Flight Direct

 

Tourists are advised to keep their wits about them in order to make the most of their stay, particularly while they adjust to the intense heat, the heavy traffic and the pace of life in Bangkok.

 

However, the Thai capital is relatively safe for a sprawling metropolis of more than 11 million inhabitants and visitors will find many of the locals to be friendly, accommodating people.

 

This is perhaps why Western tourists tend to let their guard down during a stay in Bangkok, with some people falling victim to one of several notorious scams.

 

Taxi drivers in Bangkok, as in many other major cities, have a reputation for overcharging foreign tourists by various means. People who do wish to take a taxi are advised to find out roughly how much the fare for their journey should be before they get in.

 

Common tricks practised by drivers include claiming the meter is broken and then stating a highly inflated price, or deliberately taking a longer route in order to push the fare up when the meter is on.

 

Hotel staff or fellow travellers should be able to give you an idea of what a reasonable fare should be. Hailing a moving taxi from the road is also preferable to using a driver found waiting around in a popular tourist area, as you are more likely to find an honest driver this way.

 

The Thai capital is famous for its tuk-tuks - the ubiquitous and noisy motorised rickshaws that can be seen weaving in and out of traffic all over the city.

 

Using one is often regarded as an essential part of the Bangkok experience by tourists and they are generally safe, but there are a few things to bear in mind.

 

Talking to the driver and negotiating a decent fare before you get into the tuk-tuk is essential. The initial quoted price will almost certainly be too much for the journey. While some are honest, others will demand outrageous fees and can become unpleasant if you refuse to pay.

 

Avoid getting into a tuk-tuk with people you do not know and also be wary of drivers attempting to make unrequested stops, as this is often the first part of a notorious scam.

 

The gem scam is arguably the most infamous tourist trick practised in Bangkok. Despite being widely reported, the scam is still common and continues to catch unsuspecting travellers out. 

 

Tuk-tuk drivers offering holidaymakers a cheap all-day tour of the city will deliver them to a gem shop, where they are shown cheap pieces of cut glass masquerading as precious gems at a bargain price.

 

If you find yourself in a gem store you may be pressured into buying something and the hustlers use a variety of clever techniques to get their money, so it is best to avoid the situation entirely.

If you are suddenly approached on the street by a friendly Thai person who informs you your intended destination is closed for the day, you are almost certainly being targeted by scammers.

 

This is a common ruse employed by hustlers lurking around the Grand Palace or one of Bangkok's many famous temples. They will offer to take you on guided tour as an alternative to the closed attraction, but often tourists will end up being asked for money in a gem store or tailor's shop.