Car Rent One Way Without Credit Card

[chuppachops]

I have rented cars here in the past and they usually want a copy of your passport. This time is different though, I'm driving from Phuket to Chiang Mai and don't own a credit card (never have, never will). Now I understand why they prefer to have a credit card authorisation, but a debit card is just as worthy surely?

Obviously I can't leave my passport as I am only going one way. I have emailed (tried telephoning most of the airport ones and they just hang up when they don't know the answer) and get "No you need credit card or no car".

http://www.phuketairportonline.com seems to be OK, but they say the renter will need a credit card, athough you can pay witha debit card (maybe just their commission though)

Thairentacar service and staff are pretty poor, although the rates are good.

David car rent, although the most lax in their standards, very cheap but won't do one way.

The bigger ones only accept credit cards, although I used to rent with Avis a lot in the Uk and you could use a debit card no problems (with a £300 authorisation)

This is stupid (and I suppose I just have to deal with it being here) but I've worked in a rental place and a for RBS credit card centre, and know that a debit acrd is good enough for an authorisation.

Any ideas other than driving up there, dropping my stuff off and back down to get a one way flight up? I can't fly with all of our gear and two dogs, so I need a car.

(ps. using chuppachops' username as I can't be bothered to sign out/ I know him though so don't worry )

Edited February 22, 2010 by chuppachops

[katabeachbum]

I even tryed a cash 50k baht deposit while not having creditcard. Didnt work. So had to get a new creditcard.

[chuppachops]

Hmm, OK thanks for that KBB. Sounds like I might have to go up there and back down. Not what I was planning on doing at all. I refuse to take the dogs on a plane and we have too much baggage anyway (stuff which I wouldn't want a removal company/airline to lose).

[HDRIDER]

Hi

You do need a credit card, a debit card is not good for that, credit card give them right to get money form your account, not a debit, that one you can empty the day after, they need credit card so they can charge if something happens. Try to buy something over the net with debit card, dont work.

Hire a car with driver????

Edited February 22, 2010 by HDRIDER