Car hire in Koh Samui
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Renting a car on Samui is a practical solution for those who want to maximise their experience of the island’s diversity. The road network is well-developed and the main attractions are scattered from the quiet bays of the north to the lively beaches of the south.
Having a car means you don’t have to depend on public transport schedules and can easily get to places rarely visited by tuk-tuks and taxis, such as the picturesque Namuang Waterfalls or viewpoints overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.
Pros of renting a car on Koh Samui
The main advantage of hiring a car on Koh Samui is that you can tailor your itinerary to suit your interests. You can swim in the crystal waters of Chaweng, sample the local cuisine at Bophut’s fish restaurants and watch the sunset on the secluded Lipa Noi beach all in one day. You won’t have to overpay for multiple trips or waste time waiting.
Besides, renting a car on Samui means saving energy and comfort in the tropical climate. Air conditioning in the cabin and a boot for all the necessary things will save you from worries.
How much does it cost to rent a car on Samui
The average cost of renting a car
on the island starts from 1000 baht per day, with an average price of 1400 baht per day. What determines the price of car rental on Samui:
Type of car. The newer the model, the roomier the interior or the more powerful the engine, the higher the cost.
Seasonality. In high season (December-February, July-August) prices increase by 20-40% due to demand. In the rainy months (September-November) rent is often cheaper.
Lease term. Long-term rentals (7 days or more) usually include discounts. For example, 5 days – 1,300 baht/day, 14 days – 1,000 baht/day.
Insurance. Full coverage (SuperCASCO) is more expensive than basic coverage (MTPL), but reduces financial risks in case of damage.
Other services. Child seats, second driver in the contract, car delivery to the hotel or option to travel to other provinces are paid additionally
We recommend booking a car on Samui in advance, especially in high season.
What You Need to Rent a Car on Samui
To rent a car on Samui, the driver must be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of 1 year of driving experience. However, the widest selection of cars is available for those who are 21 years or older and have at least 2 years of driving experience.
The following documents are required for renting a car:
- Valid passport — needed for signing the contract and identity verification.
- National driver’s license issued in Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, or another country, which must be valid at the time of rental.
Although an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not officially required in Thailand, having one can be important in practice. For example, local police or insurance companies may request an IDP during document checks or when processing an insurance claim. To avoid potential complications and additional costs, it is recommended to obtain an IDP in advance.
Payment for Car Rental and Deposit
A deposit is always required when renting a car on Samui — car rentals without a deposit are not common in Thailand.
Russian bank cards, including the MIR system, may not work for paying the deposit or rental directly. However, there are several alternative solutions:
- Cash (Thai baht) — this is the simplest and most reliable way to pay the deposit.
- Cryptocurrency and stablecoins — some car rentals on Samui accept digital currencies.
- Foreign bank cards — credit and debit cards from international payment systems (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere.
To book a car, an advance payment of 15-20% of the total rental cost is required. The remaining amount must be paid when picking up the car on Samui.
It is important to note that payment methods and deposit conditions may vary depending on the chosen car. For example, some cars may only accept cash, others may accept cryptocurrency, and some may accept all available options. Detailed information about available payment methods is provided in the description of each car.
Renting a Car for a Trip to Samui
The selection of cars for rent on Samui is limited. However, there is a convenient alternative: you can rent a car on the mainland, for example, in Krabi, where the choice of cars is much wider. Include the option to drive to the islands in your rental order — this service usually costs around 5000-7000 baht for the entire rental period.
