I think this is something to do with the taxi being unable to collect a passenger after he drops you off. I booked a taxi to the airport over the telephone and was told the charge would be 20baht extra (which I happily paid). I called the taxi on telephone number 1681 as they speak English and they even called me back when the taxi arrived at my home. I have no interest in this taxi firm by the way, just received good service in my one experience with them.

I think the 50 bhat is for the toll?

Did he stop at any toll stations along the way?

The 50 surcharge works the other way, ie when you get the taxi from the official stand at arrivals suvarnabhumi. A taxi going to the airport asking for a surcharge sounds a bit odd over and above the highway tolls.

50s about right for a tip anyway :)

Yes, this sounds like the toll fee. I have made the journey from a hotel in Bangkok to the airport on many occassions over the years. On just two occassions, the taxi driver has turned the meter off. If this happens to you, order him to stop and get out. Any problems, start to write down his license details.; he will depart with a mumble or two.

Yes, perhaps a little lost in translation here; 50 baht surcharge could have meant toll fee. From taxi drivers we have spoken to, they enjoy the ride to Suvarnbhumi Airport. Hardly any traffic congestion and once there, they join the 50 baht surcharge queue. Easy money for them. That said, tourists should have no problems finding a legitimate taxi to take them to the airport. Finally, it is always best to ignore all taxis parked outside hotels/ tourists areas etc..

if all you have to worry about is getting scammed for 50 baht your doing well i take it the poster does not have a Thai partner our he would not be worrying about 50 baht

I have also had the 50 bht surcharge discussion with Taxi Drivers going to the airport (as opposed to airport to town)... its not for the tolls, as I always pay each toll as it comes up in cash to the driver.. they still ask for 50 bht when I arrive.. its a new scam, and when you are firm but polite they tend to leave it well alone.

It's an attempt at a small scam.The tolls are 70 baht, not 50. If a driver tried this on me, I wouldn't give him any tip, not 1 satang. Pay the metered amount, to the baht.

Regarding the first comment, the taxis you book via their call centres charge 20 Baht be it for a ride to the airport or your favourite downtown restaurant. The avoids the need to go outside and flag down a taxi.

Fellow posters, I am saddened that so many of you jump on this topic with such disdain for Thailand, as if it's the only country in the world where you have been scammed.
Saying that everything is a scam is ridiculous. If you litter, shoplift or underpay a taxi driver in Europe, USA or the Antipodes the full force of the law will be laid upon you, including in many cases a criminal record, which is available to any prospective employer in any country and stays with you for a long time, Thailand's pay to say bye bye seems fairly innocuous in comparison to that.
Plus these countries governments have very legal scams in all departments of living called TAXES which I'm sure no one is too keen about. But is tolerated.
There are also many scams in these "developed" countries that are solely there for foreign tourists for example-ticket touts, private taxis that prey on unsuspecting arrivals, pickpockets, identity fraud, chop shops, pyramid schemes and so called "lotteries" just to name a few.
Please also do not compare Thailand to Nigeria, if any of the posters have been on holiday to any less developed African countries, they will have found scams, violence and poverty not to be found in LOS.
If you have found yourself on the wrong side of the law in LOS perhaps a little more education of the people, its culture and laws will help you get through a little better.

John - Thanks, I didn't know what the charge was for.
Bill - The expressway tolls have different charges. Depends on where you're travelling to and from.

Thai Troll, I fully agree with u :-)

If you read the charge sheet in taxis usually attached to the back of the front seats, you may just find the 50 Baht surcharge is for taxis going to the airport. Reasoning behind it is conjecture but I would suggest many taxis remain at the airport between fares and cannot return to anywhere easily. 50 Baht is a fair fare :)

Bill was the most correct post.

This charge was on top of the tolls, if it was for the tolls he would have said 70 baht surcharge and not 50 baht from the main city of Bangkok.
john, I do have a Thai partner and she was with me of course. She is from Phitsanulok Thailand and we are scheduled to be married.
Finally Thai Troll who was comparing Thailand to Nigeria? IMHO it's silly if you are trying to compare Thailands scams to more 'developed' countries. I live in the US and I do many of times go to places where the tourists stay. In fact I look like a tourist because I am of the same ethnic background as most tourist. I may be asked for a scam or two once in awhile, but very infrequently. In Thailand is the first time I have found where at almost every corner people are trying to pull a different thing on the tourist.

When i was in Bangkok the taxi from the airport to Sukhumvit Rd Soi2 was quoted at 400 baht, when we got to the hotel he asked for 400 baht and got 500, there were two of us and 10 quid for a taxi from the airport is nothing! On the way back it was the same. It included toll fees and we got where we are going, end of. Yes there are people trying to get the odd 50 baht from you but I hardly think this qualifies as a scam. Scams are, to my mind, con tricks like ordering games consoles and paying the delivery driver cash then finding out it's just a box with a brick in it, not being charged an extra quid for a taxi to the airport. Yes, you do have to be careful in Thailand but I do wish people would stop portraying the place as one big rip-off, cos it isn't!

