Going to rent a motorcycle (250-300cc, honda, kawasaki) and asking a few rentals, I found out that each of them wanted either to get my original passport or, sometimes, the money like 30-50k baht. But normally, they don't accept a copy of my passport, they want the passport itself.

In case anybody was able to rent such the bikes without giving a rental the passport but just a copy of it, plus a sensible amount of money (not a rip-off like 30k-50k baht) for a deposit, let me know where those rentals are if any.

Your holidays will be finished by the time you find a rental firm that would be silly enough to take a risk without a big deposit.

Most rental places are not insured, so the only insurance that they have is your passport or a large deposit if you wreck it or don't return it! If they were to purchase insurance, if they could get it, the added cost would make their prices not competitive.

Nowhere in samui have I known where you are able to rent without your original passport or decent deposit apart from some hotels but then only scooters. In the past I have rented thru friends there also. What's your other major worries with handing over your passport apart from the obvious?

Agree... Everybody will tell you do never give your passport.... but you can't find a renter that don't ask for it....

Unless you know him. Right.. I understand, if I had a shop why would I rent it to you, without guarantee, do I know you...?
So, overall, the best IMO is to leave the passport so someone with good reputation... you never heard problems about this renter...

How is a 30-50k deposit a rip off?

Agree with the above. The current list price of a new Honda CBR250 is 100,500baht. Why is a 30-50K deposit a rip off is there is no insurance and you did not wish to leave your passport?

Can someone borrow me 100.000 baht.

I give you a copy of my passport as security

Agree with the above. The current list price of a new Honda CBR250 is 100,500baht. Why is a 30-50K deposit a rip off is there is no insurance and you did not wish to leave your passport?

Very true though I mean it in a more general sense. I hire a bike of whatever value and put down a deposit of however much. When I return the bike and get my deposit back, how have I been ripped off?

Pop Rental in Chiang Mai has always accepted a copy and 1500 baht for a Honda PCX. Nor certain about bigger voters.

Sent from my SH530U using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

If you look at this topic here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681051-passport-as-a-deposit-for-a-motorcycle/

You will find recommendations to different bike rental places that do not require over the top security, some with larger bikes.

Also a comprehensive discussion about passports , all covered in the provided link.

If you look at this topic here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681051-passport-as-a-deposit-for-a-motorcycle/

You will find recommendations to different bike rental places that do not require over the top security, some with larger bikes.

Also a comprehensive discussion about passports , all covered in the provided link.

It is illegal to hold a passport as security; but often done here. Also I assume you have a valid license to ride bikes of this size from your country, if not any insurance you have is invalidated if you have an accident, and yes that means your travel insurance!!

Rent from your hotel. And of course they will ask you your ID card (Passeport, Thai ID Card)

That's one of the reason why I will go to convert my Driver Licence into Thai Driver Licence

Otherwise, if you go out to a rent shop, they will always ask for an original of ID Card or High Amount Deposit

We've just been through all this, passport stuff .....

Follow the link... Rooo gave above

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681051-passport-as-a-deposit-for-a-motorcycle/

Besides all that stick to 125cc most travel insurance will only cover up to 200cc or less. and a 125cc will do the job of a 250cc with less chance of a sudden " I think i'll give it a bit of squirt " and end up where u didnt want to be

We are going around in circles here. The op was pointed out a current topic basically pertaining to the Pros & Cons using the passport.

If you want a big bike, pay the deposit, very simple. Also pointed out to other rental firms that will take a credit card imprint.

Rooo; How about a 'catch all' sticky at the top of the page covering all eventualities arising from using (ie hiring with or without a driver) anything with an engine* anywhere in the archipelago?

*Bike, Car, Quad-bike, Taxi, Songtaew, Safari truck, Licences, Dashcams, Roundabouts, Passports, Jet Ski, 'Full Moon' Shuttle boats, Minibuses-Any other mode I may have missed.

I left my foreign drivers license instead of my passport a few years ago in Samui, and it was gladly accepted. I don't give my passport to anyone except embassies and immigration departments.

Rooo; How about a 'catch all' sticky at the top of the page covering all eventualities arising from using (ie hiring with or without a driver) anything with an engine* anywhere in the archipelago?

*Bike, Car, Quad-bike, Taxi, Songtaew, Safari truck, Licences, Dashcams, Roundabouts, Passports, Jet Ski, 'Full Moon' Shuttle boats, Minibuses-Any other mode I may have missed.

I do not have time to write a novel, maybe next week.

Rooo; How about a 'catch all' sticky at the top of the page covering all eventualities arising from using (ie hiring with or without a driver) anything with an engine* anywhere in the archipelago?

*Bike, Car, Quad-bike, Taxi, Songtaew, Safari truck, Licences, Dashcams, Roundabouts, Passports, Jet Ski, 'Full Moon' Shuttle boats, Minibuses-Any other mode I may have missed.

I do not have time to write a novel, maybe next week.

There you go ... a rainy day project!!!..... I'm sure we'll have rain at least one day ..... next week!....

Your holidays will be finished by the time you find a rental firm that would be silly enough to take a risk without a big deposit.

Not So! At least not for motorbikes. I don't know about the bigger motorcycles. There is a place in Lamai that rents motorbikes and scooters that does not require a large deposit or a passport. Now, I could be wrong, but if I remember correctly, specific names of businesses cannot be mentioned here so, if you are interested in knowing the name and telephone number of the place, send me a message. I am renting a scooter for 3,000 baht a month with only a 3,000 baht deposit.

Best of luck!

Your holidays will be finished by the time you find a rental firm that would be silly enough to take a risk without a big deposit.

Not So! At least not for motorbikes. I don't know about the bigger motorcycles. There is a place in Lamai that rents motorbikes and scooters that does not require a large deposit or a passport. Now, I could be wrong, but if I remember correctly, specific names of businesses cannot be mentioned here so, if you are interested in knowing the name and telephone number of the place, send me a message. I am renting a scooter for 3,000 baht a month with only a 3,000 baht deposit.

Best of luck!

Please read the OP then you will see what you have posted has no relation to the question asked.