If you go outside on ground level to to the taxi stand on the curb, where the line is (there are 2 or 3 of them) you should get a taxi that will go by meter.
Don't go with the cab/limo drivers or companies inside the terminal.
If you get in the taxi, and the meter isn't on, say to the driver "go by meter". If he doesn't turn it on, tell him to stop, and get out, walk back to the taxi line, and report him. If they give you any problem ask around for a tourist police officer. There are plenty of honest drivers there. You should be able to find one

Actually, it's the person sitting at the taxi stand desk who is doing the dirty deed... I took a taxi from Sunavarbhumi to the US embassy, and was in a real damm hurry, so I chose not to argue over the strangeness of it. I waited in line, the lady wrote on the ticket 450 baht (got the usual ticket) and brought it to the Meter Taxi driver. He did not turn on the meter, and did ask me if I want to take the expressway. I said yes, then he asked if I will pay? I told him no, in Thai now, as I finally realize the scam. So, 50 Bht airport fee, 60 bht expressway fee, and it should be about 250 bht on the meter door to door, new airport to US Embassy in Ploenchit, I got ripped off by about 100 bht. And it's from the actually registered taxi stand...
So, best is to tell the desk person you want meter taxi, if the answer is no, then simply tell them you will go to speak to tourists police about why "no meter taxi" in a "METER TAXI STAND?"

TAXI SCAM SUWARNABUMI AIR PORT (SEP 2007)

The public taxi rank down at the ground floor is runniung a scam by teling the rider no meter and it will cost 450 baht just aride to" Pratunam" area or down town . The person who writes the ticket does the dirty. He writes the amount on the ticket/docket. The docket got a telephone number to complain but it is all written in Thai.
He gets a kick back from the driver. I said firmly NO and demanded a taxi with meter. The meter to Pratunam (Indira Regent ) cost 200 baht plus air port express cost 40 20 Baht. The Toatl cost being 260 Baht. A saving of 190 bht (USD. 6.33) .
The airport authoriteis should stop racket. Even on the other floors variuous pepole approach with taxi services. The signs to the Public taxi stand is not well placed. One has to search or ask for it.

Take heed, when you arrive at Sunavarbhumi make your way to the departures level, walk outside to where in-coming passengers are being dropped off, hail taxi, give address details and lastly, make SURE driver switches on meter.

PAY 50 BAHT TO AIRPORT TAXI SERVICES AS SERVICE CHARGES AND U WILL GET A PREPAID TAXI THERE

It seems 'sameer' has missed the plot. Go up 2 flights on the escalator to the Departures exit and hail a taxi from the ramp. They know that if you are clever enough to avoid the Arrivals mafia, you are wise enough to expect the ride to be on the meter.

Did anybody get ripped off by the "Hostesses" working for the limousine companies at the departures area?

If you have a digital camera, and if you feel you are being cheated by the taxi stand person, take a photo of him/her, then say, "I WANT METER". When they hesitate to think, then point to your camera and say, "POLICE". She/he will get the message and write you a correct ticket.

If the cabbie tries to cheat you, do the same. I like to take a pic of the rear license plate first before entering the cab and make sure he sees me. Believe me, he is thinking, "what is the farang up to? I better play it straight". You see, once you have the advantage, you are in control. Call it blackmailing the taxi, i don't care. Just get the advantage on him 1st and let him know it. It's better to have more bargaining chips than less. That's the way to play the game in Thailand! Use the advantage of the digital camera for intimidation purposes! Haha! Too bad!

Jo, Do you really take photo's of number plates?

When you go up to the departures lounge make sure you the driver resets the meter and it shows 35 baht before you set off. It's been known for them to leave the meter running whist they wait.

I would like how much it would cost to go from Sunavarbhumi Airport to Pattaya, i would like to know the meter price. I have been to thailand many times and i cant get a taxi driver to turn there meter on. I am thinking of renting a car for my next trip, The taxi scam is getting old and i am sick of fighting with them.

1200 to 1400THB.

1200 to 1400THB for Suvarnbhumi to Pattaya taxi ride. Even if you get taxi from taxi counter, they won't use meter.

