Bangkok is a city visited by more than 20 million tourists every year. Having that in mind, there will certainly be individuals (groups also) that created elaborate scams. The scammers may be regular people on the streets or shady local businesses. Most scams are performed by individuals, but there are a few that may involve multiple people – and we’ll present you with the top 10 most common tourist scams in Bangkok.
We are not telling you to not visit Bangkok. Not at all! It is a fantastic place to visit and explore! Thai’s are not all out there to scam you. Scammers reside in almost every tourist place out there, it’s just a matter of bad luck. Basically, we’re simply advising you on how to keep your hard-earned money from falling into the hands of fraudsters.
In this top 10 most common scams in Bangkok guide, we’re going to tell you how to visit Bangkok safely and avoid scams.
The Palace Is Closed Scam
This is Bangkok tourist scam number one.
The Grand Palace is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in South-East Asia.
The scam includes people standing in front of the Grand Palace and telling you it’s closed today. Scammers inform you that there is a special event and that you cannot go in. As a matter of fact, if you’re in Bangkok, you may be taken to a temple that is “even finer than the Grand Palace”, with an even richer temple history.
Don’t believe anybody who tells you that the Grand Palace is closed. Especially random people standing right in front of the palace. It is probably not. There might be like a 1% chance it is, but you should just keep going about your plans and try to go in.
If you are planning to come to the Grand Palace, there will be plenty of people standing out there that will tell you that you need to wear pants, or how you need to dress. Just try and go in and see what the guards say, because, from our experience, the guards have a little bit of a different interpretation. This is by far the most famous Bangkok scam.
Fixed Price Taxi And Tuk Tuk Scam
The runner-up on our list of scams in Bangkok is the fixed-price taxi scam.
What this is, basically, is taxi drivers refusing to run the meter and proposing tourists a fixed price.
Bangkok law states that all taxis must use the taxi meter. So, that means that they can’t offer you a ‘fixed’ price, and you can’t ‘deal’ with them. You’re not allowed to, and neither are they. Instead, even if the taxi driver offers you a ‘cheaper’ price (no, in most cases it’s not cheaper), you should tell them to use the taxi meter instead.
In fact, you should check out if the taxi meter is started the moment you get in the car. If it’s not, either tell the driver to turn it on, or walk away and find another card.
According to a recent survey by Scams.info, taxi scams are the most frequent travel scams in the region. For example, one very common scam is when the driver covers the taxi meter with some item. You, as the passenger, can’t see it, and the driver is legally ‘clear’ because they’ve turned the meter on. So, when you arrive at your destination, they might tell you a different price, and not the real one shown at the taxi meter. We advise you always ask the driver to show you the taxi meter.
The popular three-wheel vehicles named tuk-tuk are a common sight in Bangkok. In comparison to taxis, however, they do charge a fixed price. Keep in mind that due to their popularity, they’re more expensive than a regular taxi. A common tuk-tuk scam is when the tuk-tuk drivers persuade you to take you to a few sights, and not the destination you really want to visit – all so they can take more money than you.
Same Sounding Destination
The third big tourist scam in Bangkok to avoid is also about taxis.
Do you speak Thai? We guess not – and neither do we. And scammers might use that! Many popular touristic destinations sound the same – and taxi drivers and tuk-tuk drivers might use that against you. So, they’ll tell you that they’ll take you to a certain place, but actually take you to another similar sounding place that gives them a little kickback.
In general, we would say it’s important to know what the location sounds like in Thai. Google Maps might be your best friend in this situation. Show the exact destination you want to go to the driver, and they’ll take you there – no scams or shady business.
Another popular taxi scam is the airport taxi. Although you’ll see many taxi drivers asking to take you to the city from the airport – don’t agree to that! Instead, only use the official taxi company in the taxi stand on the ground level, and make sure the driver turns on the taxi meter.
Massage Shop Scam
The massage shop scam is the fourth most common Bangkok tourist scam.
It’s a common scam that happens in crowded areas, where massage shop owners or hosts advertise their shops. Keep in mind that not all of them are legit!