People are trying to get a bit etra from you because they think, and rightly so, that you are on holiday and can afford it. I think everyone should just relax a bit and have a bit more naam jai! Principles are good to have but are culturally formed and if you go around Thailand feeling you're being ripped of i think it will spoil it for you. Spread a few pound notes around and enjoy yourself :-)

Nam Jai towards others only comes when you get the feeling that youre not being taken for an idiot and scammed causing suspicion.

The feeling of being ripped off by smirking criminal types far outweighs any lost money, right its only a few quid usually but I'd rather that it went to someone honest who gives the tourist a good service and is rewarded with a justified tip to say thank you.

A rip off is a rip off no matter how rich or poor the person is doing it. These scammers are giving the whole country a bad press and it hurts everyone who works in Thailand legitimately as tourism is suffering.

that is very true. do not get in a cab unless he puts on the meter. Pure and simple. I have never had bad experience with taxi driver. Maybe because i have been always persistent. "Do you not put the meter on? Im gonna get another cab."

Oh you're lucky! From Silom to airport they charged us 500baht flat. The man from the hotel told us about the price then talked to the driver, yep, I saw the taxi driver gave him an amount, no idea how much it was. We paid the agreed amount when we got to the airport.

Another trick is the I DON'T KNOW where. It's never fun hearing from a taxi driver not knowing where the place is, especially for a hotel, no difference from a cook saying he can't cook, ...ok,...perhaps the driver is a driver as HE CAN just DRIVE ( don't ask me whose mentality is this) !lololol! So he has the reason to extend the trip for the meter to go on and let the passenger pay more. A cheated extra meter fare is annoying but really it's the time wasted that kills me! Could be a bit pleasant at least if the cab smells well but oftentimes they're just tragedy...waaahhh!

The dont know where scenario often occurs because some of the drivers are unfamiliar with Bangkok and dont do the street knowledge training that other countries taxi drivers. A positive slant to Bangkok taxis is that the taxis are the cheapest just about anywhere in the world.

I was on my way to emporium with one driver a five minute drive usually. I though he was turning around as he sailed past there on his way down the sukhumvit road and I got him to finally pull over almost 2 BTS stops from Emporium. He was lost and I had to pay the extra fare plus the BTS fare back to where I wanted to go!

The guy was inexperienced having just arrived in Bangkok from Issan so that can be excused but whats annoying is that I missed my apointment as a result. In fairness the honest drivers do work 12 hours a day / night for little financial reward and I would rather have this type of driver than the scamming type.

Amazing Thailand, life is never boring there!

Have the hotel pick youup at the Airport and NEVER use a taxi outside your hotel or one that seeks you out.
ALWAYS walk away from the hotel and flag down a moving taxi.
NEVER talk to or use a TukTuk.

jirkoo, you have to realize, most peoples situations, some people may have bags, are on a schedule and may not even be very close from Sukhumvit. If you are on that tight of a schedule with all of those things involved, unloading everything and re-loading back to another car.

That's what happened to us actually. We had a couple of bags with us heading to the airport and we were in a hurry so we just asked the man from the hotel and he approached one of the taxis parking outside.

On the other hand, anticipating inconveniences, especially time, I'd still say it was a better option. I'm kind of thinking as well that going to the airport is quite far and does that guarantee a taxi driver getting a passenger going back to Bangkok? Well, the arrival and departure areas aren't on the same road and even unloading of stuff needs to be quick, parking isn't allowed in departure areas.

Karma mate, karma!

The problem with a lot of a taxi drivers is that they dont know there way around Bangkok espically the inner city. I live about 200 baht from the central area and if you can belive this some taxi drivers dont even know how to get to the main area. What was even more funny was that on one occasion I was heading to Sathord Rd and the taxi driver pulled over the ask the traffic police where Sathord Rd was and even they had no idea how to get to Sathorn Rd.

My wife has got in a taxi outside Siam Paragon, he took her down a sidestreet and pulled over and demanded 200 baht from her for what should have been a 60 baht fare. She was carrying shopping a baby and stroller, no choice but to pay. Gutless scumbag would never try this on a man. This is the sort of scam that we have a right to complain about, and I would complain about it if I were in the US or Europe as well. Majority of taxi drivers in BKK are decent and helpful.

I got a taxi at the airport once, the driver tried to charge me 400 baht flat when the fare should have been about 300 including the surcharge. I got a bit stroppy with him and demanded he turn on the meter, which he did, but kind of caught myself when I remembered that this guy was quite big and muscular looking. Got talking to him and he turned out to be a real nice guy, working to support wife and 2 babies. Former job - heavyweight Muay Thai fighter, with 2 championship titles to his name.