Even after I told the taxi driver that i would report to the police,
he just said... police friends with us.... do no things us..
Funny, but it's only a 400 baht ride from the Airport to Pratunam

I'll be going to BKK soon in May. So should i get the taxi at the outside of arrival hall or the outside of departure hall if i want a meter taxi?

Once you arrive in New airport, clear customs and go straight outside, you will see a taxi stand, the man or woman at the stand will give you a ticket and tell you how much it costs into Bangkok, normally between 350 and 400

I always go upstairs to the arrivals hall then outside. Many drivers may still try and get a fixed price out of you so be prepared to hang around until you find one that is willing to use his meter. Also, ensure he resets the meter - it should be at 35 baht before he sets off.

Sorry, I must add - I wouldn't start taking photos of the cab / driver / license plate before you set off. They'll probably think you are suffering from paranoid delusions.

Hi Anna-brighton,
The man/woman at the stand gives ticket and tell the cost into BKK that means it wont be a metered taxi?

Hi Owl,
So i once i arrive, i just have to go out of the arrival hall right? no need to go the departure hall? I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the advice.

Tisha For inexperienced and nervous travellors, I would recomend going to the ticket booth for the added security. I have been in Bkk many times and found that taxi meters have a set price for Bkk.

Thanks Anna for your advice. :)

Yes Tisha,

After you go through passport control you will go to the arrivals hall (you will nearly be outside the building now). Then, you can catch a lift upstairs to the departures lounge and go outside. Whenever getting a taxi just be firm but polite and insist on the meter. There's an abundance of taxi's in BKK (I live here) so you can bide your time, and many will not try anything untowards.

Don't worry too much about coming here, the scams happen to a minority and you're wise to most already. Enjoy your trip :)

Lots & lots of tnx Owl...i think i'm just being too nervous for nothing...
Thank you once again..

Once you arrive at BKK, walk outside to the front of the airport and look for a "Public Taxi" sign. There should be someone sitting behind a desk asking you where you are headed. S/he will write down the name of the place/city/district you are going and will give you a slip that shows the name of the cab driver (but this is usually the name of the cab) and other instructions on how to file a complaint if the cab driver is not being honest.

Once you are given this sheet, hand it to the person who will point you to your cab driver. The cab drivers are usually in a line facing the line you were in. Proceed to the taxi meter and make sure the cab driver turns on the meter. This hasn't been a problem.

Note: The complaint sheet explicitly says that passengers are required to pay all toll fees within the greater Bangkok area. It may be different for areas outside of the greater Bangkok area.

Try to stop taxi at level 4 departure level,these taxis drop off paxs for return flight charge more reasonably,at my first trip to bangkok at new airport ,I was charged 900bht from airport to pratunam using airport taxi service.
Then I know the trick,from departure level ,agree to an amount with taxi drivers before you hop in,I manage to get 200bht to Pratunam then.:)

thanx guys....

Try the UK where you are legally ripped off by taxi charges.

I am from Sydney. I have been to BKK for more than 20 times. When dealing with taxi drivers, be polite, but firm. The Thai people don't like threat. My great grandmother is a Thai woman, but I speak broken Thai, they detect that straight away when I speak. I get through almost very difficult situation by being polite, a good smile and a knod of my head. What the local hate the most is rich people from 1st world countries. They are usually think money will does everything for them, unfortunately, this is not the case in BKK.

simple if u dont like being ripped off by the thais in taxi,s then get a buss its about 150 baht cantargue with that it gets u to pattay just as good as a taxi

If you are on a tight budget (backpacking, solo traveller, etc) and are heading into Bangkok, you won't get cheaper than the public buses. I think I paid something like 27 Baht to get from Suvharnabhumi airport into the city. ...obviously not as convenient as a taxi, but an still an option.

cmon a bus?? u go to a country and worry about paying an extra $5 to $7 for a taxi to the city??? u gotta be kidding me??? a taxi from sydney airport to city $40. Melbourne to city $60. Bangkok to city $9 ..... and your complaining about paying 1 or 2 dollars more???? go there and have a good time.. we were there for 4 weeks and just got back and i would say about 10 to 20 percent of drivers will try to scam u.. and mainly from tourist places like grand palace etc, or in peak hour, which u should avoid and head to the nearest metro/monorail station... oh and also my mate flew in to BKK at 7.30 pm and managed to get a taxi to pattaya for 1100baht...

