Cabbies in Bangkok are known to be courteous to tourists. However, they also have a reputation for overcharging people. If you don’t want to get taken for a ride by a cabbie in Bangkok, remember these basic do’s and don’ts.
Do’s:
1. Know your route
Keep a local map with your destination circled up and a route drawn out to ensure that your cabbie is taking you to the right place.
2. Make sure you have plenty of time
Bangkok is notorious for traffic jams. Before hailing a cab, ensue that you have some time to spare so you don’t get late.
3. Ensure that your cabbie understands you
When hailing a cab in Bangkok, ensue that you have the name of your destination written up both in English as well as Thai to show the cabbie since they may not always understand your accent and you might not understand their’s.
4. Ask if the driver can take the toll road
When boarding a cab in Bangkok, ask the cabbie if your destination can be accessed via a toll road. It is usually longer and you have to pay more but you won’t get stuck in traffic.
Don’ts:
1. Don’t get too discouraged by cabbies quoting inflated prices
Bangkok cabbies are notorious for quoting an inflated fare that is way off the meter especially for longer trips, trips that take them off their fixed routes and in the rain. If you don’t want to pay extra just wait for another cab.
2. Don’t get a taxi off the street if you can help it
If you’re staying at a reputed hotel or resort, ask them to arrange a taxi for you. If would be a lot safer, convenient and enjoyable for you as these cabbies often have ties to the hotel and they know they cannot misbehave with or overcharge a guest of the hotel.
3. Don’t be pissed if the cabbie won’t take you to a certain destination
Cabbies through Bangkok often have set routes and any of them are reluctant about going to a certain destination. If your cabbie refuses to take to a particular place just flag down another one.
4. Don’t forget to tip the cabbie
If you are happy with your cabbie’s performance, remember to tip him between $1-3 or 30-100baht. It will discourage him to be fair to future tourists.