Malcom - you can say something a dozen times and if you don't get the tones exactly right then often times the taxi drivers and traffic police will have no idea what you are talking about. I asked to go to Sathorn Road once and the driver took me to Central World - that was how badly he misheard me. When I worked at Rat Burana the only way I could get taxi drivers to understand where I wanted to go was to say something like "labuwhanna" and say it like I was drunk. Almost all taxi drivers know their way around but they do struggle with our clumsy attempts at their language.

no shame

best idea is have the name of places you want to go to written in thai ( with english under it)

most thais can read

No offense mikey, have to disagree. Most taxi drivers are uneducated and usually have dropped out of school to try to make it in Bangkok to send some money home to Issan, Udonthani, Tak or whatever province they happen to come from. I thought that would work too, but out of about 5 times of showing taxi directions at the airport in thai about only 2 times the guy actually knew where to go. Speak thai yes, read thai? that's very questionable.
The best advice to anyone, try the map deal. If the driver is looking at it for more than 1 minute to 2 minutes. He probably can't read the map. Cause all you would need in reading a map is about a minute to mark the main road to some landmarks and go, unless your hotel happens to be way off the main road. You should also carry backup number 2, the phone number to the hotel, you may or may not have a mobile that works upon landing but about 99% of the taxi drivers will, just give him 5 or 10 baht to call the hotel and it should only be a conversation that lasts 1 or 2 minutes.

i have been to BKK 3 times, no real problem with taxi drivers , yet.
one time i arrived at 1am at the airport, i couldnt find my thai brother in law.
i saw a group of taxi drivers out the front, naturally they called out to me, somehow i managed to tell them i am waiting for my brother in law to pick me up, couldnt find him.
well one guy took the lead, and asked me for hi mobile number[ as my phone didnt work]
he called him on his own phone for me , made contact , found him near different gate.
all was good. the taxi driver couldnt have been nicer.
if i had any baht on me at the time, i would have been happy to pay him at least 100 b for his help.
even when i couldnt, he was still very nice, still happy and friendly.

if you want save time and money at BKK airport on arrival that is,,, just grab a taxi on the top level that has just dropped of a customer, no waiting and no 50bht air port fee

I'll be going on my 13th trip in November and I still run into problems here and there, but the more you know and how to resolve the problems the better off you are. Knowledge is power.

I juz returned from BKK last week. Me n my galfriend took a cab from the airport to our hotel in Silom. The total fare including the service charge of 50 baht, round up to abt 600 baht. Before settling the fare, I passed the driver a 500 baht note n asked if he could change into smaller notes with me n he nodded his head. After he kept the 500 baht into his pocket, he did not pass me any of my small notes. He then asked me for another 600 baht (cab fare) n I asked him where's my small notes then since he has already kept the 500 baht and he denied n even showed me all the money in his pocket that none was a 500 baht note. My galfren was very persistant and passed him another 100 baht n we left the cab. He did not stop us at all.

Maybe he took advantage of us juz bcoz we came alone as 2 gals. Other than this incident, the trip was enjoyable. I'm going back next month for my sis's birthday. I believe as long as we r firm enough they cannot do anything much to us. Bangkok is afterall a nice place!

What a bunch of dour third-world thugs these drivers are! Just take a bus and forget them! And forget Thailand... just a den of thieves!

From the Airport, go to the Departure floor and get a taxi from there, just be real quick about it because Taxi's aren't allowed to wait, the Toll to the city is 45 Baht, i've paid this many times, Say Taxi Meter when you get in the Taxi, if they won't turn it on then get out and take another Taxi. Usaual fare to central Bangkok about 300 Baht maximum, ( I stay in the North of Bangkok, Watana Mansion, near Suthisan Station) easy to get to and easy to get to Airport, costs me 220 Baht to Airport. Try to avoid landing in Bangkok on weekends as many Taxi owners have the weekend off and employ casual drivers, like the driver that took off from the airport and ended up there again, completely lost, i laughed and directed him to my Hotel, Good luck falangs.

Rene, any chance you can write in English next time?

I arrived in BKK last night after taking a domestic flight. What a great surprise!
The touts in the arrivals hall were no more and nobody offered us anything.
The official taxi stand is now really well organized. We received a note explaining about payment of tolls etc. along with the driver's details and a 'phone number in case of complaint. No problems and we got home quickly. I was very critical of the 'old regime' and always used the departures section in the past, but as long as the service remains, I'll use the arrivals. Really nice to see the airport cleaning up its act - I hope it stays the same.