Matt - I did make a point of saying that the buses are a good alternative for people on a tight budget, i.e. those for whom an extra $5 to $7 does matter. You say "go there and have a good time", personally for me it is taking opportunities that allow you to mix with the local community that I enjoy the most. I spent 5 months in Thailand last year and grabbed every opportunity to do things the 'local way'; it tends to give you a far greater insight into the Thai way of life.

If people want to get the taxis, that's absolutely fine ...my previous post was simply to let people know the public buses are there as a cheaper alternative should they wish to take it.

DONT SPAM THIS SITE WITH ADVERTS

andy - we caught many buses around BKK and thailand 2.... i was referring to the bus from the airport with all your luggage and people whinge about 5 bucks, surely your belongings are worth looking after for an extra couple of bucks dont you agree???

Matt, sometimes its more then a couple of bucks, one woman was charged 900bt from the airport to prakanon (Bangkok), thats around 28 bucks, for what should be a 8 buck ride, its not the money its the principle, the buck stops with the Airport Authority who allow this sort of thing to happen in the first place!

you have to be very care ful in thailand. the first timethe taxi scammers,we was going to hoildayinn.and told buy someone it would take 2 hours to get there.plus they had there own car not a taxi do not get in a un marked car please.i belive the people was going to kill us and rob .three mens wanted to drive us to the hotel.thailand is a very poor country.it about money..................................................................there.so much to do there.it starts when you first get there until you leave.so i went back to thailand againjuly 2008 but it was better this time .and when you there go shop have fun .eat just enjoy your self.watch around you.take lots of pictures go sight seeing but it feel good to be back home in atlanta ga .this trip will help you under stand people more.be thankful for what you have.the people there are so gifted there.things are made by hand.

I spent two nights in Bangkok and I´m very disapointed. All the time people tried to cheat us. We got a taxi from the airport to our hotel, the driver asked for 800 baths! double than the real price!. We booked a tour for the city in the airport (it looked like a formal company) and we finished in several gems shops, silk shop etc all the time I said "no thanks" I just wanted to see the temples but they said today was closed..I felt like every body were trying to lie you in every corner. If they see a tourist they see a money simbol in your face.

Realy desapointed, and I'll never back to Bangkok or Tailand.

Avoid the tourist "operators" = scammers inside the airport, remember they have to pay rent and "protection money " to operate there. A wolf in sheep's clothing is still a wolf.

Use the taxis to "your" advantage. All these tailor shops, gems shops, silk shops factory shops etc. give the taxi drivers gas tokens or laundry tokens for each group of tourists they bring into the shop. If you buy something they get more money. If the taxi driver offers to take you there bargain for a discount on the fare to take you around the city. If they say no, walk away or get out of the taxi. They will come back to you.

Watch out for the wolves.

guys, remember that the hordes of yellow jacket taxi mobs and freelancers at arrival area are the same baggers that selling ping pong shows in patpong before. so go to the public taxi stand outside, its fair and these guys are good, just pay your 50baht more, thats it. never fall for this AOT taxi monkeys, sooner or later they all go back to patpong again.

About USD39 is the correct price for an AOT (Airports Authority of Thailand) car/limo (Toyota Camry) to downtown Bangkok. I agree that it is not the correct price for a regular taxi. I use both - it depends on how tired I am when I arrive. Sometimes a little luxury is worth it. If you decide you want a limo. when you arrive only book it at one of the AOT desks or tour desks inside the terminal building. That way you know you're getting a properly licenced vehicle/professional driver. The taxi meter price is about Baht 300 - 400 (about USD9 - 12) depending on the part of BKK you are going to.

