Thailand forum

It used to be much more common than it is now for hotel staff in places like Thailand to collect your passport when you checked in. Back in the mid-80's, I would typically be asked to surrender my passport. On my most recent trip, however, while I had to show my passport at check in most of the time, nobody asked to hold it at all.

The staff always told me that this was because they had to register foreign guests with the local police. Anymore most hotels that even bother with this formality just make a photo copy of your passport.

You'll also typically need your passport to cash a traveller's check and in most cases to get a cash advance on a credit or debit card.

One other place that often asks to keep your passport is the motor scooter rental. Occasionally I've been able to leave a photocopy instead, but not always, so don't be alarmed if you go to rent a scooter and they expect to keep your passport as collateral. Regards.