Another taxi scam I was victim: I took a taxi from suvarnabhumi airport to my place in sukhumvit, the amount to pay (taxi meter) was 180 baht and I have to pay the 50 more baht for the airport service, so the total was 230baht. I gave the taxi driver 250 baht and waited for the change, when he saw I wasn't going off the car he turned back and said I have to pay 20 baht more, I replied he had to give me back 20 baht, so I pointed at the taxi meter and showed him the paper from the airport taxi service, so he took very quick that paper and hidden in his shirt pocket. He wasn't calm at all, not like normally thai people react, he was nervous and unpolite. So I asked very calmly to have back my paper and my 20 baht, and showed I wasn't going off the car without that, so he picked the paper and throw it to me. I didn't want to call the service to tell them about the bad experience and the plate number (I don't think they going to do anything anyway) but it was the bad manners and the obvious scam that I didn't like. But I still kept my calm and he lost his face. I am sure he had a bad day even if it was me that i lost my 20 baht.

I spend approx 6 months a year in South-East asia, much of it in Thailand.
Yes there are a lot of 'scammers' - they are really just chancers, not proper scammers, and yes, most tourists first encounter with a chancer will be the taxi driver (but, Tuk Tuk drivers are worse !!!).
I must say that most taxi drivers are honest. I have taxi driver friends in Bangkok, and if they return home after a 12 or 15 hour shift with 500 Baht they consider it a good day !!. There are far too many taxis in Bangkok, and i use to find it mind boggling that a man can support a family on £10 a day - but if you were to see the conditions that many of these 'service people' and their families live in, you would understand how (very, very basic slum conditions generally), and you would not begrudge them an extra £1 or so.

If you want a really cheeky example - in Vietnam a 'cyclo' driver told me i must pay him double because "it was hard work for him too much", "because you too fat very much !!" - at 95 Kg !!!!!!!

@Mikey - U.K., why you pay, they hold gun to head?

Hi Tomikata... Its already written in English. U don't see it in English? English is the only language I can write anyway.

Renee, I apologise, some words like "galfriend" I don't know, maybe Italian slang?

I'm sorry Tomikata.. Its actually "singlish". It means English written only by lazy singaporeans, its some sort of short-form,most used by younger group of people. Anyway I've spelt it out as follow:
Galfren= Girlfriend
bcoz = because
r = are
n = and

Try reading it again using the proper English now. Cheers!

Silly me, thanks for clearing that up.

@Renee, I'm from China, English is not even our second language, but at least we try!

Tomikata, u are welcome! Sorry for the confusion!

Davia Yow, sorry I think we are not the same. In S'pore, English is our 1st language and I did well in school for this subject. The only thing is that we have the habit of using short-form in spelling. It's a trend here. Anyway, your English is considered good comparing to those people from your country.

Let's come back to the actual topic. I'll be flying to Bangkok next Friday! I just can't wait for the trip!

I dun really understand why cant you take a cab directly from the hotel doorstep? Isnt it supposed to be safer rather than walking out on the streets to flag one down?

Also is there a website or any information on the rough gauge on taxi fares like say maybe from the hotel to the more popular shopping areas like MBK, siam paragon, times square, central world , platinum etc?

Then at least if its plus minus the rough gauge, it can be due to heavier traffic.

As i will be going bkk for a holiday real soon in Mid nov, all the scams i read online are putting me off really. Even buying duty free from the big duty free shops like king power is not safe now...

jasmine, it's sad cause the taxi's don't seem to realize, walking out to the street to get a new taxi can be a serious pain if you are by yourself or maybe you have children in tow or something. if you can you should always look for a hotel fairly close to the main road for this reason. it will be worth it to go out to the street, you just have to remember to stop the taxi before going into your sub soi so they don't have to drive all the way down the street and turn around.

To places like MBK, Siam Paragon, Times Square, take the skytrain. The skytrain is your friend, remember there is almost always a lot of traffic in Bangkok unless everyone is sleeping. First time to Bangkok I did not try the skytrain from fear of getting lost, now I couldn't function without it. For places like Central World you can take the skytrain to I believe Chitlom and walk on the skywalk or take a taxi the short distance from Chitlom to Central World. Same with Platinum and or across the way at Pratunam, be careful in Thai they sound similar. I'm sure that's why Platinum made their name that so people always make the mistake.

Traffic can be extremely horrible in Bangkok, the lack of traffic rules and traffic citations leads to people doing all kinds of things like making U-turns in the middle of a free flowing road. Once I took a taxi only for a 25-30 minute walk cause I just got off a bus so I had luggage, the ride took about 1 hour to get to the hotel. But as just said depends on circumstances, trust me if I only had a backpack I would have used the skytrain in a second.

Renee that's pretty sad you said to Tomikata that you were speaking 'Singlish' and then you tell him to try reading proper English? Maybe you should learn how to speak proper english before scrutinizing others deciphering of your context.

written by Bruce, Sat 10 Oct 2009 02:59:16 CDT
What a bunch of dour third-world thugs these drivers are! Just take a bus and forget them! And forget Thailand... just a den of thieves!

This comment would make you worse than them - self explanatory!