I agrree with Christina, Thais just see a money sign when they see a foreighner, I felt constantly intimidated in Phuket and Bangkok, you say no, they follow you. There was a tout at Patpong screaming at me cheap charlie cheap charlie because I would not follow him to a bar. With the exchange rate being bad, and the political problems Thailand is not a nice secure comfortable place to visit.

Reports of taxis scamming the poor stranded tourists are reaching us! High amounts of money have been payed by desperate tourists only to get to downtown Bangkok!

This is not spam a Taxi from BKK Airport to Pattaya from a reliable well used Taxi Co is 1000Bt -- Google MrT Taxi Pattaya

I noticed that when I carry a monopod - they never mess me around. They must think I would hit them.

I found this site informative but at the same time it puts me off my forthcoming trip to Phuket. I would appreciate if somene could advise the best way to get from Phuket airport to my hotel in Patong beach? How much should I pay.? Is it better to book a cab on-line from the AOT site or book at the airport? Is it best to stay in Patong or should I be booking elsewhere. I am travelling to Phuket in February with hubby and daughter.

Lee, do not stay in Patong.
It has turned into a copy of Pattaya. YUK.
Karon Beach would be better.
The Marina Cottages at the end of Karon Beach is nice.
Have your hotel pick you up at the Airport.

Hi Ken

Thanks for your prompt reply. The reason why I chose Patong was because this would be our first time and I heard that it is central. I do hear that Karon is much better, quieter but it is a hassle to get to Patong. Is Karon within walking distance? We enjoy walking and don't mind if it is half an hour walk (could do better but can't deal with humidity). Don't mind catching the sawngthaew but am put off by the detour to gem shop etc. Would prefer to rely on my feet. Perhaps I should do a few days at Patong and the rest at Karon. The hotel said that they would charge me 930 baht but AOT site quoted 699baht. I like to support the metered taxi but frankly I just want to get to the hotel safely and without detour. If you think hotel pick up is better, then I am all for it inspite of the substantial price difference of 9AUD.

lee

more offen than not you can get a meter taxi ... just dont accept if they try fixed price
you might have to stop 6 - 7 taxies to get one that will do it on the meter
but a hones driver will get to you when he see you turning down the turist scamming taxies

tip him well he deserves it

if your lucky he will give you a buisiness card with his number

hotels offer a ( taxi servise ) its a limo service = overpriced nice car service dont waste $ on it

use your phone a gps if you have that on your phone = no deturs without you knowlege

thai phone cards from about 200 bht will be more than enough for you to call you honest driver

as he want you tip again
tips 20 bht to 100 short trips

its not mutch to pay for a honest ride evry time
and you suport a honest taxi driver :)

have a good safe trip

The Hotel is charging you to be picked up? I guess since the tsunami and political troubles they are hurting so trying to make up the loss????
I'd tell them to take a flying leap at a rolling doughnut.

I brought my family to Thailand 10 years ago. As soon as I let them go out on their own, the scammers were all over them.
My advice is to not visit Thailand until they get serious about protecting tourists.

ken ...

even local / native
turists get ripped of evry day in western countryes too

do some home work before you travel .. others have traveld before you
and have knowlege and experiences

thailand have some problems like evry other country in the world
the thais ive had the plesure to spend time with
have all been honest

personaly ive been cheeted more by white people that any others

when they come up to you trying to talk just keep walking ... if they hold flyers
it works for me

.........and if people stop you for time share presentation, scratch cards etc etc etc. tell them you live in Thailand. This means you are not eligable for the promotion so it stops them in their tracks and they can be on their way.

This can be done politely so no-one feels aggreived.

Have always used the "private cars" at arrivals and have never had a problem. If you speak minimal Thai-numbers for instance- you will get better results. It happens everywhere-mai ben li. That's the way it is. Am going to try the departure metered taxis this time however. Toll should be included. Know before you go.

