Thailand is the country that once you visit, you’ll always wanting to return. The unlimited treasures and gems in Thailand, from the exotic street food to the utmost shopping spree, Thailand never fails to amaze us. No wonder it’s commonly known to be a second home for most of Malaysian and Singaporean.
Thailand which is also known as the land of smile explains why it has earned the heart of many. Thus, it is no surprise for Thailand to be at the top visited destination of all time.
However, the inundation of tourists indirectly stimulated the rise of tourist scams. Especially when you’re there for the first time. The unfamiliarity of cultural difference is one of the reasons why we fell into their traps. Research ahead of the country that you’re visiting the key. But, having to know the reality from a personal experience is even better.
Transportation Scam
1. Taxi
Taxi/ motor taxi in Thailand is one of the most frequently use transportation.
Cases: Once time we stopped a cab to the airport, before entering we asked if it’s a meter taxi and he nodded. So, we just drop our luggage at the back of the trunk and departed from the hotel. As we were on our way, I suspected something wrong with the driver as he wasn’t even wearing a blue uniform like many taxi drivers in Thailand and the meter wasn’t moving. It was in a traffic congestion and we thought because it’s not moving quickly so the meter might at a slower response. After 5 minutes, we know the meter is not on and demanded him to turn it on but the driver was skyping with his girlfriend while driving and ignored us. At that time, we felt insecure and wanted to get out. But he refuses to let us out saying that we need to pay 500 baht to the airport with no negotiation. We insisted to leave and luckily he caught in a traffic so he has nowhere to escape, so we paid him 50 baht and escaped from the hell.
Solutions:
- Always ask if the taxi driver is using a meter if he says no then walk away.
- Check if the driver is wearing a uniform, if he isn't, please don’t enter.
- Avoid any taxi touts at the airport that offers a cheaper price. Generally, authorized taxis from the airport to the city is not expensive in Thailand.
- Be firm, demand to get out of the car if you suspected something wrong.
- Research ahead of your end destination, they might flee with your money at a place that has a similar name.
2. Tuk-tuk
It’s fun for most tourist who came to Thailand for a first time to hop on the tuk-tuk for a ride. It’s fun and there’s a lot to see compared to be in a car surrounded by windows and car doors.
Cases: Tuk-tuk scams happen when your greed overtook your logical mind. The overly cheap prices of a tuk-tuk are often suspicious for us to be aware. Instead of taking you to your destination, they will come out with different excuses to bring you to shops like tailor boutique, jewelry shop and etc where they will force you to buy something in order for them to obtain the commission.
Solutions:
- Be alert and aware when the driver is overly friendly and started asking what is your travel plan, an itinerary of the day and etc. Often they will send you to travel agency to get you buy something expensive.
- Don’t go too far off the city with tuk-tuk, you’ll end up stranded up at a quiet place where he refuses to take you back.
- Always research of the approximate fare for tuk-tuk before making any negotiations.
3. Motorbike Rental
It’s pretty common for tourist to rent motorbike around the island or city to do self-exploring. However, it’s always a trap for people who rent it from an unreliable source and ended up with a hell lot of troubles.
Cases: Damages on the bike you rent is the most common scam in Thailand. Claiming the engine, lights or etc that they say is broken is going to be extremely troublesome as they are going to hold you up at their place until you willing to bill up against the damages that they claimed.
Solutions:
- Never sign the rental contract with your passport! If they want to hold onto your passport, say NO and walk away for other options.
- Take photos of the vehicle and examine the motorbike before you sign any documents to rent.
Sight-seeing Scam
1. Temple scams
If you’re in Thailand and you love doing sight-seeing, then temples are something that you might not want to miss. Especially when they are extremely beautiful looking and the rich histories behind it.
Cases: Taking Grand Palace in Bangkok for an example, the must-see landmark in Bangkok attracted more tourists than ever. This influx usually accompanied by different scams, from driver scams to different tour scams.
Often, when you arrived at the destination, tuk-tuk driver will inform you that the temple is closed and they suggest to bring you to different temples and places that are worth seeing around that area. But instead, they will bring you to one of the souvenir shops or tailor shops for cheating you to buy some of their items.