@Renee, you need go back school, today.

Jasmine,
No, you cannot take a taxi parked in front of the hotel.
They are scammers. T
The managers get paid to let them ripoff their guests.
Now you know.

Jasmine, the trick is if you have bags before loading them, or even getting in the taxi. Ask them meter? If they say no or question, just say that's OK and move on.

Renee, this is an international website so in the future maybe you can try spelling it out your words in proper English in order to let others understand them? It may help to reduce miscommunications here. I can see from the way you type and express yourself, your English is good. The only thing is the short-form you have used in your spelling. Well, I'm a singaporean and I can read what you are trying to say as my niece uses short-form to sms me even when she is in Junior College now.
Chen, maybe you can join Renee if she goes back to school. It should be "You need to go back to school today" and not "you need go back school,today". Try reflecting on yourself before pointing any fingers at others. She may be using short-form due to her laziness but she does not deserve to be critised this way. Well Renee, always remember that this is a website is accessible to the whole world, try to keep it in a way so that everyone understands every of your word.
Hope everyone will enjoy in Thailand.

@Fun-seeker, I teach myself english in China, at least I try. I know go to English speak school, but I sure people understand me more than lazy Renee from Singapore. You also need to "so in the future", should be, so in future!

To Fun-seeker, your structure and phrasing is incorrect, may I presume English is your second language?

@ Chen, guess u muz be David Yow from the way u express n describe yrself. Yes I am lazy but I don't find that's a need for anyone to fight in this website bcoz of such little thing moreover its nothing related to the main topic of this website.
@ Fun-seeker, Yap... Will bear that in mind to spell in full English spelling but sometimes I'm quite used to spell out in short-form. Anyway thanks for your reminder :-)
@ Sebeastian, whether is his/her 2nd language I don't need that's a need for anyone to comment. No one is perfect including u n me.

Pls do not spoil this web by talking about unrelated matters. Alright, lazy Renee hope this website to be back to it's original topic.
By the way I don't know if any1 heard of Bo-bay market before? Its open from 3am till 6am if I'm not wrong. Heard that Pratunam stall-holders actually got their goods from here n the price is much cheaper than anywhere. Anyone been there before? If so, pls share?

Renee, you are seriously taking the mickey, why don't you grow up. A word of advice, you need to go back to school, singlish is for Singaporeans and not the international commmunity.

Renee, why you say this, I David Yow not Chen, you bad person.

@ Todd (Toad),
Seriously who is the 1 who need to grow up? I am trying to put a stop to the dispute to talk about topic that is related to this website but you just want to carry it on so who is the childish one? Stop spoiling this website.
@ David Yow, regardless am I a bad person or not I don't find there's a need to argue here. At least I don't use multiple nicks to comment here. U may use different nicks to augue, jolly well go ahead. I just feel that this website is for sharing about things in Thailand and not for talking about unrelated matters.

By the way pls do read my past posting here, that's even more from other links in this website. I sincerely shared all my past experiences and views about Bangkok using this name, Renee. As for u, have you really shared or are you here to argue? If you wish to find joy here by finding a companion in arguing, sorry I don't think I can be the one as I am here to share. Pls grow up.

Renee, why the name calling? I think an apology is in order don't you! I only asked that you grow up as your posts are becoming more and more childish. Several contributers have also commented regarding your Singlish posts. We are only asking that you keep to the international language. By the way, why do you have to be so rude and arrogant?

@Renee, you like trouble maker, you singaporeans need Chinese obideince.

Renee, I do not know why but somehow I admire your firm character. Do not leave this forum and continue to share your Bangkok experience alright?

Yeah I also agree with Yahoo-Surfer, share your experiences, but leave out your arrogance and write in ENGLISH and not some Singapore language that non-Singaporeans don't understand, kapish?

"At least I don't use multiple nicks to comment here. U may use different nicks to augue, "

Renee, you lie again, you our Yahoo-Surfer two.

David, who are you to target at all the singaporeans? This is a personal dispute, do not drag anyone in!

Caroline, who are you, i know target singapoeans, so no need come in. I talk Renee the rude singapoeran only.

If you have ever been to Vietnam and saw the amounts of ways they will scam you there, you would be happy to be in Thailand. When in Thailand, never take a taxi if they won't turn on the meter; always insist before you enter the cab, tuk-tuks will cost you 2-3 times that of a meter-taxi fare. Don't ever waste your time getting angry with them, just move on to the next one.

Be carefull of the Sound alike name Somboon SEafood restaurant. Was taken to a rip off joint on 49 payaythai ratchatavee. $6400 bht for which should have been a 400 to 600 check bin. If the waiter says by weight be sure to ask how much in bhat before they place the order and also have him/her write it down as no prices on menu and mafia like grards there to enforce the payment. Even Thai people get taken.