I spent several weeks in Thailand last year. Its really simple. every taxi driver will try and rip you off. every Tuk Tuk driver will try and rip you off. everyone who tells you that such and such is closed today for a Buddhist ceremony is lying. ignore anyone who approaches you in the street and wants to you go somewhere else. tell every taxi drive you want a meter. if he argues - walk away - dont get into his taxi. negotiate the price with the tuk tuk before you get into the vehicle. And.. always have correct change - cos if you dont - they "won't".

and - make sure they repeat the destination back to you - before you get into the taxi. follow those rules and you have a reasonable chance of not getting ripped off. OH.. when they ask if its the first time you have ever been there... alway say NO.

aside from the above - its a beautiful country and very friendly people. such a shame the Thai government doesnt police the taxis more.

"always have correct change - cos if you dont - they "won't". "

very true, but it you say "no pompam" we go get change , please wait/ they will quickly find the correct chance.

I've never had a problem with taxis when taking the ones at arrivals. Always the meter on without extra charges. In general, I rarely have problems with taxis. Never cheat, but sometimes they just don't know the right way very well.

Be careful of the taxis at arrivals. Some have the meter starting at 55 baht and rigged to go fast, the meter cannot be seen as its hidden by the gear stick so you would have to rubber neck just to see the digits rising up for the price. Not ideal for a journey where you are out on the expressway and you have luggage with you.

No problems with the majority but there are one or two feeling the pinch and resorting to scams.

Have the driver take you to the police station if you think the meter is rigged.
I took a taxi recently and the meter was spinning up too fast.
I mentioned this to the driver and he was very, very apologetic... afraid I would call Police.

Solution is easy: go upstairs, to the departure hall.
Plenty of taxis waiting outside, no one has ever ripped me off.
Problem solved!

(It was the same system at Don Muang with departure upstairs, this trick has always worked.)

"Be careful of the taxis at arrivals. Some have the meter starting at 55 baht and rigged to go fast, the meter cannot be seen as its hidden by the gear stick so you would have to rubber neck just to see the digits rising up for the price"

ow abot ze sittin in de frontal?

Helmut, thats why I always to go to Departures to pick up my cab it is better value. ow abot ze sittin in de frontal? No thanks lol, mind you its a good question, to get killed in the front or a gas explosion from the LPG at the back, will have to think about that one lol

Sammie, sit in da front, taxi no belta ina backside of taxi!

I will be travelling to Bangkok end of May with my family, a group of 6. Thinking of getting a van from a/port to downtown. Our hotel is in Silom. Checked few websites and rates is from 1200 baht for the transfer. Is that reasonable?
Thanks

Dean, I have never travelled with six, so I am not aware, done some searches for you i.e.http://www.bangkok-airport-transfer.com/ and it seems its B1600 for 6, so B1200 seems ok to me. Maybe Bangkokians will be able to give other adivce. When you order a taxi though, be empahtic that the driver carries full id, because some drivers copy your names that are being held up and whip you off thereby holding you to ransom prices and after a long trip to BKK this is not what you need. Enjoy your holidays.
ps. print out a copy of your receipt so you dont end up paying twice*

First off. Ignore the AOT staff and signs in the baggage claim area.
They charge 900 for the 300 baht ride into Bangkok.
The AOT allows touts and scammers to harass arrivals so they choose the 900 baht fare.
Disgusting AOT scammers.

have been to BKK recently. when we got into town we used taxi meter stand at airport. the ride cost thb 500 plus expressway charge to sukhumvit area!!! far too much and i'm pretty sure the meter was rigged. when we got back to the airport the ride only cost thb 200 plus expressway charge. it seems its advisable to use departure level taxis to get a fair price to downtown..be aware and watch the meter once you are inside the cab.

I guess cheers, they depend on you being tired after a long haul flight, catching you unawares etc. I also use departures to catch taxis, ask for the meter, works well for us

The taxi scams will continue.
Why?
Because the AOT wants you to take their hassle free 900 baht taxies.
I never understood the Thai mentality of gouging a customer, every chance they get.
Why not provide a decent service at a fair price and hope for return customers?

