Motorbike Rental in Phuket: 9 Quick Tips Before You Sign in 2024

How much is it to rent a motorcycle in Phuket?
Is it safe to rent a motorcycle in Phuket?
Do you need a license to rent a bike in Phuket?

Despite my extensive knowledge of navigating Southeast Asian roads on a scooter, I still had some Phuket-specific apprehensions. A motorbike rental in Phuket is straightforward and very popular here, yet several factors require extra attention before you hop onto one. Mainly warnings on police looking for foreigners to fine.

This comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need for renting a scooter in Phuket – who is eligible, what documents are required, rental costs, and more. Don’t get caught off guard; read up on everything before signing that dotted line so you stay safe and legal while exploring Phuket.

Why Rent A Scooter In Phuket?

Alternative transportation here is damn expensive! Whether it’s a bus, Grab ride, or taxi – each mode of transportation costs significantly more than in the rest of Thailand. I might even say that Phuket may be the most expensive place in the whole country.

With the island’s immense size and mountain passes, public transport can be time-consuming. Moreover, waiting for buses is often a tiresome experience since they only come occasionally and it is so hot outside.

But…for some reason, motorbike rentals in Phuket remain at standard prices with the rest of the country. You can even find some for 200 baht a day! Most rentals are around 250 baht per day, though.

First Time Driver? Is it safe to rent a motorcycle in Phuket?

If this is your first time driving a motorbike, Phuket may not be the best place to start. It’s better than scootering around Vietnam cities, but it can get super trafficky here too. You also need to watch for police, many foreign beginner drivers, and often roads to attractions are so steep I sometimes doubted my bike could make it.

Alternatives To Renting A Scooter In Phuket

Admittedly, riding a two-wheeled vehicle isn’t for everyone, and avoiding it if you’re uncomfortable is perfectly alright. So what other options do you have?

Related Post: If you’re looking for a general guide on Thai transportation, check out this post.

• Grab – This Southeast version of Uber is the Thai go-to ridesharing app. You have other options too, like Bolt, NaviGo, & InDriver.
• Tuk Tuk and Motortaxi – The Thai version of a cab. They will hang around popular areas like bus stations and tourist attraction entryways.
• Public Bus – Busses come every 30 minutes or so and go around the south to Phuket town for a fixed price. There are airport buses to Phuket Town, which cost between 50-100 baht.
• Songthaews – Local minibusses that run along a mostly predetermined path, but here, they seem more like taxis.
• Ferries – Go from Phuket to Krabi, or other islands like Koh Phi Phi by ferry or speedboat.
• 12 Go Asia – Nowhere else is it more trustworthy and straightforward than reserving tickets for long-distance travel in Thailand than on 12Go. (If you’re looking for a chill island, check out Koh Phayam)
• Rental Car – Due to rain, police checks, and long distances, a rental car may be your best option. Police don’t often stop cars. Look for the most up-to-date best rental rates in Phuket here.
• Join a City Tour – To see everything in a short time, tours may be the best option to get around. Check out this Phuket city tour hitting all the highlights in one day. 

Tips To Know Before Your Phuket Motorbike Rental

Be mindful when renting a scooter in Phuket. Disregard the country’s rules and risk incurring fines (or worse, bribery demands) from local police officers who may want to take advantage of you for lunch money. This is extremely common!

1. Wear A Helmet Always! Including The Passenger

Helmets are the most common thing that police officers cite riders for, as they’re easy to spot and a clear indication of lawbreaking.

My first ticket scootering in Thailand was not due to me (the driver not wearing a helmet), but this random guy I picked up at the market as my passenger not wearing a helmet. They need one too!

2. Keep Your International Driver’s License On You

I confess that I do not have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP); however, it is illegal to drive without one. If you don’t have a Thai driver’s license, the consequence of not having an IDP is a minimum 1000 baht ticket. It’s been rumored police may threaten you with other penalties. To avoid this situation, obtain both an A2 motorcycle license AND your IDP before setting out on the road.

Before your motorbike rental in Phuket, the shop will likely ask you if you have a motorcycle-eligible IDP. If not, they will still rent to you but will warn you. Bear in mind that police checks are often focused on foreigners. The police frequently set up checkpoints in certain areas to help minimize traffic collisions while also allowing the country to generate extra revenue.

How To Get An International Driver’s License

An International Driving Permit is simply a translation of your driver’s license into multiple languages.

Applying for an international driver’s license is often a breeze in most countries. There’s no need to take extra tests or spend too much money. If you are abroad already, applying for an international driver’s license can only be done from within your home country.

3. Handle Police Checkpoints

The three main reasons cops will stop you are:

1. Is everyone on the bike wearing a helmet?
2. Do you have a motorcycle license AND an international driver’s license?
3. Are you sober?

If you are good to go with all three, the police may send you away with a look of resignation. However, if not, your luck could run out, and you may get fined for something or another – it’s almost unavoidable after riding around for an extended period as there are so many checkpoints!

