Taking a taxi in Thailand is the ideal way to get around. Especially in the big cities, this is often the easiest option. Although the bus is a lot cheaper, a taxi will also get you to your destination for a few euros. In addition, taxis have air conditioning, which is not a luxury in Thailand. However, there are some important points to consider. Check out our list of handy Taxi Thailand tips!
General information on Thailand
Are you working on a travel plan for Thailand? Then check out our tips for the best travel period, daily budget and transport to and in Thailand.
Taxi in Thailand, what to look out for?
The taxi is the ideal way to get around but there are a few points to consider. Despite the fact that it usually involves small amounts, we advise you to read up well before you get in. After all, awkward discussions can easily be avoided if you know what to look out for!
Tip: We recommend using the app “Grab” to use. You can compare this app with that of Uber. You see right away how much a ride costs and how long it takes. As a result, you don't have to negotiate the price and there can be no miscommunication about the destination either.
1. Do not agree on a fixed price
Where at a tuktuk better to agree on a fixed price, this does not apply to taxis in Thailand. Choose a taxi that runs ‘on the meter’ or use the app ‘Grab’. This is usually a lot cheaper!
While driving, keep a close eye on the meter and make sure the taxi driver does not stop it halfway. Does this happen? Ask the taxi driver to stop immediately and pay the amount shown on the meter.
2. Keep Google Maps handy
It can sometimes be difficult to explain where you want to go. Especially if you don't want to go to one of the well-known tourist locations. Therefore, always have your Google Maps handy to show you the location.
3. Don't choose a taxi parked at a tourist attraction.
When you go to Thailand for the first time, you naturally want to travel from highlight to highlight. Taxi is then the ideal way to get yourself around quickly. At all famous tourist locations, taxi drivers are ready to take you to your next destination. We just don't recommend you to choose one of these taxis. These taxis often charge a high price, do not drive ‘on the meter’ or are part of a scam. Walk away from the crowds & then stop a taxi by the road. This also applies to tuktuks, by the way!
If you are offered a ride for an incredibly low amount then you have to understand that they are going to earn from you in some other way. You can then assume that they are being paid to drop you off at multiple shops or that it is part of the infamous gem scams. Read more about these scams in our blog on Tuktuks in Thailand!
4. Don't go on ‘shopping trips’.
Is a taxi driver indicating that a temple is closed due to ‘Buddhist Day’ or some other, often logical-sounding reason? Then walk on and don't take him up on his offer. Do you take him up on it? Then keep in mind that you are likely to be taken from shop to shop & obliged to buy something. If you don't buy anything, the atmosphere can turn pretty bad and that's a waste of your time.
Tip: Are you dropped off at a location you don't want to go to? Then just stay put and demand to be taken to the specified destination for agreed fee.
5. Do not buy tickets from taxi drivers
You always pay ’too much’ if you decide to buy a ticket from a taxi driver or street vendor. This may sound logical, but these people also need to make money. Are tickets being offered on the street? Ignore this and walk to the entrance yourself. This will also prevent you from buying a fake ticket.
Do you want to buy last-minute tickets for a cool activity? Then do so online via well-known parties such as GetYourGuide.
6. Be confident
The most important thing is that you come across as confident. Is this your first time? Then don't show it by asking all kinds of questions. This may sound awkward but it is not. You have a destination, you kindly ask what it costs to go to this destination, you ask if they drive via meter & you pay when you arrive. Are they being tricky? Then grab another taxi!
7. For longer distances, don't choose the taxi
Taxis are ideal for short journeys within cities. For journeys between different cities or provinces, touring buses are a much more comfortable and economical alternative. These buses are equipped with air conditioning, comfortable seats and sometimes even snacks and wifi. Moreover, you can easily book tickets on the spot or in advance via 12goAsia.
Read also: Opt for the local bus! Public transport Bangkok | Thailand
Read also: All about Thai SIM cards, calling and internet when travelling
If you keep the above points in mind, then you will soon realise whether you are dealing with an ‘honest’ taxi driver. And... there are loads of them! Still have questions about the taxi in Thailand? Then feel free to drop us a line at Instagram.
We try to keep this list of handy Taxi Thailand tips as up-to-date as possible but this cannot be done without your help. If anything has changed, please let us know via [email protected].
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