Scooter rental in Phuket: is it really safe?

October 5, 2022

When you decide to take a trip to a place like Thailand, very often the choice falls on renting a means of transport that allows you to move around independently, saving a lot of time and therefore having the opportunity to fully enjoy the holiday. However, if it’s the first time that you come to a place so rich in prospects and charm, you may be afraid to make a choice like this because you may think that freedom of movement and autonomy can be a danger: many people, in fact , they wonder (and consequently they ask us) if it’s really safe to rent a scooter to get around Phuket.

The answer to this legitimate question is yes: hiring a means of transport is safe, because you can move freely and safely on the island, enjoying a ride that will allow you to make all the trips you want without running into phantom taxis. or strangers who, on the other hand, could be a danger to your safety. Moreover, renting a motorcycle is even safer if it’s the first time you come to Thailand and you don’t know what dangerous places could be: if you are on your vehicle, you can quickly get away from a rough area and get to safety; if, on the other hand, you have to wait for a taxi or if you move on foot, you could be more easily subject to robberies or scams.

Beyond the safety issue related to the road itself, you may be wondering if it is safe to rent a motorbike and, therefore, have to deal with potential strangers who may smell your tourist appearance and want to scam you: this may be true, especially if you go to unauthorized shops scattered around the city. On the other hand, if you choose a safe and reliable rental company, you will not run any risk because you will be covered by a legal contract, and therefore you will be protected from any attempts at fraud.

In any case, here is a small vademecum that you can rely on to make sure you do not run into any risk.

Don’t choose the first one: plan your trip

Before renting your vehicle, you must be sure that you have made the right choice: therefore, precisely because the city is full of rental companies (but also of citizens who may have bad intentions), it is good that you take some time to analyze a couple of companies and verify their seriousness. Choosing the first one that happens, perhaps when you are already there, can be dangerous: it may be fine for you, but it is also possible that you run into some risk. Take some time to plan your trip: in fact, the positive side is not only linked to the reduction of risks, but also to the fact that you can arrive in Thailand in peace and quiet because you will know that you have maximized your time and money.

Pay attention to costs: analyze the price well in the comparison

When comparing the companies you take into consideration, also check the prices displayed: cost differences that are too important (with the same services) should make you think. In fact, if a company applies a price that is too low compared to what the market offers, it could be a bad sign: in fact, some non-serious companies use these deception with the aim of defrauding the unsuspecting and unwitting tourist.

Check the condition of the motorcycle before signing the contract

Check the motorcycle to be sure that it is offered to you in excellent condition: for example, it is useful to check the condition of the tires, the operation of the battery and the lights, and inspect the bodywork to be sure there are no flaws. or scam attempts behind your back.

Look for reviews online and / or ask anyone who has already been to Phuket

If you are lucky enough to have a friend who lives in Phuket (or if he has been here on vacation and has used a rental service) you could ask him to indicate a safe and reliable service. In any case, it is very useful to search the reviews of the rental company on the Internet and verify that people who have already rented a motorcycle were satisfied: a point to be taken into consideration in this research could be the level of satisfaction in terms of service. customers.

Read the contract well (even the sentences with smaller font)

As in everything important, even in the motorbike rental service there must be a contract to be signed: the presence of this documentation is essential, both for the company and for the customer, as it should protect both parties. If the company refuses to make a contract, it is convenient for you to look elsewhere: you could be the victim of an attempted scam. In any case, it is advisable to read carefully even the sentences with smaller font, because there could be some hidden (but very important) clauses.

Offer a security deposit

No serious company will accept your ID or passport as a security deposit! It is important that you offer a deposit instead which could be between 3000 THB and 10,000 THB (which is about 90-300 USD) depending on the model and year. In any case, we recommend once again to check the conditions in advance and possibly take pictures, especially for some parts such as: bodywork (for example, take photos of any scratches already present); tires and rims; lights (both rear and front and ignition); key; direction indicators; saddle; handlebar; windscreen.

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