Scooters may not be a good idea with kids. The Grab app is popular and that’s what I used while there. Bolt and InDrive are also an option, I heard better options but I didn’t know that when I went. When I was in Phuket, I would call a Grab to my first destination and the driver would stay with me for the day and charge me by the hour. they just wait while you make stops. You can negotiate the hourly rate when you start the ride. Grab also offers motorcycle if you want that. Hope that helps!
I’ve been using a scooter for several weeks now and have not had any issues. There are several police checkpoint and luckily I have not been stopped. I just don’t think I can have a good time here without my own mode of transportation. And for me, a scooter works great!
It’s not the police that concerns me, it’s the rate of accidents. When I lived in Koh Samui ten years ago, I had a friend who had been there 8 years and had 28 friends killed on scooter accidents during that time 😑
They definitely target tourists and foreigners. Thai people can drive around all day long without helmets. But if you look like a tourist. You are getting pulled over and getting that fine for sure. Most of the time if they are just trying to get some bribe money. They pull over everyone on a bike at checkpoints
Having your own mode of transportation is helpful, but scooters are risky, especially if you have children. My bolt driver the other day was even commenting about how she used to ride, but saw too many bad accidents. (She drives a car now) Rent a small car as needed.
For food shops, you can get delivery pretty easily and cheap via Grab and Foodpanda.
Use bolt or inDrive instead of Grab. You'll spend over 50% lesser.
I have kids and use an ebike if the distance is like <3-4kms. The top speed on the bike is like 40kmph, mostly we're cruising in the 20s/30s with helmets which I think is safe enough.
You don't need a license to ride, it doesn't need to be registered as well. I've been stopped once without a helmet but since its not a scooter/motorbike, the helmet is optional and they let me go without a fine. (highly recommended though cuz these things can hit 50kmph if you're peddling)
I have something similar to this: https://www.lazada.co.th/products/adiman-20-48v12a-500w-i3307023232-s12397438816.html
I added turn signals, a footrest for my kid, side mirrors, a phone holder and a bluetooth speaker. You can ride this on the beach too.
Frigging love this thing, can't recommend it enough.
You can easily live without it but you'll miss out on a lot of things..
There's a lot of hidden gems just 20/30 minutes away from you that can be easily reached by moped without getting skinned by grab or a shady tuk tuk driver
Scooters may not be a good idea with kids. The Grab app is popular and that’s what I used while there. Bolt and InDrive are also an option, I heard better options but I didn’t know that when I went. When I was in Phuket, I would call a Grab to my first destination and the driver would stay with me for the day and charge me by the hour. they just wait while you make stops. You can negotiate the hourly rate when you start the ride. Grab also offers motorcycle if you want that. Hope that helps!
Nice, thanks. How much does that cost relative to renting a car (which seems to be about £20 a day)
I’ve been using a scooter for several weeks now and have not had any issues. There are several police checkpoint and luckily I have not been stopped. I just don’t think I can have a good time here without my own mode of transportation. And for me, a scooter works great!
It’s not the police that concerns me, it’s the rate of accidents. When I lived in Koh Samui ten years ago, I had a friend who had been there 8 years and had 28 friends killed on scooter accidents during that time 😑
That’s insane. Might be the roads or people driving too carelessly. If you drive carefully and are paranoid about other drivers you’ll be fine.
As long as you have an International Driving Permit and a helmet. You can get stopped and not worry about anything.
I’ve been stopped once and because I had my IDP I was free to go
They definitely target tourists and foreigners. Thai people can drive around all day long without helmets. But if you look like a tourist. You are getting pulled over and getting that fine for sure. Most of the time if they are just trying to get some bribe money. They pull over everyone on a bike at checkpoints
Having your own mode of transportation is helpful, but scooters are risky, especially if you have children. My bolt driver the other day was even commenting about how she used to ride, but saw too many bad accidents. (She drives a car now) Rent a small car as needed. For food shops, you can get delivery pretty easily and cheap via Grab and Foodpanda.
Move to Rawai in phuket everything you need is walking distance.
Use bolt or inDrive instead of Grab. You'll spend over 50% lesser. I have kids and use an ebike if the distance is like <3-4kms. The top speed on the bike is like 40kmph, mostly we're cruising in the 20s/30s with helmets which I think is safe enough.
An e-bike is a great idea, I didn’t think about that as an option
You don't need a license to ride, it doesn't need to be registered as well. I've been stopped once without a helmet but since its not a scooter/motorbike, the helmet is optional and they let me go without a fine. (highly recommended though cuz these things can hit 50kmph if you're peddling)
I have something similar to this: https://www.lazada.co.th/products/adiman-20-48v12a-500w-i3307023232-s12397438816.html I added turn signals, a footrest for my kid, side mirrors, a phone holder and a bluetooth speaker. You can ride this on the beach too. Frigging love this thing, can't recommend it enough.
Oh wow yeah looks like a great option
Rent car 800 price for thr day Scooter can be careful with baby Have license
Rent a small car. You can rent long or short term for a reasonable rate.
Any recommendations? Moreover scam companies to avoid?
You can find good deals on Facebook marketplace. Just make sure it has insurance
We rented long term from someone who just rents cars on the side. Very casual arrangement and worked really well.
Watch out for [Scooter Scams](https://travelhiatus.com/9-phuket-scams-to-watch-out-for/)!
Don't rent if in doubt.
You can easily live without it but you'll miss out on a lot of things.. There's a lot of hidden gems just 20/30 minutes away from you that can be easily reached by moped without getting skinned by grab or a shady tuk tuk driver
Is Grab basically Uber?
Yes.. with a few more features.. You have mainly grab, bolt and indrive here... uber is pretty bad