Taking the Tuktuk through Bangkok, Krabi or Phuket is experience you should definitely not miss during your tour of Thailand. Especially a ride through the busy streets of Bangkok is something we recommend to everyone. It's a fun & quick way to get around but you should keep in mind some important points. Check out our tips below!
General information on Thailand
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The famous TukTuk scams
As much as we love writing only positive blogs about Thailand, it is good to share the well-known Tuktuk scams. Unfortunately, many tourists are scammed every year. Despite the fact that they usually involve small amounts of money, we recommend that you read up well before getting in. After all, the nasty discussions can easily be avoided if you know what to look out for!
1. Always ask for the price first.
Always agree on a price before boarding. This is the time where you should negotiate well because sometimes they charge crazy amounts for short rides. How can you check? Ask your hotel or hostel how much a taxi ride to your destination costs. A tuktuk ride should not be far from this.
2. Tuktuk are not cheaper than taxis
A tuktuk ride is not cheaper than a ride in a taxi. So it is useful if you know what a taxi ride costs approximately to your destination. If you are offered a ride for an incredibly low amount (think 10 Bath, 20 Bath or even free), 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 several shops or that it is part of the infamous gem scams.
What is a gem scam?
The gem scam, also known as gem scam, is one of the best-known scams in Thailand. It is claimed that this form of scam has been active for 20 years and is protected by some people in the Royal Thai Police.
How does it work?
A scammer offers you the opportunity to buy ‘fake’ gems/ jewellery at a jeweller at a high discount. Through a network of helpers (tuktuk drivers, well-dressed students or businessmen), tourists are unwittingly taken to a jeweller. These ‘helpers’ often stand at popular tourist spots such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Khaosan Road, Siam Square or other temples or tourist attractions in Bangkok. They then ask if this is your first time in Bangkok or how long you have been in Bangkok. After this, they offer a tuktuk ride to a (supposedly) cool destination for a low fee. Does this happen to you? Make sure you answer confidently and politely indicate that you are not interested in his ‘deal’.
3. Don't choose a tuktuk parked at a tourist attraction.
Despite the fact that you probably like to travel from highlight to highlight, we advise you not to opt for a tuktuk stationary at a tourist attraction. These tuktuks (often stand there all day) charge a high price or are part of a scam as described above. Walk a bit away from the crowds & then stop a tuktuk by the road. This also applies to taxis, by the way!
Read also: This is what you need to know about Taxis in Thailand! | Transport
4. Don't take a tuktuk on ‘shopping trips’ or ‘attraction trips’.
These are the trips where you are unwittingly taken from shop to shop and forced to buy something. If you don't buy anything, the atmosphere can turn quite bad and it's a waste of your time. Often the drivers try to persuade you by saying a temple is closed due to ‘Buddhist Day’ or they give you some other, often logical-sounding, reason.
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 tuktuk drivers
May sound logical, but sometimes you can get overwhelmed by the heat, fatigue or someone's persuasion. Remember that you always pay more money than at the attraction itself, because the driver, helpful guide or shopkeeper has to make money too. If this is offered on the street, we suggest you ignore it, walk to the entrance yourself and buy your ticket there. This will also prevent you from buying a fake ticket.
6. Be confident and don't let on that it's your first time.
This may sound tricky but it isn't. You have a destination, you kindly ask what it costs to go to this destination, if you like the price you get in & you pay when you arrive. Does the tuktuk driver want to receive the money right away? Then tell him he will receive it once he has dropped you off (as you would in a taxi). Get out if he doesn't agree to this & grab another tuktuk.
Exciting? No absolutely not! As long as you keep the above points in mind, you will automatically figure out if you are dealing with an ‘honest’ tuktuk driver. And... there are lots of them here!
We hope this information helps you plan your trip to Thailand. Still have questions? Then feel free to send us a message via Instagram.
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