Auld, it is called the "thinking process" lack of. It never ceases to amaze me, Like the Australian girl who alledgedly stole a beer mat from an Australian pub in Phuket, basically a small towel to catch the drips, prob as a souvenir, the undercover police were in the bar arrested the girl, imprisoned her, confiscated her passport, it has turned into an international affair. Whether she was abusive, scared, silly I dont know, but maybe just an on the spot fine, now Kevin Rudd is involved. loss of face for the Thai, now she is bailed, unable to go home to her children, and yet the most unspeakable things happen in LOS for example murders and the severity is never acknowledged. I shake my head sometimes in total disbelief.

Arrival at BKK Int' Airport, - make your way to the 4th floor, Departures, Ten pick up a cab on the roadside, wher they have just dropped off a passenger, Tell them The destination, i.e,Pratunam, - pronounced Pat U Nam, cost approx 180 - 220 Baht, Let the driver know you come to Thailand many times, If you get the ride for this fare - tip - 30 Baht. (There are some good Taxi driversI in BKK

The AOT could make it convenient by guiding passengers to the legit taxi rank and make sure the driver uses the meter.
Hard to believe a secure place like an international airport has security that allows the scams to continue.

hi there, i (female) am travelling on my own with my 2 children age 14,15, never been to thailand before we are staying in singapore for 4 nights ,bankok for 3 nights ,that will take us up to to 23rd december and i am not really sure where to go next, any suggestions and how to get there would be good, by the way we would like to end up in bankgok for new years eve,we fly home on new yeas day(evening)

Fly to Cambodia and see the ruins.

we will need somewhere to stay for 1 week, what about pattaya

Pattaya?
Not the place for a woman and 2 kids.
Thousands of lowlife, hardcore drinkers, hooligans and bargirls.
Can't avoid it.
The beach?
Yuk!

i am sorry i have been reading stories on this site now, where do think would be good to stay for i week, every where sounds really shit!

Bimbo, depends whether you want a beach holiday or a sight seeing trip. From Bangkok for speed you can take a flight to a few places, i.e. Phuket maybe booking at a reputable travel bureau like Kuoni for example a bit more expensive but trustworthy or fly upto Chaing Mai for elephant riding, and numerous things for kids to do up there.

3 Days in Bangkok.
Get a Nancy Chandler Tourist Map. See the Grand Palace. Take a River Tour.
I hear of a river trip to Ayutaya can be fun.
Sleeping train to Chaing Mai. Lots of old temples to see. Nancy makes a map for this place too.
Fly to Phuket and go to Karon Beach for a few days.

By the way, a trip to the Cambodian ruins is fast and easy. Get the VISA on arrival.
Get a driver to show you around.
Temples are AWESOME.

I wonder why the TAT doesn't do something about the scams?
Taxis parked in front of hotels are all scammers.TukTuks cannot be trusted and should be avoided.
Scammers at the entrance to the Grand palace and National Museum and just about anywhere a tourist goes.
The transport in the resorts is appalling and run by criminal gangs.
Why come to Thailand I ask?

A picture is worth a thousand words.
I found these on the real estate discussion.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=676476&page=14

How much does it cost to take a taxi from the airport in Bangkok to the The Grande Westin Sukhumvit,
Bangkok? The address is 259 Sukhumvit Road and how far is the hotel from the airport anyway? Wow I am getting nervous since this is my first trip to Thailand. Does anyone have any tips on shopping? Do you bargain with the vendors or just pay the posted price? Thanks in advance for any help with this...

@Hawaii 5-0

You are joking right?

If not, have you not read the comments above about going up to the departures drop off area and hailing a taxi from there?

If possible try to print the hotels address in Thai, thereby, aiding the taxi driver!

Also, make sure he or she turns the meter ON?

As for the vendors, they will start big, then you should work them down, oh! Don't buy any fake DVD's or CD's, etc, etc.

I recommend you visit MBK or Central Lad Phrao, most things are priced (A friend was quoted 500bt for a 60bt t-shirt), so you tend to be more relaxed whilst shopping.

Lastly, all ways be on your guard and remembe, don't get too drunk!

" a friend was quoted 500bt for a 60bt t-shirt'

Sorry, I meant to say at a Nana street stall.

I never shop in Bangkok.
Too many scams.

