Getting around Thailand is cheap and easy once you know the rules. The one area worth taking seriously is riding a scooter, not because it's hard, but because getting the licence wrong can cost you a fine and your insurance. Here's the honest version.

Scooters: the default, with a catch

On an island like Phuket, a scooter is how most people get around. Monthly rental runs about 3,000 to 5,000 THB, and it's the cheapest, most flexible way to get about. But there's a legal catch a lot of people ignore until a checkpoint or an accident.

To ride legally you need either a Thai motorbike licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP) with the motorcycle endorsement, the 'A' category. This is the bit people miss: UK, EU and Australian IDPs are often issued car-only unless you specifically ask for the motorcycle category. A car-only IDP does not cover a scooter, not even a little 110cc. Thailand has no small-engine exception. Check your IDP for the motorbike stamp before you fly.

Why it really matters Police checkpoints in tourist areas check your licence class, and the fine is 500 to 1,000 THB on the spot. Far worse: if you crash a scooter without the right licence, your travel or health insurance can refuse the claim outright. Given hospital bills here, that's the expensive mistake, see the insurance guide.

Getting a Thai licence

If you're staying long term, the IDP isn't a permanent fix, you're meant to convert to a Thai licence. It's cheaper and easier than people expect, and if you already hold a licence from home you skip the road test. I've laid out the whole thing, documents, where to go and the cost, in the how to get a Thai driving licence guide.

Helmets and riding sensibly

Helmets are the law for both rider and passenger, and beyond the law, Thailand's roads are not forgiving. Wear the helmet every time, ride within your ability, and don't treat your first week on two wheels as the time to learn. A motorbike spill is the single most common way expats end up in hospital here.

If you'd rather not ride

You don't have to. Grab and Bolt, the ride-hailing apps, cover most towns and are easy and fairly cheap. Songthaews, the shared pickup trucks, run set routes for very little. Regular taxis exist but cost more, agree a price or insist on the meter. In Bangkok you've also got the BTS skytrain and MRT metro, which are excellent. Phuket has no train, it's all road, which is part of why a scooter is so handy here.

FAQ

Do I need a licence to ride a scooter in Thailand?

Yes. You need either a Thai motorbike licence or an International Driving Permit with the motorcycle ('A') endorsement. A car-only IDP does not cover scooters, even small 110cc ones. Riding without the right licence risks a fine and can void your insurance if you crash.

Is Grab available in Thailand?

Yes. Grab and Bolt ride-hailing apps work in most towns and cities and are an easy, fairly cheap alternative to driving. Songthaews (shared pickups) are cheaper still, and Bangkok has the BTS and MRT.

How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Phuket?

Around 3,000 to 5,000 THB a month for a standard automatic scooter. Always wear a helmet, ride with the correct licence, and check the bike over before you take it.