QuestionKata
Scooter rental safe for tourists in Phuket?
Traveler · 2h
Confident rider at home. Heard horror stories about police fines and hospital bills.
3 answers
Yo
Best answer
10
International driving permit + helmet always. Police checkpoints common Patong–Kata road — 500–1000 baht fines if no license. Hospitals see daily scooter crashes. Sober only, no barefoot. Grab fine if not confident in left-side traffic.
6
Inspect bike photos before leaving shop — scam damage claims happen. Full travel insurance with rider cover essential.
3
Rented 5 days — fine on back roads to viewpoints. Avoid Patong hill at night drunk.