Renting a car in Phuket without a credit card

Why the big brands ask for a credit card

A card hold lets the company block the deposit without taking your money, and charge fines or damage later. Debit cards and prepaid cards are often refused, and the hold can stay on your card for days after the rental. If you do not have a credit card, or do not want a large amount blocked on holiday, a local rental with a cash deposit is the simpler way.

How a cash deposit works with us

• You pay the deposit in cash at the hand-over, together with the rental: ฿3,000 for sedans, ฿5,000 for the Fortuner.
• We photograph every panel of the car with you and send the photos to your WhatsApp.
• At the return we photograph the car again. If there is no new damage, the deposit goes back to you on the spot, in cash.
• If there is new damage, the cost is taken from the deposit and never exceeds the ฿15,000 insurance excess.
• The rental itself can be paid in cash or by Thai bank transfer.

What you still need

• Passport — we look at it and take a photo; we do not keep it.
• National driving licence plus an International Driving Permit, or a Thai licence.
• Age 21 or over.

What to avoid

• Never leave your passport as a deposit. You need it for hotels, immigration and banks, and it gives the company all the leverage in any dispute.
• Do not pay a deposit without a written contract that states the amount and when it is returned.
• Do not skip the photos at pickup, even if the agent is in a hurry. They are the only proof of what was already on the car.