Car Hire In Thailand Without Credit Card

[Governor]

I tried to rent a car but I have let my UK credit cards lapse as I no longer have a UK address.

As a foreigner I cannot get a Thai credit card, but my bank the Kasikornbank have given me a Visa Debit Card, and it actually has my name on it.

I tried to rent a car in Udon Thani next week and despite the fact there is absolutly no excess I must get credit card authorisation for a 20,000 baht deposit. Ok, I don't have a credit card, I will use my debit card, no cannot do even though there is enough money in the account to buy the car, ok I will leave a 20,000 cash deposit, no cannot do. I asked the people at Thai Visa Car Hire with whom I had made the reservation, and must be very used to people in my position, their answer - they cancelled the booking.

I rented a car in Hua Hin through Eurocar on Monday, they accepted a cash deposit, so what do others do?

[sweetchariot]

I've rented cars about 5 or 6 times in Chiang Mai/ Chiang Rai after flying up, and never been asked for a deposit, via card or otherwise.

I think the rule of thumb over here is if one company is being awkward, there will be another down the road that will welcome your business.

BTW I did read you could get a Kasikorn credit card if you put down double the credit limit as a deposit - may be worth a try.

[wcr]

As someone who used to own a car rental company I feel I can answer this question.

Firstly I find the 20,000 Baht a very high deposit. Most companies will take 5,000 Baht cash deposit.

Secondly the majority of car rental companies in Thailand do not take credit cards as most companies are privately owned and small concerns. They will only deal in cash.

You're wrong about foreigners not getting credit cards here. I know several people who have them and my own bank even approached me to see if I wanted one. However I believe you must have a work permit to qualify.

[Governor]

As someone who used to own a car rental company I feel I can answer this question.

Firstly I find the 20,000 Baht a very high deposit. Most companies will take 5,000 Baht cash deposit.

Secondly the majority of car rental companies in Thailand do not take credit cards as most companies are privately owned and small concerns. They will only deal in cash.

You're wrong about foreigners not getting credit cards here. I know several people who have them and my own bank even approached me to see if I wanted one. However I believe you must have a work permit to qualify.

Thanks, that's helpful.

Sorry I didn't make it clear about credit cards, I am retired so don't have a need a work permit. My bank would give me one if I had the work permit and a salary of 50,000 per month. My pension is a multiple of that but doesn't count.

[wdrk7]

Dear sweetchariot ,

Could you forward the company name and contact details as i need to rent a car when i go to chiang rai this 23 - 27th may . Many thanks in advance .

I've rented cars about 5 or 6 times in Chiang Mai/ Chiang Rai after flying up, and never been asked for a deposit, via card or otherwise.

I think the rule of thumb over here is if one company is being awkward, there will be another down the road that will welcome your business.

BTW I did read you could get a Kasikorn credit card if you put down double the credit limit as a deposit - may be worth a try.

[NanLaew]

Some car rental outlets in the US won't accept a debit card and others will but will secure the 'hold' on the security deposit at point of hire.

Also note that most hotels in Singapore won't accept a debit card either.

As sweetchariot mentioned, get yourself a 'secured' credit card if you can't get a conventional one.

[Governor]

In the end I did a Google search for "Udon Thani car rental" that came up with Lek Car Rental. Owned by an ex-pat and I presume his Thai wife.

Booked a great car at a great price, fully insured with all the neccessary proof I needed. As said a very good price and they accepted my cash deposit of 2000 Baht, not a typo 2000.

Very good service, will certainly use again and would recommend.

I am going to the US later in the year, will worry about the US car rental then.