The Basics
Why Most Expats Buy a Motorbike
A motorbike — usually an automatic scooter in the 110–125cc range — is the single most practical transport choice for most people living in Phuket. The roads are laid out for it, parking is everywhere, and getting through Phuket Town or Chalong traffic on a scooter beats sitting in a car for thirty minutes covering two kilometres. Fuel costs are a fraction of a car, and maintenance is cheap.
The honest caveat: Phuket's roads are genuinely dangerous. Motorcycle fatalities are among the highest in Thailand. Most serious accidents involve speed, alcohol, or both — but even careful riders face risks from road conditions, aggressive driving culture, and the fact that Thai road rules are more advisory than enforced. Ride defensively, always wear a helmet, and get proper insurance before anything else.
Licence is non-negotiable: You need a valid motorcycle licence to ride legally in Phuket. An International Driving Permit (IDP) endorsed for motorcycles plus your home country licence is the most common approach. Without it, your insurance is void and you face fines at the frequent police checkpoints on major roads. Get your IDP sorted before you arrive or apply for a Thai motorcycle licence at the Phuket DLT on Bypass Road.
What to Buy
Common Bikes and Price Guide
Honda Click 125i / 150i
New: ฿58,000–฿72,000 | Used: ฿22,000–฿40,000
Best seller in Phuket
- Most popular expat choice
- Reliable, parts everywhere
- Good for daily commuting
- Fuel-injected, economical
Honda PCX 150/160
New: ฿82,000–฿92,000 | Used: ฿35,000–฿55,000
Most comfortable
- Larger and more comfortable
- Better highway stability
- Under-seat storage
- Popular with longer-term residents
Yamaha NMAX 155
New: ฿80,000–฿90,000 | Used: ฿32,000–฿50,000
Stylish & capable
- Yamaha's premium maxi-scooter
- Good performance for touring
- Connected tech on newer models
- Strong resale value
Honda Wave / Dash
New: ฿45,000–฿55,000 | Used: ฿15,000–฿28,000
Budget option
- Semi-automatic (not twist-and-go)
- Very fuel efficient
- Lower initial cost
- Common among Thai residents
Royal Enfield / CF Moto 250–300cc
New: ฿95,000–฿180,000 | Used: ฿55,000–฿120,000
For experienced riders
- For those with bike experience
- Better for longer island trips
- Higher running costs
- CF Moto 300NK popular on island
Honda MSX / Monkey (125cc)
New: ฿75,000–฿90,000 | Used: ฿38,000–฿55,000
Cult favourite
- Small format, fun city bike
- Distinctive look
- Less practical for load carrying
- Strong second-hand demand
New vs Used
New Bike vs Used Bike: Which to Choose
| Factor | New Bike | Used Bike (2–4 years old) |
|---|
| Purchase price | ฿45,000–฿180,000+ | ฿15,000–฿60,000 |
| Documentation | Clean — dealership handles everything | Must verify carefully yourself |
| Warranty | 1–2 years manufacturer warranty | No warranty (private sale) |
| Hidden issues | None (new) | Possible — inspect carefully |
| Insurance | Higher (new value) | Lower (lower declared value) |
| Best for | Staying 12+ months, want peace of mind | Budget buyers, shorter stays |
| Resale value | Drops immediately on purchase | Holds better proportionally |
Buying Process
How to Buy a Motorbike in Phuket: Step by Step
1
Find your bike
New: Honda Big Wing (Phuket Town, Bypass Road), Yamaha dealers on Chaofa East Road. Used: Facebook Marketplace (search "Phuket motorbike for sale"), expat groups, Thai-facing sites like Kaidee and One2Car. Rental shops occasionally sell fleet bikes — mixed quality but often well-maintained.
2
Inspect the blue book (ทะเบียนรถ)
The vehicle registration booklet is the most critical document. Verify: seller's name matches the blue book, chassis number matches the physical bike (usually under the handlebars or on the frame), no "red book" (meaning no loan outstanding). If the seller can't produce the blue book, walk away.
3
Pre-purchase mechanical check
Any local mechanic will do a basic inspection for ฿100–฿200. Check the engine oil (colour and level), brakes, tyres (legal minimum 1mm tread), lights, chain tension, and whether the frame looks repaired/welded (accident damage). A used bike with even minor frame damage should be avoided.
