10 Tips to Hire a Bike in Bangkok

hire a bike in Bangkok 10 Tips To Hire a Bike in Bangkok If you’re planning to hire a bike in Bangkok, it’s important to know the best practices to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are ten pieces of advice to help you make the right choice: 1. Check Google Reviews When you hire a bike in Bangkok, the first step should always be to check the Google reviews of the rental companies. Reviews from other customers can provide valuable insights into the quality of the bikes and the level of service you can expect. Look for companies with consistently high ratings and positive feedback. This will give you confidence that you’re choosing a reputable provider. Our favorite rental spot in Thailand: Rent a Scooter Our favorite rental spot in Bangkok: Motorcycle Rental Bangkok Our favorite rental spot in Sukhumvit: Motorbike Rental  2. Choose a Convenient Location Another important factor when you hire a bike in Bangkok is the location of the rental company. Choose one that is conveniently located near your accommodation or places you plan to visit. This will save you time and make it easier to pick up and drop off the bike. 3. Opt for a 24-Hour Service Renting a bike is not just about the bike itself; it’s also about the service you receive. Make sure to hire a bike in Bangkok from a company that offers 24-hour service. This is crucial because you never know when you might need assistance, whether it’s late at night or early in the morning. A company that provides round-the-clock support can help you deal with any issues that arise, whether it’s a mechanical problem or an encounter with the police. 4. Don’t Leave Your Passport as Deposit One common pitfall when you hire a bike in Bangkok is being asked to leave your passport as a deposit. This can be risky, as some companies might use it to blackmail you over minor damages. Instead, always keep some cash as a deposit and never leave your passport. If someone insists on taking your passport, it’s likely a scam, and it’s usually a sign of a less reputable shop without many reviews on Google. Be very careful and choose a reputable company. 5. Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Trip Selecting the right bike for your specific needs is crucial when you hire a bike in Bangkok. For example, a small scooter might be perfect for getting around the city, but it won’t be suitable for a long-distance trip to Chiang Mai. Conversely, a large, powerful bike like a BMW GS Adventure would be overkill if you only plan to navigate Bangkok’s busy streets. Consider the nature of your trip and choose accordingly. If you’re a bigger person or traveling with a passenger, opt for a larger, more comfortable scooter like a PCX or an Aerox. For those on a budget, smaller scooters like a Fino or a Scoopy might be more appropriate. 6. Understand the Importance of Service Quality Many people mistakenly believe that the bike itself is the most important factor when renting. They think that renting a Honda Click from one company is the same as renting it from another. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The quality of service can vary drastically between rental companies. If a company doesn’t properly maintain its bikes, renew the insurance, or provide 24-hour assistance, you’re putting yourself at risk. Imagine having an accident or a problem with the police in the middle of the night and the company isn’t available to help you. It’s crucial to rent from a company that prioritizes customer service. The bike you choose is only one or two percent of the experience; the service quality makes up the remaining ninety-eight percent. Always choose a rental company known for its excellent service and support. 7. How to Deal with Police When interacting with the police in Bangkok, it’s essential to remain calm and polite. In the Land of Smiles, a friendly demeanor can go a long way. Even if the police officer is not initially smiling, maintaining a calm and positive attitude can help de-escalate the situation. Always keep your composure and avoid getting angry or confrontational. This approach can help you navigate tricky situations more smoothly. 8. Be Careful Where You Leave Your Motorbike While theft is rare in Bangkok, improper parking can lead to your bike being impounded by the police. If this happens, it’s imperative to contact your rental company immediately so they can assist in retrieving the bike. Always park in designated areas or where you see many other bikes parked. Avoid leaving your bike in isolated spots. Additionally, if you park your bike at home or in a condo with a lot of cats around, protect the seat to prevent damage from their claws. 9. Drive Carefully and Be Aware of Local Rules Driving in Bangkok can be challenging, especially since Thailand drives on the left side of the road, which might be different from what you’re used to. Also, remember that motorbikes are not allowed on tollways in Thailand. Always follow traffic rules, stay alert, and be cautious to avoid accidents and penalties. 10. Check the Motorbike Before You Depart Before you set off on your rented bike, it’s crucial to thoroughly check it. Take it for a short drive on the road in front of the shop to ensure everything is functioning properly. Document the condition of the bike by taking a video, pointing out any existing marks or damages. Share this video with the rental company to avoid any disputes later. Besides the bike, also inspect the helmet provided. A quality helmet can save your life in case of an accident, so make sure it fits well and closes properly.

The Best Way to deal with the Police in Thailand

The Best Way to Deal with the Police in Thailand Few rules to know before riding a scooter in Bangkok You have just arrived in Thailand and want to enjoy your stay safely without having to deal with the police when you travel by scooter ? As in every city in the world, before you hit the road, it’s a MUST to have some basic knowledge of the traffic rules. Therefore, to help you get started, here’s what you need to know about traffic rules.  One thing that may have struck you upon arriving in the capital is the abundance of scooters on the roads. And for most of these drivers, helmets seem optional. However, this is our first recommendation: make sure you wear a helmet for your safety, even if you are sitting in the back seat. Indeed, even if the Thais seem to ride without any protection, it does not mean that it is legal (or safe!). The police are extremely present and you will certainly be asked to stop if you drive without a helmet, especially if you are a foreigner, so be careful with that. Another obvious but important point to remember : remember to drive on the left side of the road. Even as a foreigner, you will be fined if you do not respect the direction of the road. You have reached your destination ? Some tips for parking ! Let’s move on to the issue of parking. The first thing to know is that it is strictly forbidden to park on the side of the main road. You can only park in the designated parking lot or in the parking lot of your hotel.  In general, you can easily find parking near shopping centers, clubs and restaurants. There is almost no problem with scooter theft, but if the police take your vehicle because you park it illegally, there are really few chances to get it back.   Congratulations, you are now in possession of the basic knowledge of driving in Thailand ! Still, we highly recommend that you continue reading this article to ride a scooter safely and make the most of your stay in the capital. A few more advices and you’re good to go! Indeed, it’s also good to know that as a “farang” (foreigner) there are more chances you will be stopped by the police for a small control. In this case, don’t worry, just follow these tips : – Always be polite and smile, don’t forget that the police is only doing its job! – Unfortunately, as a tourist, there is a good chance that you will be fined, simply because you are a foreigner. Avoid panicking and speaking in your language (which is probably foreign to them). If you can, it is recommended to try to translate what you want to say. – Don’t get angry, ever, it is useless because the police is always right. Moreover it is extremely impolite to raise your voice during an argument, which can get you into more trouble. – If you have to pay a fine, most of the time you will be asked to pay it on the spot. If you refuse, you will be taken to the nearest police station, where you will lose more time with a complicated process, and will still end up paying the fine. So accept your fate and pay the tax on the spot. – Most of the time, the Thai police arrest you for doing something that is against the rules. And of course, even if 10 Thais near you are driving without helmets, they will prefer to stop you instead. So the best thing to do is not to argue, pay the amount due and go home safely.   And now, the most exciting part : choosing your scooter for the trip !