions. However, if the rental period is longer than five days and the trip is not very far, some will make concessions and allow travel outside of Phuket. Before booking, confirm the availability of travel. The most important thing to understand when traveling to a neighboring province is that if something happens en route, you'll be responsible for handling the issue yourself, as there are no offices there and staff don't travel. Support will be provided by phone only. Anything else, including dealing with the police and local residents in the event of an accident, a flat tire, or engine failure, falls entirely on your shoulders. And if the car is rendered inoperable as a result of an accident, you could be left without transportation far from your hotel, as a replacement may not be available.  All trips outside of Phuket must be individually agreed upon with the manager. Don't try to deceive them by providing a false route. All rental cars in Phuket are connected to a GPS tracking system, so rental companies always know where their car is.

Most gasoline-powered cars use 91, 95, or E20 gasoline. The recommended fuel type is usually indicated on stickers on the back of the fuel filler flap or on a sticker behind the driver's door. To be 100% sure you're using the correct fuel, ask the rental company for this information. The fuel type is also specified in the rental agreement. Typically, cars are delivered with a full tank, but if not, research the location of the nearest gas stations in advance. Gas stations in Phuket are mostly located on main roads; they're rare in tourist areas; you can find them on Google Maps. A 24-hour gas station is rare; try to fill up early during the day, as nearby stations are likely to be closed in the evening and especially at night. There are several 24-hour gas stations on the island, one of which is located on the main Thepkrassatri Road near the airport. Google Maps shows the opening hours of each station. To fill up your car, you don't need to leave it. Just tell the employee the type of fuel, the number of liters, or the amount, and hand the money to the attendant through the window. He'll do the rest.

If there's no gas station nearby and you're out of gas, use a gas station. These are designed for motorbikes, and gas is considerably more expensive, but in an emergency, you can fill up with a couple of liters to last you until you reach a larger gas station. Select the fuel type, quantity, and insert cash without change.

Ignorance of the rules is no excuse; a parking error in the wrong place can cost you an entire vacation day, unload your wallet, and ruin your mood. The most important rule: if you see a colored curb, keep driving. Never park near curbs painted yellow or red.  Always pay attention to no-parking signs, even if the curb is black and white or not painted at all. Otherwise, you'll be fined.

Also, don't park in taxi zones. They're easy to spot, as they're lined with tuk-tuks and various taxis, both private and official (Taxi-meter). Taxi drivers are usually stationed near these taxis, and they don't like it when regular people take their spots. They'll likely reprimand you and ask you not to park. Don't argue. It's best to find another spot, as taxi drivers often damage cars. They might scratch your vehicle or puncture a tire. It's better to park further away, but keep your nerves and your car (and your deposit) safe and sound.

Unfortunately, road accidents and breakdowns happen, and there's no escaping them. If you have an accident in Thailand or your car breaks down, notify the manager first. That's why we recommend renting a car from a company with 24/7 customer support. Save the company representative's phone number in advance and be prepared to provide your location.  If you're outside the service area, or if you're traveling outside of Phuket, you'll have to resolve the issue yourself after coordinating your actions with the manager. Company employees are unable to travel long distances to provide on-site assistance. If the car breakdown wasn't your fault, keep your receipt, and the repair cost will be reimbursed on the day you return the car.

Phuket stretches approximately 60 kilometers from north to south. The only connection to the mainland is the Sarasin Bridge at the northernmost point of the island, beyond which lie the picturesque province of Phang Nga and the beaches of Khao Lak. The island has two main roads, which can be used to travel from beach to beach, to the airport, or to exit the island.  The main road, Thep Krassatri, runs through the center of the island. It is a wide, expressway with 2-3 lanes in each direction. This road is preferred for travel to the airport, the northern beaches, and neighboring provinces. Toward the south of the island, Thep Krassatri begins to branch off and, before entering the city, heads toward the east coast, while the Bypass Road leads to the west coast.  The second main road is a picturesque mountain road that winds along the west coast. You can travel the entire island along this road, reaching the airport and Sarasin Bridge, but if you choose this route, keep in mind that the journey to the airport can take significantly longer. This road is best for traveling from beach to beach.  Phuket may be an island, but the distances here are considerable. If you choose a northern beach, such as Mai Khao, for your vacation, keep in mind that the journey to the southern beaches and the Central Festival shopping center will take you over an hour.

Phuket is undergoing rapid development, with construction constantly underway. This has resulted in some road capacity issues, particularly in the southern part of the island, where most roads are still single-lane. Congestion typically occurs during rush hour, when locals commute to work in the morning or return home in the evening. Keep this in mind when heading to the airport, as it's easy to miss your flight.  There are many mountainous roads with steep inclines, leading to a common myth that a car with a powerful engine is essential, as even a 1.5-liter car struggles uphill. While it's true that a more powerful car can easily carry more passengers and cargo uphill, at a faster speed and with less power consumption, this doesn't mean a 1.2-liter car with four passengers won't make it uphill at all. Most transmissions have an L mode, a low-range gear, which, for example, allows a Nissan Micra with a 1.2-liter engine to easily climb the hill to the Big Buddha monument, even with four large passengers and luggage on board. Everything depends on the driver's skill and experience.