Don’t Want To Get Scammed in Thailand?
How to avoid the scams in Thailand
Like any popular tourist destinations in the world, there will be scammers in Bangkok trying to scam you from your hard earned money. Here is a list of the most common Bangkok scams, and the best ways to avoid them.
1. The Grand Palace Scam in Bangkok
Scammers likes to conduct their evil deeds near famous Bangkok attractions, such as The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, night markets and many other popular tourist destinations.
They will appraoch you in a friendly manner, and most conversations will lead to ” The Grand Palace is closed today” or ” Wat Pho is closed today“, ” I can take you to a more beautiful temple”.
The scammers will then proceed to offer, and take you on a wonderful tour of Bangkok, which will very likely end up with you inside a scam site. Where you will be hassled, pressured, and bullied into paying ridiculous prices ( The scammers will also receive a commission, to rub salt into your wounds ).
How to avoid The Grand Palace Scam?
Avoid Speaking To Them: Its not easy to tell who are the scammers, but usually these scammers will be Tuk Tuk, Taxis, or motorbike drivers waiting at the many exits of the Sanam Chai MRT underground station, and the front entrances of major Bangkok attractions and temples, AVOID TALKING TO THEM.
Find Reliable Information Online: Use Google Maps to confirm the opening times and opening dates, the information are usually updated.
Important information
The Thailand Tourist Police are established to assist tourist, elimiate fraud and protect tourist.
Phone Number : 1155
Immigration Police Number : 1178
However, sometimes taking a Tuk Tuk, taxis or other means of transports near major attractions is a must ( especially in a blazing hot day), to avoid getting scammed by drivers in Bangkok, keep reading our guides below for more Bangkok transports tips!
2. Tuk Tuk Scam
Unless you are fortunate enough to meet a good Tuk Tuk driver, or you have a Thai friend that can negotiate for a good price, chances are they will try to pull a Tuk Tuk scam on you. However, does that mean you should avoid Tuk Tuks completely? Nope, they are damn fun to ride.
How to avoid the Tuk Tuk scams in Thailand?
Bargain, bargain and bargain hard!: You will almost always have to pay more to enjoy Tuk Tuk rides, but at least do not pay more than double the price a Taxi for the same travel distance.
Use Taxi Booking Platforms: Use the Grab and Bolt applications to give yourself a good estimate on how much the ride should cost with Taxi, then accept a reasonable price for the Tuk Tuk ride.
3. Money Exchange Scams
Wrong Exchange Rates ( Rates lower than the actual market rate), old and torn bills, fake bills, and other techniques are used by some dishonest money exchanges to scam your money.
How to avoid money exchange scams?
Use well-known money exchanges: Superrich is one of the best money exchanges in Thailand, and they have branches all over Bangkok, the rates are good and their services are reliable. Banks also will offer money exchange services.
Check Exchange Rates: Check exchange rates beforehand, on currency conversion apps or reliable websites.
Double-check your bills: Double confirm with the staff with how much money you have to exchange, and slowly double check how much money you recieve.
See Also
4. Bangkok Taxi Scams
Refusing to turn on the meter and then asking for an absurd price to go 20 minutes down the road is a common scam not only in Bangkok but it is also one of the most common Thailand scams ( and we all hate it! ).
Even though it is tiring haggling with the taxi driver for a decent price, there are some places and different situations where we have to order a taxi, and there are different ways to avoid the taxi scam.
How to avoid the Bangkok taxi scams
Download and use the Grab application or the Bolt application: These apps are similar to Uber Taxi. Below are the advantages of using these taxi booking platforms, and a great way to avoid the Bangkok taxi scams:-
– Order taxi with set prices or metered taxi
– Pay by cash or credit card
– Easy to set your desired destination, great to avoid communication issues
However during peak hours, it might be difficult to order a Taxi with the platforms mentioned above, and waving down a metered Taxi is your only option.
If you want to wave down metered taxis, always ask for the meter to be turned on. If the driver refuses, move on to the next Taxi.
How to ask for the taxi meter?
Asking for it in Thai has a higher chance of success.
English : Use Meter?
Thai Phonetics : Chai Meter mai krap (ใช้มิเตอร์แท็กซี่ไหม?)
5. Bangkok Gem Scam
It is probably one of the most sophisticated and costly Thailand scams for unsuspecting tourists in Bangkok. The gemstones will either be fake or of low quality and sold to you for inflated prices.
It is probably one of the most sophisticated and costly Thailand scams for unsuspecting tourists in Bangkok. The gemstones will either be fake or of low quality, and sold to you for inflated prices.
Similar to the Grand Palace scam we mentioned earlier, scammers position themselves near popular tourist attractions – such as the Khao San Road, The Grand Palace, major shopping malls, and so on. They approach you in a friendly manner and falsely advise you that the tourist destination is closed today.
Once they have successfully convinced you into changing your travel plan, the real Bangkok gem scam begins. They will offer to take you on a very cheap tour around the area (this is the first clue you are being scammed ), and somewhere in between the tour, you will be guided to a seemingly professional gem shop ( with good reviews on Google, which is also fake ).
Inside the shop, the scammers will use different tactics to pressure you into a purchase: –
– Providing fake certificates or proofs of their partnership with legitimite entities
– Offering wholesale prices and discounts you can not refuse.
– Product return guarantees which they are unlikely to honor.
How to avoid the gem stone scam in Thailand
Do your research : If gemstones are on your shopping lists in Thailand, there are many reputable dealers in Bangkok. The Jewelry Trade Center in Silom is a complex with hundreds of gemstone suppliers
Extremely cheap prices : Say No to any deal that sounds too good to be true, i have been on many Tuk Tuk rides, and trust me, when the drivers offer to take you somewhere for cheap, something is up
FAQ
How safe is Bangkok?
Having lived here for over four years, I can tell you Bangkok is actually one of the safest cities in the world. Scams only happen in popular tourist areas, and Bangkok in general, is filled with honest vendors and people.
Is Tuk Tuk a safe transport?
Apart from the risk of paying high prices, Tuk Tuks are safe to travel in, and very fun to ride as well!
Are any popular tourist areas free from scams?
Major shopping malls such as Siam Paragon, Central World, Terminal 21, and other renowned shopping malls are great to avoid scams.
What should I do when scammed
Fighting back aggressively is the last thing I would recommend, as you are in a foreign country, and scammers are usually backed by groups. Arguing aggressively would only put yourself and your companions in danger.
Call the tourist police on 1155 and seek their help immediately if you feel in danger.
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Dont worry too much and have fun!
Its always good to be on alert for scams, but Thailand is one of the safest countries in the world, the “land of smiles” are full of lovely-honest vendors and sellers. So relax, be mindful and enjoy your trip to Bangkok and other wonderful destinations in Thailand!
Now that you are aware of the most common scams in Bangkok, you are now ready to explore the best attractions in Bangkok!
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Top 5 Bangkok Best Markets
Bangkok, the Capital of Thailand, is full of markets that brings an incredible vibrant atmosphere to the city.
Bangkok best market is a must visit for any traveler looking for amazing things to do in their next Thailand travel.
Important information
The Thailand Tourist Police are established to assist tourist, elimiate fraud and protect tourist.
Phone Number : 1155
Immigration Police Number : 1178