The 20 baht fee for a telephone order taxi ,the 50 baht fee is bullsh.tfor returning to the airport ,and i have been living here fulltime for 12 years.END.......

20 BAHT FOR TELETHONE ORDER TAXI IS CORRECT
THE 50BHT IS A SCAM
12 YEARS HERE WITH THAI FAMILY

DAVID YOW GROW UP.

I come back singapore holiday, they two have many scam, thay make shirt but shirt too small. i glad not singapoeran

I too was holiday in singapoor, but no like much peopl no friendlys likly thai people. girl tink they are princesss, but thay shallowish, shop man smile, but when not by they lost smile. singapori people tink thay beter theen all asian. make i sad.

If you are checking out of your hotel, DO NOT let the hotel staff get you a taxi. Ask to leave your bags at reception for a moment then go flag down a moving taxi that has agreed to use the meter.

The hotel staff often get money from taxis to take you to the airport, then try to recoup that by extorting a high flat rate. I've asked hotel staff on several occasions that the taxi is meter and not flat rate and they just smile and say yes, then you end up being argued into a flat rate once your bags are in the car.

Once I had a seemingly mentally retarded taxi take me from one hotel on Suk Soi 8 to another on Soi 13. It's like a 40 baht ride but he wanted 300. I laughed at him and said, "no, meter". Then he started to whine like a small child saying "airport, airport" over and over. Don't know if the hotel staff lied to him (they knew where I was going) or if he thought that every falang entering his cab with luggage was obliged to pay the fare to the airport but he didn't get more than 50 from me.

Also, beware if the taxi driver starts with friendly conversations asking where you are from, how long you are staying, etc on the way to/from the airport or any other long trip. In my experience, this has ALWAYS been followed by a request for a super high flat rate. They know they have you for a long trip and will bug the hell out of you for a flat rate, so I usually just tell them I live in Bangkok. If they ask for the flat rate, I say "sorry, cannot, only pay meter". If they persist, I say "sorry" then call up a buddy on my phone and start up a conversation to tune the driver out.

I am going 2 Bangkok and wander if that is a good idee with all the scams that is going on in Thailand.

Scams are not exclusive to Thailand Marie, just use your common sense, use sky train as much as possible and if a Thai (or farang) approaches you, just smile and walk on.

It may not be a huge scam. I believe that only certain taxis are licensed to collect passengers from the airport, so they try & get 50b extra so they can come back to the city without losing money.

Worst taxi drivers in the world.........New York!

50 baht "? When you are in holidaying will you ever care about that small amount ? They charge you 50 baht extra bcoz they know you are tourist and therefore they charge higher.

If you need airport transfer. Its advisable to use transfer agent in airport. Altough the price is not cheaper than outside the airport but there do hv a flat rate and with the best service/car.

I did give extra 100 baht for the driver as tips because of their friendly and polite to us. You can ask them to drop u in half way if u see something u wan to buy and they willing to wait u .

It's really a bad experience here in Thailand when you come for a vacation, to relax and enjoy and here you find many drivers just waiting to empty your pocket. Just today Feb.13,2010 I was in MBK at 3:40 I took a taxi with my husband. The Driver agreed to take us to the hotel as he has agreed with the men in-charge in MBK taxi stand, that he will take us to the hotel. Just 2 meters away from the MBK taxi stand he immediately said HIGHWAY , traffic too much,OKEY in a very nasty way. he even said if not highway he will ask for 200 baht. He speak to me in Thai language he thought Im a Thai.
We had an argument and he was just laughing like he was teasing us. Really he made me feel very mad. I took his picture as what he did. he covered his IDENTIFICATION CARD WITH A TOURISR FLYER. Indeed this is his job for he knows that passengers will complain about him that he dont want to show his name.
The beauty of THAILAND maybe discourage by many dishonest taxi drivers. I feel sorry to those who victims like me and to Thai people who wants to keep a good impression about their country.

I once got a taxi from somewhere I can't remember to MBK - I only had a 1000 b note left, but unfortunately the driver couldn't break it. Even though the ride was only 63 b, I will never forget that he didn't charge me. I still regret not giving him the 1000 b note...

Calvin are you kind of slow or something? In the original post it says it is the principle. Yes 50 baht is nothing to you and I. To a Thai person that's a lot. Someone with a very good job in Thailand may only make around 150 baht/hour. So you should think about the cost of living and your surroundings before you travel there and think you are a millionare or something.

If the 50 baht were really nothing, why would so many advise to bypass the arrival taxi stands and just go to Departures and grab a taxi dropping people off? Any taxi anywhere in the world will make multiple stops if requested cause the meter is still running and you will still have to pay.

Jill, I never use over 100 baht notes in the taxi now. You should always drive to break your 1000 baht notes at department stores and supermarkets, even if you have the correct amount in your wallet. Or your story can happen in the taxi.