Also, usually you’ll be approached with very fluent English speaking men or women that seems to be friendly at first and agree to give you a tour with a little tip at the end. Well, if you agree, you practically fell into their trap. These unreliable claimed to be tour guide will twist the story and you ended up paying a big amount of money that they insist you agreed on.
Solutions:
- Never agree to let driver bring you anywhere else except your final destination. Get out of the vehicle, check it out yourself whether or not the temple is closed. If necessary, go further away from tourist hotspot to get your next ride to other destinations.
- Avoid Thai that speaks very fluent English, they are professional that either to approach you to buy something or finding any kind of scamming opportunities.
- If you have no interest in any kind of a tour being offered, reject immediately and walk away. Do not hesitate or have a second thought before these scammers see right into you.
2. Watersport scam
If you’re arriving in Thailand for a beach holiday like Phuket or Pattaya, it’s pretty common that you’ll find all those exotic water sports that you could ever imagine here. From jet ski riding to paragliding, you name it they got it. However, not every time is your lucky day. So, there is something that you really need to take note before it’s too late.
Cases: Same goes to anything that is related to engine/motor, some scammer tends to hold you up at their territory saying that you made some damages to their jet ski. You will have to pay no matter what. It’s also common in this heated argument situation, there will be one or two policemen walk by out of sudden to get your attention. But the truth is they are usually a team, they will help you to try to negotiate in their own language, letting you know that you’ll be able to pay a lesser amount for the damages. The truth is, whatever that you’re paying, they cut a piece of cake from the total amount.
Solutions:
- Never let anyone hold your passport as a deposit.
- Call the correct policemen/authority to deal with cases like that.
- Examine the watersport vehicle before signing up.
- Do research on reliable water sports provider.
3. Lady Boy Scam
Thailand is also known for the ladyboy shows. Ladyboy is a technical name for transgenders. Ladyboy walking on the street is really a common thing in Thailand. However, you might not know that there’s scam hidden in all these popular shows.
Cases: We were deceived in one of those moments when they approach us to touch them or taking a photo without any charges. But, the lesson that one should learn is never take anything for granted. Everything you touch or you do have consequences.
Like Patong strip street, this is where most of the scams happen in a bar. They offer happy hour beers at a cheap price, lure you into their bar and start by making good small conversation with you and slowly fool you into one of their bets. The second you placed your bet, you should just walk away because they absolutely know what they are doing to get your money.
Solutions:
- You can go for streets like this, but, just don’t stay long. Leave to somewhere else for your drinks.
- Anything that people offer you, even though it’s tempting, don’t take it. Just smile and leave.
Food Scam
This is something that I would really like to emphasize because we often underestimated those scams. It might not seems to be serious, but, when you’re ordering a lot, you might be in a trouble.
1. Seafood Stall
Cases: Seafood in Asia countries are reasonably priced especially in Thailand and Vietnam due to the abundant source of it. However, if you are at touristy places like in Phuket or Pattaya, you’ll be touted by many vendors that are offering the same thing. The moment when you’re approached with extremely cheap prices of seafood, you should smell something fishy. They are often really bad quality ingredients used.
Either way, the first brought you to their tanks for fresh seafood, but they switched the fishes back in the kitchen. These unethical business tactics are all over Thailand where tourists should really watch out.
Solutions:
- Read on food blogs of where you should or shouldn’t eat.
Street Scams
1. Pick-pockets
You’re most vulnerable to these attacks especially when you’re at crowded places like night markets, food fair and etc. The more crowded it is, the easier for scammers and thieves to see you as a target.
Solutions:
- Be aware of your belongings, never leave your bag behind as it will make their job easier without you noticing it.
- Spread your money in different pockets, smaller pouches and etc to reduce the damages when it happens.
2. Massages
Street-side massage sound tempting to you particularly when you’re tired of walking, wanting for a massage to relax. These masseurs are often not professional nor they are trained even they claimed that they are. Instead of having a relaxing treatment, you’re putting your life at risks.
Cases:They will promote different packages for you, claiming this is better than the other and persuade you with all their ability to take it. You’re not allowed to leave until you accept it.
Solutions:
- Always research and read reviews online before making a decision.
- Look for a recommended and reliable massage salon.
3. Cashier scam
This happens all the time whether or not you’re at a convenience store like 7-eleven, Familymart or just a street side store. They always take advantage of tourists of not being aware of the currencies. The wrong change is something we need to avoid especially when we are dealing with foreign currencies.