If they ask you for cash on the spot, I would refrain from directly giving money to the policeman. Unless you want to attempt to bribe them. They may bring you to the nearest ATM if you don’t have enough money. 

I would personally ask to pay at the police station, but many people on Reddit say otherwise. Authorities may take your driver’s license or motorbike until you pay up.

Cost of Common Ticket Fines

Tickets will generally run a minimum of 1000 baht (28 USD), but some more minor infractions could be around 500 baht (11-14 USD). Alternatively, police can ask for more or threaten to bring the charges to court. Even the ticket prices are inflated here as the fines are way higher here than in other parts of Thailand.

Where are the Police Checkpoints?

Before riding, inquire from your hostel or other travelers about the whereabouts of common checkpoints. If you spot one and know you are not legally compliant, I’d recommend turning around instantly.

I have heard that these are some common spots:

• A lot around Patong Beach, especially the connecting roads to Karon Beach and Kamala Beach.
• Chalong Circle
• I saw parking tickets in Phuket town; avoid zebra curbs.
• Don’t drink and drive! This should always be true, but there are breathalyzer checkpoints at night, especially in the party areas of Phuket.
• There are a lot of other rotating ones that change every day.

You may only be safe when it’s pouring rain or in the backroads.

4. Photograph The Bike Before You Go!

Before hitting the road, take a few minutes to inspect that the vehicle is in good condition. Photograph any dents or scratches, so you are protected from damage claims against you down the line.

Since there are so many newbie drivers, the shop is also likely to take pictures before renting it out to you. But it’s good you have them as well.

Several online reviews describe how scooter shops can charge an exorbitant amount for even a minor scratch.

5. Where To Rent A Scooter

• Scooter Rental Places
• Your accommodation (maybe)

Every touristy block has yellow and red signs with the words sharpied “Motorbike Rent Here.” Finding a bike here is very easy; even massage shops, clothing shops, and tour agencies all moonlight as rental shops. Sometimes, they even do free delivery.

Renting from your accommodation may be slightly more expensive than finding one on the street.

How To Spot The Bad Rental Companies

It sucks, but there are always those motorbike dealers who try and charge customers for prior damages. Thankfully, we now have reviews available to us so that we can adequately research for good service before signing anything. The surest way of avoiding this is by skimming through the Google ratings and taking note of all terms detailed in the contract beforehand.

6. Process Of A Motorbike Rental in Phuket: Deposit And Forms

Most rental services on Phuket island will have a proper form where you have the timestamp, an invoice, and contact information. They will also take a picture or photocopy of your passport.

They will ask for a security deposit, which may be your original passport with the visa stamp or something between 2,000-5,000 baht. It will be cash only.

7. Scooter Rental Options

The size of your rental business will determine the type of bike options available. Choices can range from smaller city 110cc scooters all the way up to larger adventure manual motorcycles.

Most common bikes, ranging from 110cc – 150cc: Honda, Scoopy, Fino, & Yamaha.

8. Phuket Motorbike Rental Price

The cheapest automatic 110cc – 125cc bike will usually cost 250 baht daily. You may be lucky and find the occasional shop for 200 baht per day, especially in Phuket town. On the beaches, 250 – 300 baht per day is more common.

A lower CC equates to cheaper bike costs, whereas bigger, fully manual motorbikes tend to be more costly. The most expensive bike I’ve seen is the Yamaha T Max, a 530cc motorcycle that ran for 2,000 baht daily. Which is higher than a car rental.

You can get monthly rentals starting from 5,000-7,000 baht.

Additional Costs To Consider

Insurance coverage is usually not included, although some shops may offer this service. In general, taking out travel insurance when traveling in Asia is a smart move. I use Safety Wings– which is cheap and covers your medical in scooter accidents.

9. Fuel Fill-Ups

Scooters can be fuelled with two petrol grades, 91 and 95, at a similar price of ฿35-38/liter (approximately $1 USD/liter) at most gas stations. The small bikes can only hold about 3 liters. Some shops also sell gas from a bottle for a couple of baht more per liter.

Other Tips For Renting A Scooter In Phuket

• There is at least one car-only tunnel that police often wait to catch motorbikes for.
• In Thailand, people drive on the left side of the road.
• Unlike other Southeast Asian countries, people don’t honk in Thailand very much. 
• Keep a rain jacket or poncho underneath your seat during Thailand’s rainy season.
• Protect yourself from the Phuket sun. It is scorching out there.
• Although you should always get travel insurance, your insurance company won’t likely cover your damages in a motorbike accident without an international driver’s license.

Final Thoughts: Motorbike Rental in Phuket

Renting a scooter in Phuket can be an incredible way to explore the giant island and its many beaches and viewpoints. However, it is crucial to consider your safety, experience level, and local laws before signing up for one of these motorbike rentals. With these tips, you should have no problem finding the perfect rental (and avoid police fines) for your next Phuket adventure!