I was cheated by a Tuk Tuk driver. He said he will take me for 30 baht to a really good restaurant, when i arrived i found it was nearly empty, i looked at the menu, the seafood didnt have prices but some things did. some thai noodles for 300 baht, i was hungry so i just ordered it. As i was waiting for my food some British guy came out with his wife fuming mad yelling that he had been cheated out of 6000 baht for some really awfully cooked seafood. He told me just walk away, then he left leaving the waiters looking awkward. I was going to walk away but then my food came. I in a very stern voice asked the boss how much is this. he said 300 and i clearly asked three zero zero? he said yes. I ate the food and i knew what was going to happen was i was going to be ripped off with a huge service fee. I waited until the waiter was gone and then i put 300 baht on the table plus a few coins maybe 10 or 15 baht and started to get up, the waiter said oh oh, and started telling me in thai something (i guess it was that i have to wait) i pointed to the money on the table and started to leave, then the boss came out with my bill, 420 baht (which makes a service fee of 120 baht) I started to complain he said 300 before he just said, you have service. I calmed down smiled and said, theres service and pointed to the extra coins on the table, he looked confused and before he could figure out how much in coins there was i already was turned around and walking away. Im not sure if he yelled to me but he didnt dare come to try and stop me physically. I hate scammers and will not tolerate them at all. I am not a rich tourist with alot of money to blow

Ive ben taken from money get me lost many many not get from go every work day no have money bigbig

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How can you trust a taxi company that is advertising for free on this web site, this is Thailand, so beware, they'll probably pick you up in a tuk tuk!

50 Baht is not a scam. He is going to the airport which may not be his usual area. If all you were charged extra is 50 baht then you have done very well.

To answer some thread makers. You are correct. These are just little scams and I shouldn't worry. I just don't like to be scammed. Before I get into a taxi I make sure the man is going to use the meter. When I get into any taxi in Bangkok I sit in the front seat. As soon as I am aboard I grab the drivers occupational license and compare the photo to my driver. Most of the time it is not one and the same. From there I start joking to him about the discrepancy. Normally things run smoothly from there. If I still feel uncomfortable I check for the taxi numbers and make sure I can open my door. I make sure the drivers is aware. If the driver says he has to stop for petrol I yell STOP! and get out. Once I am comfortable I talk to the driver about his life/family and things are really pleasant. If I feel good about the trip I tip. I've had some good trips and have heard all the excuses about substitute drivers.

Never had a problem with any meter taxis in Bangkok. They always start the meter on 35 baht.

Just stay away from the Tuktuks and you'll be fine

PRATUNAM SEAFOOD RESTAURANT! This restaurant is rip off!!! Never catch taxi from this place!!! Ignore the taxi infront of the hotels!!! Don't pay THB 25,000 for 3 lobster!!! It won't even cause you more than THB 1,500 from MBK shopping centre. Always use meter because it's cheaper than off meter!!!

Now, there are plenty of rigged meters in Thai taxies.
Some rack up 50% or more.
Does the driver have a button to control it?
I sat in traffic and watched it click 2 time within seconds while not moving.
I mentioned this to the driver then the meter acted normally again.
Who can I report this too??
The answer is nobody.Anybody you report to is part of the problem.

Please make sure that you get all of your items out of the taxis. A taxi driver in Pattaya took me to a massage parlor. He said that the charge would be 50 baht total for the ride to the massage parlor and then to my hotel. He also said that he would wait for me. The taxi driver did not wait for me. He drove off with my camera. I didn't pay the 50 baht to the cabbie upon arriving at the Massage parlor.
I filed a report with the Pattaya Police Department. My camera never surfaced during my vacation.

Bob UK, the 50 baht surcharge is from the Airport to the city, if you take the metered taxi's on the level below arrivals. Not the opposite way around so if you are paying that you are being ripped off.

There is always 2 sides to all stories and the same can be applied here.

On the plus side, 50 baht is not considered a rip-off. It's a small amount and the taxi-driver is not earning alot. Furthermore, he might not be able to get any passenager on his way back to the city.

On the negative side, it's not the amount of money that matters, it's principle and the way they try to cheat you.

I've been to BKK a few times, and on my last trip, I took a taxi that was waiting outside my apartment to the airport. I just got in with my luggage and tell the driver "Airport". He never replies me, just on the meter(I never even need to ask) and goes off. Reaching the airport, he charges me according to the meter, 270 baht. I gave him a 500 to change and he gave me exact change, then ask me politely "Mister, i'm rushing back to your apartment for another pick-up. So he will be returning empty. Is it possible for me to give him some more to cover up the lost?" I prompty gave him another 100 baht.

That, i believe, should be the way. If all the taxi drivers can just ask politely, and not demand for it, i believe we'll be willin to give them that extra as it's not that much. Who knows, they may be given even more than what they would get if they demanded for it!

