Car Hire in Laos

Familiarize yourself with local traffic patterns, peak hours, and driving etiquette to navigate more safely.

When renting a car, especially after travelling by train, allocate extra time for pickup to account for possible delays. Most car hire companies offer a 30-60 minute grace period. Sharing your train number can be helpful, but if you're running late, be sure to contact the car hire provider to let them know.

Before leaving the rental location, inspect the car for any existing damage and ensure it’s documented. Take photos if necessary to avoid disputes when returning the vehicle.

When renting a car from Laos, choose a car hire deal with a “Full-to-Full” or “Same-to-Same” fuel policy from suppliers like Budget, AVIS, Sixt,, These policies ensure you only pay for the fuel you use, helping you avoid unnecessary costs. While a “Full-to-Empty” policy might seem convenient, it can often be more expensive if you don’t use all the fuel.

Before booking a car hire in Laos, carefully examine the terms from suppliers like Budget, AVIS, and Sixt. Focus on details such as payment card requirements, deposits, cross-border travel rules, and driving licence specifications to avoid unexpected issues.

Be aware that some rental companies impose age restrictions or additional fees for drivers under 25. Make sure to check the company’s age policy when booking.

Before finalizing your booking, check if the rental company offers free cancellation. This can provide peace of mind if your travel plans change unexpectedly.

Research any local driving restrictions, such as tolls, road types, and restricted zones, to avoid fines.