"Taxi touts at the BKK airport" Taxi scams Tip by beebah

We all have faced it. Airport taxi touts. When new airport opened. I thought this issue would be solved already but apparently.. not yet.

Once you arrive at the airport. As soon as you set your foot in the arrival hall. First thing you will hear is not "Welcome to Thailand!" But it will be "Hello, where are you going? taxi?" and it's not going to be only 2-3 times. You will get it at least 10 times or more. Even I'm a local. I live here. These touts even try to sell me a taxi ride! This is VERY tiring and annoying.

Most of these taxis are overpriced. Eventhough they're registered. But these are not regular taxis. They're more like a "Limo" service. (well, but condition of the vehicle is far from being a limo) One of my friends told me one of these touts asked 1,400 Baht for a ride to downtown!

Facts :

1) Regular public taxi (metered). Rates will be something between 250-400 Baht max to go anywhere downtown.

2) If you take a taxi from taxi stand just outside terminal. Service fee will be added (normally it's around 50 baht)

3) Fees for toll-way, express way is not included in a fare. But even it's included in a fare already it shouldn't go over 400 Baht.

4) Express, toll fee.. you pay as you arrive at the "booth" Do not need to give money to driver in advance. Once he stops at the toll office booth. Just ask him how much - and pay as you go.

5) Tip is always appreciated. 40-50 Baht is max. 10-20 is minimum. But don't give just 5 Bath. That's considered insulating (except it's a very short ride)

6) There's nothing such a "Promotion" from government. Do not agree to go anywhere but your destination.

Unique Suggestions: When facing taxi touts. All you need to do...

• Just keep saying "No, Thank you"

• Go straight to Public Taxi Stand. Just right outside terminal. (spot the sign and long line of people waiting)

• If they keep asking "Where are you going?" Just tell them "Pattani" (most south province of Thailand. Nobody goes there if not necessary) or simply say "My friend is picking me up"

• If they still keep hassle you. Just speak your language (If your native is not English) I really enjoy doing this sometimes I just invent some new nonsense language just to confuse them so they leave me alone. It usually works.. LOL

• If they offer you a ridiculous price for a taxi ride. Just laugh it off as loud as you can. :-) They will know that you're not innocent, uninformed tourist.

Fun Alternatives: Take the bus instead of taxi. If not straight to your hotel. At least go downtown first. Then catch another taxi from there. It saves a lot of cost and hassle-free.