"Mister, i'm rushing back to your apartment for another pick-up. So he will be returning empty. Is it possible for me to give him some more to cover up the lost?"

Taxi drivers will do one of two things to make sure they get a return fare: 1) after dropping passengers off at arrivals, they will hang about hoping to find an enlightened (detour taxi queue plus save 50bt) farang or get hasselled away by the BIB. 2) go to the taxi rank queue.

the 50 Baht is a taxi scam,meter only no surcharges unless paying toll for highways etc

christian louboutin outlet sells fakes, nothing is orginal, I should know as I used to work for them. i got so upset by the lies this company told.

There is always 2 sides to all stories and the same can be applied here.

On the plus side, 50 baht is not considered a rip-off. It's a small amount and the taxi-driver is not earning alot. Furthermore, he might not be able to get any passenager on his way back to the city.

On the negative side, it's not the amount of money that matters, it's principle and the way they try to cheat you.

I've been to BKK a few times, and on my last trip, I took a taxi that was waiting outside my apartment to the airport. I just got in with my luggage and tell the driver "Airport". He never replies me, just on the meter(I never even need to ask) and goes off. Reaching the airport, he charges me according to the meter, 270 baht. I gave him a 500 to change and he gave me exact change, then ask me politely "Mister, i'm rushing back to your apartment for another pick-up. So he will be returning empty. Is it possible for me to give him some more to cover up the lost?" I prompty gave him another 100 baht.

That, i believe, should be the way. If all the taxi drivers can just ask politely, and not demand for it, i believe we'll be willin to give them that extra as it's not that much. Who knows, they may be given even more than what they would get if they demanded for it!

I always ask for and check that the taxi drivers sets the meter, If they say it's broken, or they won't use it, I just open the door. They freak out if you open the door in traffic and set the meter right away.

Tue. Most Thais just see $$$ signs and don't contemplate the long term consequences of their behavior.

Bill was the most correct post.

This charge was on top of the tolls, if it was for the tolls he would have said 70 baht surcharge and not 50 baht from the main city of Bangkok.
john, I do have a Thai partner and she was with me of course. She is from Phitsanulok Thailand and we are scheduled to be married.
Finally Thai Troll who was comparing Thailand to Nigeria? IMHO it's silly if you are trying to compare Thailands scams to more 'developed' countries. I live in the US and I do many of times go to places where the tourists stay. In fact I look like a tourist because I am of the same ethnic background as most tourist. I may be asked for a scam or two once in awhile, but very infrequently. In Thailand is the first time I have found where at almost every corner people are trying to pull a different thing on the tourist.

Pam - I can understand why you feel like that. The tourist areas (if you are a visitor) attract these low-lifes and they need cleaning up. However, I wouldn't say it's indicative of most Thais as they wouldn't even bat an eyelid as you pass them by. It's really sad that these scammers give the Thai people a bad name. My girlfriend, who is Thai, was shocked at the tricks being pulled on foreign visitors.

I thought the Bangkokscam site would be a site revealing real scams. But reading about all the low-lifers who don't know a thing about Thailand, taxi-fares, toll fees etc, who think they have been scammed when they clearly misunderstands, is a sign that it is a lot of "balloon-chasers" in here.
(For those of you who don't know what a balloon chaser is, it is the mean old bastards who run around the bars in Sukhumvit where they put balloons outside to show they have free snacks/drinks during early hrs to attract customers. The balloon chasers go from one to the other and drink/eat free, never spends a baht and then go home and sit in front of computers posting silly things about how bad life is in Thailand, and how expensive the bar girls have become)

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18.5.2011
Took taxi from MBK to Holiday Inn about 5 mins down the road agreed price before leaving or getting in. Husband gave me 1000 bt note to pay him which was agreed at 200bt. When we arrived opposite hotel not in drive he took my 1k bt note and exchanged in his right hand for a 20bt note and then asked for more i refused and said no i know it was a 1k note not 20bt said i would report him to the police and had his number of his cab yellow and green city taxi. They are meant to be reliable and safe but as ever they rip the hell out of tourists. We had an amazing holiday and feel this has tainted it on our last day..... Trying to get action too afterwards is near impossible no one seems to care !!

I agree as well.

TO the airport, there never is a surcharge. It is FROM the airport. Done this approx. 20 times now and always had it like this! You also get a kind of ticket from the airport saying that you have to pay the 50 Baht.

We were charged 100baht over the meter rate due to "traffic" getting to the airport, where in Bangkok wasnt there traffic!!

I am a Farang that speaks pretty good Thai and I never get cheated by the taxi drivers. Yes, occasionally they take the wrong route or whatever because they're from up-country and don't know their way around, but cheated, no never. Yet when-ever I have foreign friends come and visit here they almost always get scammed by a taxi driver. It seems like the drivers often try it on when it's plain you are a tourist and don't know what's going on......