4
Agree price and get a receipt
Always get a written receipt in Thai and English. Include the bike make/model, chassis number, price, and both parties' names and passport numbers. For private sales, consider having a Thai friend help — it signals seriousness and helps with negotiation.
5
Transfer at Phuket DLT (Bypass Road)
Both buyer and seller attend the Land Transport Office on Bypass Road (near Chalong). Bring blue book, both parties' ID/passport, and the transfer fee (~฿50–฿100). Processing takes 1–2 hours. If the seller can't attend, they can provide a notarised power of attorney. New address sticker and updated blue book issued same day.
6
Get insurance before you ride
Compulsory Por Ror Bor insurance is minimal. Get voluntary third-party at minimum (฿1,200–฿2,500/year) or comprehensive if the bike has value. Buy through a reputable broker — ask in expat Facebook groups for current recommendations. Don't ride off without cover.
Registration & Costs
Annual Registration and Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Frequency | Amount | Notes |
|---|
| Annual registration renewal (tax disc) | Annual | ฿100–฿300 | Based on engine size; done at DLT or Krungthai Bank branches |
| Compulsory insurance (Por Ror Bor) | Annual | ฿100–฿200 | Included with registration renewal; minimal cover |
| Voluntary insurance (3rd party) | Annual | ฿1,200–฿2,500 | Strongly recommended |
| Comprehensive insurance | Annual | ฿3,000–฿6,000 | For bikes worth ฿40,000+ |
| Petrol (average use) | Monthly | ฿300–฿600 | ~฿40/L; 125cc scooters very fuel efficient |
| Routine service | 3–6 months | ฿300–฿600 | Oil change, filter, chain; any local bike shop |
| Tyres (pair) | 1–2 years | ฿800–฿1,800 | Quality varies widely; choose reputable brands |
Where to service your bike: Avoid tourist-area repair shops for routine work. Local mechanics on residential roads charge ฿100–฿200 for an oil change versus ฿400–฿600 at tourist-facing shops. Authorised Honda and Yamaha dealerships are good for warranty work and parts on newer bikes. In Rawai, there's a cluster of good mechanics on Sai Yuan Road. In Chalong, try the shops near the 5-way intersection.
Heading to Phuket for the First Time?
Our complete relocation checklist covers transport, visas, housing and everything else you need to set up life on the island.
Get the Free Checklist →
FAQ
Common Questions
Can a foreigner own a motorbike in Thailand?
Yes. Foreigners can own and register a motorbike in Thailand. You will need a valid passport, your visa/stamp, and a local address (your rental contract works). The bike is registered in your name at the Land Transport Office. There are no nationality restrictions on motorbike ownership for individuals.
What licence do I need to ride a motorbike in Phuket?
You need a valid motorcycle licence. A Thai motorcycle licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP) endorsed for motorcycles from your home country is acceptable. An IDP plus your home country motorcycle licence is the simplest approach for most expats. Without a valid licence, your insurance will be void and you face fines — this is strictly enforced during checkpoint operations.
Is it safe to buy a used motorbike from a rental shop?
Rental shops that are selling their fleet bikes can be good value if the bike is well-maintained. The risk is documentation: rental businesses sometimes operate under company names that complicate the transfer. Always check the blue book carefully, verify the chassis number matches, ensure the seller's name matches the blue book, and have a Thai-speaking friend help with the paperwork.
Where is the Phuket DLT (Land Transport Office)?
The Phuket Land Transport Office is on Bypass Road (Route 402), south of the Central Festival area and north of Chalong. Opening hours are 8:30–16:30 Monday to Friday. Bring all documents, arrive early, and expect to wait 1–2 hours. Most transfers are processed the same day. A Thai-speaking helper makes the process significantly smoother.
How much does motorbike insurance cost in Phuket?
Compulsory insurance (Por Ror Bor) costs ฿100–฿200/year but provides minimal cover. Voluntary third-party liability insurance starts at ฿1,200–฿2,500/year. Comprehensive cover for a scooter runs ฿3,000–฿6,000/year depending on the bike value and age. Buy from a reputable insurer — Allianz, LMG, or Tokio Marine through a local broker. Ask in expat Facebook groups for current broker recommendations.
Related Guides
More Transport & Living Guides
This page contains no affiliate links. All information is independent editorial content from Phuket Expat Guide.