US. Citizen with Thai drivers licence only, and renting a Car in the U.S.?

[john 111]

Hi Everyone, 

 

When i go to rent a car for a trip back to the U.s, the rental companies gives two to options which

i've posted a screen shot of both options.

Has anyone here chosen the 'I'm not a local resident option"

This option is cheaper and also comes with some insurance etc, so if this is an ok option, i'd like to know if anyone

has used this option recently. 

 

I've tried calling the rental company call center, but i get someone who isn't familiar and they tell me to book it as a local resident, which isn't possible

because i no longer have a U.S. licence.

 

Thanks for your help, been spinning wheels over this.

 

Best,

 

John

 

 

 

[unblocktheplanet]

I've had absolutely no problem renting in Canada with my Thai licence. I do try, however, to use a CAD credit card to provide full insurance.

 

My guess in the U.S. that they can't fathom a Thai licence is for real!

[marin]

10 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

My guess in the U.S. that they can't fathom a Thai licence is for real!

You guessed wrong, I have rented cars with a Thai drivers license the last 8 years. No problems since they changed to your name in English. 

[KannikaP]

2 minutes ago, marin said:

You guessed wrong, I have rented cars with a Thai drivers license the last 8 years. No problems since they changed to your name in English. 

Your Thai licence has everything in both languages, so an IDP should not be needed. 

[unblocktheplanet]

Good to know! Thanks!

[john 111]

1 hour ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Good to know! Thanks!

Thanks guys, but the question is about the rental company and am I considered a local resident. If you look at the two pictures and what is required...That's what i'm trying to figure out...

 

[Tropicalevo]

2 hours ago, KannikaP said:

Your Thai licence has everything in both languages, so an IDP should not be needed. 

In my experience, the the IDP requirement is by the rental company - not a legal requirement.

The rental company will not rent if they have said that it is needed.

[kwonitoy]

As a Canadian citizen I've rented cars in Aus, US, Can, UK with my Thai DL and offshore bank credit card.

As long as your name and address are in English, they don't care.

I've found the IDP to be useless, it's a permit, not a license

 

[scoutman360]

On 7/20/2024 at 5:55 PM, Tropicalevo said:

In my experience, the the IDP requirement is by the rental company - not a legal requirement.

The rental company will not rent if they have said that it is needed.

 

Good to know. Thanks. Check the rental company requirements.