Car Rental Documents for Foreigners in Thailand: Passport, IDP and Tips
What foreign visitors need to rent a car in Thailand — passport, an International Driving Permit or English-language licence — plus how to upload in advance, the deposit, and road rules to know.
Visitors and foreign residents can rent with Rod-Chao at every branch. This guide explains which documents you need, what to check before pickup day, and what to know about driving in Thailand, so your handover is quick and smooth.
Documents you need
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Yes | Must be valid through your return date |
| International Driving Permit (IDP) or an English-language home-country driving licence | Yes | A licence that is not in English must be accompanied by an IDP |
| Return flight ticket / travel proof | Optional | Helps us verify your booking faster |
- Bring all original documents to pickup.
- Your licence must be valid through the return date and must cover cars.
Upload your documents in advance
- Sign up or log in, and make sure your renter status is Foreigner (it is set automatically from the country you registered with).
- Go to My documents and upload clear photos of your passport photo page and your licence — no glare.
- Our team reviews them and shows the result in your account. Approved documents can be reused for future bookings until they expire.
Uploading ahead of time saves a lot of time at the counter on pickup day.
Deposit and payment
- The rental price, VAT, the cover you choose and the deposit for each model are all shown before you confirm your booking.
- The deposit is refunded after you return the car and it has been checked, minus only actual charges such as missing fuel or a late return.
Driving in Thailand
- Thailand drives on the left, and the steering wheel is on the right.
- Everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt, front and back.
- Follow the posted speed limits, and watch for motorbikes passing on both sides.
- Never drink and drive, and don't use a handheld phone while driving.
- Always carry your passport (or a copy) and licence. Police may ask to see them, and insurance may not cover a driver without a valid licence.
Emergency numbers to save
- 191 — Police
- 1155 — Tourist Police (English spoken)
- 1669 — Medical emergency / ambulance
If you have an accident, make sure everyone is safe first, take photos of the scene, and contact Rod-Chao through the channels on your booking page as soon as possible.
Ready? Choose your branch and car below.
Ready to hit the road?
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