Cases: Cashier took advantage on you when you’re paying with a big note, they try to return you in a small note with the lesser amount so that you wouldn’t notice unless you have the patience to count every single one of them.
Solutions:
- Try to pay with a smaller note and not flash your cash in your wallet. This will attract scammers around you.
- Always count in front of the cashier when you receive your balance before leaving the store.
These are the helplines in Thailand:
Police 191
Tourist Police: 1155
Ambulance 1554
Know your rights, get help from authorized and official authorities. Always be aware of the places that you’re going and do not hesitate to ask for help.
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Have been to Thailand many time and it is always best to be vigilant for such scams. This is very comprehensive with lots of great info and even a couple of scams I have not heard of.
Thanks so much for sharing and I am looking forward to reading more of your articles.
Safe travels and happy bubbles
What you said is so true! I've been to Thailand so frequently that I definitely feel like is my second home. Almost all the time I feel safe in this country but it was just one that I feel helpless because the driver is so reluctant to let me and my boyfriend out of his vehicle. But we remain calm and started to be more fierce to force him to let us out.
Thanks for dropping by :)
I haven't seen any rental bike places that don't keep your passport as collateral. It is risky.
Sure there is. I would never ever let them hold my passport for collateral. I probably would just pay a deposit or just let them make a front photocopy of my passport.
I think this kind of scams happens in every touristic country... what do you think about street tourism? or being with someone from the zone you're visiting?
True, tourist scams are everywhere. But these are just some points I've collected from my travel experiences. It's definitely safer if you're visiting these touristy places with someone or someone which is familiar with the places as they know better how to deal with situations like this.
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The more I read the more I am afraid to go travel alone. And until now I have never go travel alone before... =_=|
Eliza, please don't be afraid! I was once like you, but I grit the hell out of myself to make it happen. Travelling alone is actually so much fun that you can imagine. Just be careful & stay alert, everything will be just fine :) Let me know if you needed any help, I will try my best :)
I cannot leave my 3 little minions at home now... So far I only left them because I had to go outstation for work twice. Was away for one or two nights only.
Oh, I see.. There will always be chances for you :) Travel with family is equally great, even if it's just a weekend getaway! Good luck Eliza :)
Good sharing thanks
Glad it helped :)
Personally I believe that Thailand is one of the most beautiful things on earth. You literally have a lot of things to see there and it's important to be well informed before you visit it.
So thanks for sharing the great content!
So true, Thailand is a very welcoming country. People there are polite and friendly. There's just some minority that we need to be aware of from the scams. But I guess it happened everywhere in other countries as well. Thank you for dropping by :) I've checked out your blog, they are amazing :)
Yep that's right. I'm sure each country has its own methods of scam or some unpleasant things going on.
It's up to us to be well informed before a trip and also enjoy the great part of it. 😊
Thank you very much for your kind words 😀
Thanks for the insights. Will read your previous travel hacks 😊
You're more than welcome. There will be more to be uploaded here on steemit soon! Stay tuned :)
Great tips. Looking forward to vising Thailand someday!
Cheers!
Thank you :)) It's a must to visit Thailand, especially for the food! I just can't get enough of it.
Have a safe travel :)
Thanks for the scam alert, I will go Bangkok this June. Will try to avoid cab and tuk tuk. Prefer to use BTS, Metro or Grab there
BTS is a great option. The only time that you might need to worry is during the rush hours. Other than that you're basically safe :) Have a safe travel :)
I'm so glad I found this post! A friend of mine went there for her honeymoon recently and told me about the lady boys and some transportation issues they also have. Now I know a little more of what to expect. Thanks for sharing! :)
Perfect! I am pretty sure with these little tips & tricks is going to help you out for your coming wonderful trip in Thailand :) Have fun & stay safe :)
So comprehensive! Like all travellers say, do your homework before heading anywhere. Only been there once and I think relying on the train is still the best to avoid spending extra time in the traffic & visiting those expensive souvenir shops. :/
Thank you so much for the lovely compliment :) I strongly believe in that! Every time before I travel, all I did was camping at home, facing my computer to do some extensive research. After all, prevention is always better than cure. Safe travels!
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