If you see a massage shop manager who says that they’ve got a discounted price, for example, half the price of what others charge, and their shop is just down the alley – that is a bad sign. They will take you where the shop is and say that you have to pay cash upfront.
The scam works like this: The so-called massage shop manager will tell you that their price is much cheaper than the other massage shops to lure you to their shop. Then, they’ll ask for all or half the money before you even get your massage. The manager then leaves to ‘look for other customers’, and when you finally get your massage, they’ll ask you to pay again.
So, you go inside, you get your massage and they ask you for more money again.
What you should do is only pay after you’ve received your message, and only at the actual place where the massage takes place. When in Bangkok, our advice is to never pay upfront for any service, unless it’s in a hotel or a registered venue.
Bird Food Scam
This time, we’re back in the Grand Palace for the show. This one occurs often in the area in front of the Grand Palace. Instead of personnel informing you that the facility is closed, it is individuals who are feeding the birds who are causing the problem. They’ll be feeding the birds in front of the palace, and as you go up to them, they’ll ask if you’d want to join them in feeding the birds as well.
They will give you some of their bird food to take home with you. If you feed the birds, they’ll inform you that the birdseed costs 300 baht to purchase. If someone is feeding the birds, don’t fall for it; instead, just let them do so. Don’t take it! This one is quite actually one of the most popular scams in Thailand.
Wrong Change Scam
The wrong change scam is one of the most common scams in Bangkok. If you go to Thailand for the first time, chances are you don’t know what Thai money looks like. So, some store owners or store workers might trick you when exchanging money. This is one of the most common scams in any country that doesn’t use the US Dollar or other worldwide known currency, so be careful when exchanging money in Bangkok.
Dynamic Currency Conversion Scam
This ‘scam’ is not a typical scam as it actually happens if you use an ATM.
ATMs that accept foreign cards will ask you if you want to use the dynamic currency conversion to withdraw money in your own currency. Don’t take that option. There will be about a 10% hit. Always take the money in the local currency, which is the Thai Baht.
This doesn’t happen on all ATM’s and it doesn’t happen on all cards, though. A message will show up on the screen asking if you want to accept the currency conversion rate, and they’ll use that phrase – dynamic currency conversion. Please don’t get scammed by a robot!
Pickpockets
Pickpockets are everywhere, including Bangkok.
What makes Bangkok pickpockets different is that they use scooters to rob you. It’s a rather common sight to see two people on a scooter driving close to the sidewalk, looking for potential victims. So, if your bag is on the side of the road, they might snatch it right off your shoulder. Our advice is not to keep your bag on the side of the road, but rather on the other side. Also, you should consider anti-theft bags whenever you’re traveling, as they’re really hard to steal from because of the zipper placements.
Bus Or Train Is Sold Out
This is yet another common scam in Bangkok: someone comes up to you while you are on a bus (or train) and they tell you it’s sold out. It is not the bus drivers, but someone on the bus. They will tell you something like: ‘You can’t get inside, there are no more seats available’, but they’ve got a ‘great deal for you.’ The scammers will try to get you off the train or bus that probably has seats and get you to on their rundown, ramshackle bus that might have a couple of wheels falling off.
Even though the official The Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Thailand tourism board don’t run their own tours, you can find numerous trip planners on their website and plan your own tour.
Beware Of The Friendly Stranger
Beware of the friendly Thai stranger.
Yes, we know that Thai people are famous for their friendliness. They smile a lot, and they’ll be friendly in your hotel or when you’re dining in a restaurant.
However, if the person who comes up to you as you’re walking down the street is super friendly, chatting you up, asking you where you’re from, where you’re going, how long you’re in town – be careful! That person is probably trying to sell you into some tour or something they get a kickback from, so beware of people that are just way too friendly on the street.
This applies to almost anywhere you are in the world, but Thailand and Thai people are notoriously famous for their friendliness, so one might think that people are just too friendly and they cannot possibly scam you. Beware!
