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What travelers should look out for when riding a scooter in Asia

t feels like freedom! But traffic in Thailand or Indonesia is usually chaotic - an accident can have serious consequences.
It feels like freedom! But traffic in Thailand or Indonesia is usually chaotic, and an accident can have serious consequences Photo: Getty Images

September 2, 2024, 3:41 pm | Read time: 3 minutes

Almost every backpacker does it: experiencing Southeast Asia at least once on a scooter. It feels like freedom! But the traffic in Thailand or Indonesia is usually chaotic; an accident can have serious consequences. How to make the trip on a motorcycle a success.

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In the worst-case scenario, a scooter trip in Southeast Asia ends in a hospital. “The quality of care in the event of an accident is very poor,” warns TRAVELBOOK author Andrea Markand. Scooter fans should definitely pay attention to these eight points:

International driver’s license

This is usually mandatory. However, controls vary in strictness. In Vietnam, for example, driving without valid papers is punishable by a fine of 1.2 million dong (just under 50 euros), reports Markand. In Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, the police are a little more relaxed.

At rental companies in Southeast Asia, travelers are often only asked if they have ever ridden a scooter before, reports travel blogger Tobias Meyer from Homeiswhereyourbagis.com. “Which doesn’t mean you should ride without a valid driver’s license,” says the blogger. If you have an accident as a tourist without a driver’s license, your health insurance won’t pay, warns Markand. Then it often gets expensive.

Insurance

Travelers should always have international health insurance, advises the German Insurance Association. Private liability insurance does not cover damage to property.

Finding a rental service

Recommendations from other travelers are always good when choosing a rental company. “Either from other backpackers or the accommodation”, advises blogger Conni Biesalski from “Planet Backpack“. “Especially in the tourist strongholds, there are black sheep among the landlords,” says German lawyer Ralf Baumgarten, whose law firm is based in Bangkok.

Rental contract

The scooter should be checked before signing. It is best to take photos of any damage. “I would also always do a short test drive,” advises Tobias Meyer. You should also check the tires.

Deposit

Usually, the passport is retained as a deposit when renting out the vehicle. However, lawyer Baumgarten recommends negotiating and only leaving your ID card as a deposit. Under no circumstances should you pay a large sum of money as a deposit in advance. There is a risk that you will not get the money back.

Rental prices

Prices vary from country to country. Independent rental stores are cheaper than hotel rental agencies.

Safety

Helmets are officially compulsory in all countries in Southeast Asia. For those who make last-minute decisions, helmets are usually included with the rented mopeds, albeit adhering to Southeast Asian standards. However, for travelers planning to ride a motorcycle for an extended period of time, this may not suffice. “For optimal safety, it’s advisable to bring a helmet from home, since the local helmets may not meet the safety standards you’re accustomed to,” advises author Markand.

Driving style

“Traffic is increasing in Southeast Asia, so it really is getting more and more dangerous,” warns Markand. For beginners, avoid cities. Riding a scooter in the countryside is less stressful. Tip: ride slowly and don’t overestimate your ability.

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In an emergency

If there is an accident in which someone else is involved, travelers should always call the police. It’s best to avoid legal proceedings for minor damages, as they tend to be protracted, costs are often not reimbursed, and managing the process from Germany can be quite challenging.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TRAVELBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@petbook.de.

Topics Asia
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