Motorent
Renting a motorbike for the first time in a busy city like Ho Chi Minh City makes everyone a little nervous: what do I need to bring, will anyone keep my documents, and what should I check when I collect the bike? This guide pulls together what you need to know so you can prepare easily and collect your bike with confidence.
How renting works at Motorent
Renting with Motorent is simple, and you do not pay anything upfront on the website. The steps are:
- Choose your bike and rental dates, and leave your name and phone number.
- Motorent calls you or messages you on Zalo to confirm the bike, give you a quote and arrange pickup.
- You prepare your documents as described below.
- When you collect the bike, you pay the rental fee together with the deposit, then you are on your way.
Documents for Vietnamese guests
Vietnamese guests bring their level-2 electronic ID card and a motorbike licence; Motorent photographs them and does not keep your documents. Foreign guests bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) and their original passport (Motorent keeps the passport during the rental).
Vietnamese guests only need to let Motorent photograph their documents and do not leave them behind. Foreign guests leave their original passport with Motorent. So you can bring your original documents without worrying that they will be kept.
Documents for foreign guests
Foreign guests bring their passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP). For a motorbike, the IDP should list the category of bike you will ride (usually category A or A1), and you should carry it together with your home-country licence.
According to traffic-related sources, Vietnam accepts IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention; sources differ on whether IDPs issued under the 1949 Convention can be used, and some permits advertised as “international” are not recognised at all. The safest approach is to ask the authority that issues licences in your country before your trip, and to message Motorent for further advice.
Another reason to bring the right documents: some sources warn that riding without a valid licence can mean you are not covered by insurance if something happens. Having the right papers protects you.
Deposit and payment
The deposit is 1,000,000 VND per bike, paid together with the rental fee when you collect the bike. The website only collects your contact details and does not take payment.
What to ask before you collect the bike
- The fuel rules when collecting and returning the bike.
- Helmets and any other extras that come with the bike.
- Pickup and return times, so you can plan your schedule.
- If you plan to ride out of town, tell Motorent before you rent.
When you collect the bike, walk around it with our staff, check the lights, brakes and mirrors, and take a few photos of its condition. This small habit keeps things clear for both sides when you return the bike.
Preparing your documents the evening before also makes pickup easier: keep them somewhere easy to reach, charge your phone fully and save Motorent's number so you can get in touch when you need to.
If you need help during your trip, call 038 787 7450 (also on Zalo) and we will guide you.