Other Thailand Tourist Scams
The Bangkok scams that we discussed in detail above were some of the most popular methods that fraudsters use to make a tidy profit in the city. However, there are a plethora of other Thailand scams that many tourists may come across while on vacation in this beautiful country. You can do your own research about the jet ski scam, the Khlong scam, the jewelry scam, the ping pong show scam, the gem scam, and the tailor scam, which are all common scams in Bangkok.
How to stay safe as a Tourist in Thailand
Don’t get us wrong. Thailand is still one of the safest locations we’ve visited.
Despite the fact that murders occur on a daily basis around the globe, the Thai Islands have long been regarded as one of the safest vacation destinations for young travelers. Thailand has a large Buddhist community, but even though aggression is uncommon, it is not entirely absent and scamming and pickpocketing have grown increasingly common in recent years.
The following is a list of basic safety recommendations when traveling in Thailand:
Be Noticeable
If you are traveling solo, it is critical that you be visible at all times. While discovering an empty beach may seem exhilarating, it has the potential to go horribly wrong if you don’t have somebody to turn to in an emergency situation.
Don’t Show Your Money
The act of carrying a wad of cash in public increases the likelihood of being mugged or pickpocketed. Keep an eye on who has access to your cash and attempt to be as discreet as possible while paying for stuff.
Don’t Give Your Passport to Anyone
Many bikes and automobile rental companies may need you to leave your passport with them as insurance. Do not take this step. This is the most common manner for individuals to misplace or have their passports snatched. Instead, walk away and locate the next establishment that provides dependable service.
Travel In Groups If Possible
It is easier to establish friends with other travelers while traveling in a group, and you are less of a target when traveling in a group. Having said that, use caution and don’t trust everyone you meet.
Individual Responsibilities
Even though Thailand’s islands are well-known for their full-moon parties and Bangkok is well-known for its bars and clubs, it’s important to remember that you are in a foreign country where you might not be able to call your best friend or your SO if you become too drunk somewhere and require transportation. Drinking heavily and wandering aimlessly over unfamiliar territory is not a good idea, trust us.
Make Use Of A Variety Of Cash Options
If you have an issue, such as losing your bank card, you should always keep cash on hand as a backup.
Make A Copy Of Your Documents
In case of an emergency or if your original papers are stolen or destroyed, it is really a good idea to keep a printed version of your critical documents on hand.
Travel Insurance
Having travel insurance has proven to come in very handy when it comes to traveling abroad.
Before Acting – Take A Deep Breath
If you get a feeling that something is strange about some scenario, get yourself out of it as quickly as possible. Do you think it’s a good idea to take a moonlight walk on a dark beach at night? Most likely not. Also, avoid walking home alone from clubs and pubs late at night.
Final Words
We hope that we’ve covered all the essential information that you could benefit from as a tourist in Bangkok, Thailand.
Whether you are traveling with a group or traveling alone, Thailand is a fantastic destination to visit. You hardly ever get the feeling that you are in danger or that anything with the potential to be dangerous will ever happen to you. Nonetheless, it has become evident that there are some major issues that you may meet when traveling in Thailand, just as there are in any other place on the globe.
Sometimes crime and crises are inevitable, but it is also vital to remember that common sense makes a big difference, and that, at the end of the day, you are responsible for yourself as a tourist, and it is wise to make responsible judgments in your travels and surroundings.
FAQ
Do taxi drivers in Thailand speak English?
Most of the taxi drivers in Bangkok and tourist areas in Thailand speak English.
Is a tuk-tuk a safe option for transportation?
Yes. Tuk-tuks are a safe option for transportation. Just make sure you check out the price that the tuk-tuk driver is asking because it is a fixed price.
Should I be aware of a hotel scam in Bangkok?
Yes, but Bangkok scams are usually happening in tourist areas to unsuspecting foreign visitors. Usually, hotels are not prone to scammers.
Are shopping malls in Bangkok safe for tourists?
Yes. The most elaborate scams are usually occurring outside, on the streets of Bangkok.
Are medical bills covered by my insurance?
It depends on the company. You should check what kind of insurance you have bought or even better, search for one that does that.