Can I get a rabies vaccine in Bangkok and do I need an international driver’s license for renting a moped?

Rabies Vaccine Thailand Healthcare Driver's License International Driver's Permit Vaccination in Thailand Moped License Requirements Safety Tips in Thailand

Nov 16, 2023

a year ago

Lydia ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all! New here. I'll be traveling to Thailand for 12 weeks starting January. I have two questions:

1. Rabies vaccine - can I get it in Bangkok? As the only protection it gives is that you have 48 hrs instead of 24 hrs to find a doctor, I prefer to get it in Thailand if possible, since it is really expensive for the protection it affords.

2. Driver's license - I plan to rent or buy a moped there to get around, and am planning to get an international driver's license for Thailand and probably Laos. Is that necessary though? Are people usually checked for international license or will your own country's be sufficient?

Thanks in advance 😃

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user seeks information about the availability of rabies vaccination in Bangkok and whether an international driver's license (IDP) is required for renting or buying a moped in Thailand. Several comments suggest that rabies vaccines can be obtained at tropical disease clinics in Bangkok, typically requiring two visits. It's emphasized that obtaining the vaccine before exposure is advisable. Regarding the driver's license, an IDP is recommended and might be necessary, especially if renting a moped. Users mention that having an IDP, especially stamped for motorcycles, is important for legal compliance and insurance purposes.

Mike *******

Been travelling to Thailand for 34 years. Had rabies shot on first trip, never again. Just use you situational awareness. Get an IDP for all vehicles. If ur licensed for bikes it will be put on IDP. Again, been coming here for 34 years and never actually had to show it. Police seem to assume all Farang have license.

a year ago

Bob **********

First I’m sure they have rabies shots here never heard of anyone with rabies in 14 years ,if your going to ride a motorbike you’ll need an IDP and make sure it’s stamped for a motorbike

a year ago

Roberto *********

Absolutely get the rabies vax BEFORE the event. I got nipped by a soi dog a few years back and then had to undergo a course of FIVE shots over a 4-6 week period, which was a pain in the backside (as well as the arm). I was on a round the world at the time, so I had first two jabs in Thailand, the third in the Philippines and the last two in Germany. It's just such a damned inconvenience. I will never make that mistake again. The only advantage was it didn't cost me a cent, as it was covered by insurance. But now I'd always pay the money and get the preventative jabs

a year ago

Lydia ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Roberto ********

My doctor told me that even if you get a vaccine, you still have to get 3 jabs if you've had a possible rabies exposure. The main difference being between having been vaccinated beforehand or no, is that you have 48 hrs to find a dr, instead of 24, and you don't need the immunoglobin serum, but still 3 jabs. To be clear, I AM planning to get a rabies vaccine asap upon arrival in Bangkok at a Thai hospital - which should be considerably more affordable than the €160,- I'd have to pay in NL. I understand that your treatment must have been a pain, but as I understand it, it hardly would have mattered in your case whether you got the vaccine beforehand or no- you only wouldn't have had to get your 2 shots in Germany. I am curious though, what was the situation where you got bit? Perhaps it can help me avoid such an experience.

a year ago

Reply to

Lydia ***********

Mathias *******

I recommend to wear a helmet when driving the motorbike.

a year ago

Michael ********

Is your home country license in English if so normally ok, but if you can get international get it

a year ago

Wayne *********

Do you have a motor bike license at home ? If not you will not have any insurance. Moped are not in thailand they are bigger than 50cc so need a license

a year ago

Brandon ************

1) you can make an appointment at the hospital for tropical disease. They'll give you a consultation and ask what vaccines you're interested in and why and advise you what they think. This is where I got my rabies vaccine.

Please note that you'll need to go two times because the rabies vaccine is a double course so you'll have to pay 2 times the price shown.

******************************************

You should look into Japanese Encephalitis as well. If I had gotten that vaccine for a mosquito born illness endemic to Asia while I was home in the US it would've cost me $800. Here it was under $20.

2) yes you need an IDP (international drivers permit, not license) because that's what they'll be looking for if you're stopped. You must show it along with your home country drivers license.

a year ago

Lydia ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

thank you so much! I looked through the list and it said rabies vaccine cost depends on weight, without any indication. Can you tell me approximately what you paid for one?

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Lydia **********

look further up, the immunoglobulin is only for treatment after you're infected. There's a vaccine further up I believe it said 300.

a year ago

Lydia ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

Ah, you're absolutely right, I overlooked it. It is 353 baht. So about €10,-. Much more preferable to €160,-, thank you!

a year ago

Reply to

Lydia ***********