"I never shop in Bangkok.
Too many scams. "

So what else is there to do, letme guess now...

So where do you go shopping if you don't shop in Bangkok?

I shop as little as possible when in Thailand.
Imported goods are taxed heavily and the local made stuff...well...even the locals don't want it.
Falls apart, wrranties are a joke.
I even caught the Apple Computer Store in Discovery pulling a fast one.
(never ever shop there)
I feel fleeced any time I attempt shopping.

Thailand is a wonderful country but like most countries there are scams to be had....just listen to your mothers advice never talk to strangers,keep a level head be polite and dont get drunk

Is there a lot of taxi in the departure area even at around 11pm-12am?

rlin there should be taxi's 24 hours a day coming out of Suvarnabhumi, there are a lot of flights that arrive at all kinds of hours.

To the OP if your mother has been there 5 times and knew the ropes I would hope she would have looked for the metered taxi and not taken the 450 baht taxi.

Norrie, other countries do have their scams but not nearly in the amount that Thailand has, maybe other 3rd World Countries but Thailand isn't exactly that cheap to visit. It's not never talk to strangers, every single cab driver is a stranger anywhere. People just have to research before taking the trek and know what to look for.

How many passengers do they take in one taxi and how many bags can fit in? We r 3 guys going to BKK, and was wondering if we can take just one taxi?

hi i'm going to bangkok in one month i want to get a taxi to the old town i'm a 21 year old female who will be by my self at the start and i want to get a taxi with meter where do i head to after i collect my luggage after i leave customs and what should i be careful of

Bangkok taxis don't give receipts, do they?

I will be on business and need receipts to claim reimbursement. The last time I was in Bkk a few months ago, I resorted to the limousine service (they have 2 counters at the airport) and it cost me 1100 bht to go from airport to Pullman Hotel. Yikes.

Thanks for any advice you can give me.

Im going to phuket this NOV....
How much it will cost for me to get a taxi from airport to town?

Hi Anie. I cant really tell you the exact price for a taxi from the airport to town in phuket. But i just want to let you know that the taxies and tuktuks in Phuket usually overcharge heavily. You might want to share a cab with some other tourists. The cheapest way to get there will probably be with the minivans that you find just when you get out of the airport building. The downside of this is that they always stop along the way and lead you to a kind of booking bureau where they will try to get you to book rooms through them ( they get a commission). They put a bit of pressure on people and ask a lot of questions ( which you are really not obliged to answer). You might want to book a room in advance. In any case you should know the exact location you want to go and not let them take charge. Good luck. Remember to always agree on a price BEFORE you get in any vehicle if it is not with a taxi meter.

You can get a taxi at the airport, go to the airport taxi office counter, how much depends where you go, it is 400 baht into Patong beach, there are signboards in English explaining the prices, but be prepared to be ripped off once you leave the airport. Dont let the driver stop anywhere.

What is the best way to book a day tour to Tiger Temple,/ Elephant ride online before you go to Bangkok or at hotel(expensive?)?
Can anyone recommend reliable good tour COMPANY and price I should be paying for this day trip

Hello, I want to complain about one driver to the official complain board mentioned in each taxi with a local Bangkok phone number. Does anyone have an email how to reach them? (please reply to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ). Thanks Hans

@ Hans, don't waste your time my friend, look at it as a learning experience, My advice to anyone is, always make sure you have an address written in Thai and check to see if driver turns on meter. If the driver has forgotten, sometimes they forget, just say "Meter krab"

Kat, go to Queens travel agency, Soi 11 same building as Ambassador hotel, they are reliable and trustworthy.

Hi Anie,

I was in Phuket in August 2009. And it cost us 600 baht (2 persons) from the airport to Patong Beach by Taxi, van or hotel pick up (we looked into different options). We missed out on Andys 400 baht price (Fri 25 Sep 2009). Not sure of any bus service. Depending on where you are going it is a bit of a drive. The real taxi scam is in Krabi. Taxis in Krabi are a true scam. Unbelievable over priced, set prices at that, 1200-1700 baht to go places that are not that far. Prices were so high in Krabi my Thai friend got very angry (lost the Thai smile) and we ended up rented a motorbike bike and a car at a friction of the price of what taxi were charging to go places.

