Hire car

[bernard]

I'm going to hire a car in Bangkok and travel to Malaysia and back again. Does anyone know of any border documents that I may require concerning the car? Usual passport stuff accepted. Or even, do the car hire companies allow you to do this? Thanks for the advice in advance.

[pnustedt]

In my experience with the main car rental companys in Thailand, they do not allow you to take the vehicle out of the country. There is a preventative clause in the rental agreement.

[flackjacket]

Even taking your own car is a hassle. Car hire-fly to Malaysia and hire car there. I went to Penang where the car was waiting (sorry cannot remember name) travelled around quite a bit and returned to Penang. Check carefully for NO milage charge, some companies do charge.

[bernard]

Many thanks for the replies. Guess I'll have to think again or tell the girl friend the trips off!! God, will she go ballistic. You all know Thai ladies. When they want to go somewhere 'dueay khan' they want to go! Maybe if I say she should go alone and leave me in Bangkok. Do you think she might agree???? (I'm only joking). I know the answer already. Thanks again.

[lopburi3]

Another option you might consider is to rent in Thailand to Hat Yai and then hire a car/driver with Malay plates to drive you around Malaysia (you don't drive there as you do here without large fines).  It could be quite useful having a local language speaker as your girlfriend is not likely to know what foods to order south of the border (and you know this is a top priority).  You could probably arrange with the Thai rental not to charge one-way if you agree to rent again for the return trip.