I have been to many of the islands and other beach areas in Thailand over the last 10 years. Phuket (Patong Beach) is the only place that I will never go back to visit (could not wait to get out of there). Every step you take in Phuket (Patong Beach) someone is trying to offer you something, a taxi ride a massage or selling you a suit, it is really annoying. The seafood restaurants are the worst that Thailand has to offer, most of the day island tours can be taken from other places then Phuket (mind you all the day tours we took were a lot of fun and very well put together), Krabi for example, less of a headache but a true example taxi scams.

If you do go to Phuket make sure you shop around for day tour prices. Same tour from the same tour company will vary in price, hotels being the highest place to buy from and small travel shops on the street being the lowest prices.

The beauty is lost by the people.
Avoid Phuket!

KAT Please leave ur email address and i will tell you best and cheapest way to go about it .

Cheers

Hi Joe , is it ok to help me too on recommending a reliable tour co and hotels in BKK like Kat? My email is This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thanks

We were just scammed big time in Krabi by a tour company called Boston. We took a taxi to Krabi town with the intent of taking a ferry to Koh Lanta and then choosing a place to stay on the ferry or at the pierin Saladan. We missed the ferry so this Boston Tours woman in Krabi booked us a room for 6 days and took our money for the entire stay. The day after we arrived the hotel was telling us that Boston Tours in Krabi never paid them for our stay. The general manager from our hotel had to go to Krabi with the Thai Police to retreive the 18,000 baht. Then to add insult to injury we also paid Boston Tours for our return transfer to Krabi airport and the car never showed up to pick us up. We're out 900 baht from this thief. These kind of things really make you feel bad about Thailand which is my favorite country.

@Perry V, 18,000bt, should get you a week at the Hilton including food!

Not in Koh Lanta. Since the tsunami everything has gone way up. Still does not excuse the theivery.

Fair enough Perry V, if your ever in Thailand again, try Hua Hin, but don't book anything in advance, just turn up and negotiate with the resort (So many to choose from)!

General rule of thumb

1.) Always insist on using the meter, ask if they use meter - if they don't then try another taxi.

2.) Watch them turn the meter on after you get on - 35 baht starting rate

3.) Majority of taxi have a rate / kilometer card hanging from the front seat to check the displayed meter rate and correct published rate.

4.) When taking a taxi from the airport - follow the signs that say public taxi, it should be right outside of the terminal. You will have to line up to get a ticket stub, they will quote you a surcharge depending on the destination (within Bangkok city limits it should be 50 baht) they should not be quoting you a price for the ride.

5.) 50 baht additional surcharge if taking a taxi from the airport only - surcharge will increase if your destination is not within the Bangkok city limits - look at the published chart at the taxi counter where you get your ticket stub for the taxi, if its not shown on the counter - you can request them to show you.

6.) Expect to pass 2-3 toll roads going into town or going to the airport, this will add 60-90 baht on top of the displayed fare. This is standard practice.

7.) NEVER accept a tour offered by the taxi - you will be ripped off.

8.) Keep your ticket stub as it has the taxi info, you can call to complain if needed at a later time.

9.) Don't listen to strangers on the street if they offer to help or give you travel advice.

Its funny how even thai people will get ripped of trying to take a taxi in Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, or Krabi. My friends and I were in Koh Samui trying to take a taxi back to our hotel 10 min away, the taxi driver quoted us 300 baht. They don't care if you are thai or not at these touristy beach destinations, cause they know they can get more money from foreigners. We were pretty pissed off, in the end we had to beg a taxi driver to take us back for 200 baht.

I am Thai from Chiangmai. Have to use a taxi from the airport every week. I got the same problems as you guys. I hate them. I wish TAT(Tourism Authority of Thailand) and AAT(Airport Authority of Thailand) could get rid of them.

If you're looking for private and cheap transfer in Phuket, Krabi and Phang nga, kindly visit at www.phuketpickup.com