The Expat Woman’s Guide to Living in Thailand (That Men Find Useful, Too!)

Even as an expat, not a tourist, you’re going to need to be aware of the scams and con artists that lurk around the city, hoping to part you from your money. If you’re not Thai, you’re game. This is the first part of a series about becoming aware of and avoiding the various schemes going on in Bangkok and how to avoid them.

Tuk tuk tour of Bangkok for gas coupon– I fell for this during my one day layover in Bangkok on my way to Nepal. If the tuk tuk driver tells you that “Today is a special promotion from the government” and he would take you around for a very cheap price, understand that it is a lie; the government has no such special promotion organized with tuk tuk drivers.  The tuk tuk drivers say they will take you to a number of temples for 10 baht or so, but in return you must visit tailor shops and gem shops and request gas coupons for him as payment. The sales people in these shops simply look at you with impatience and with rudeness if you do not intend to purchase anything. Avoid all this in the first place and see the tourist attractions on your own with a good Bangkok guidebook or Nancy Chandler map.

Closed tourist attraction – Con artists might tell you that a place you want to go such as temples, palaces, etc) is “closed for repair today” or is a “special Thai holiday”. Don’t take their word for it, just thank them for the information and keep going. It’s highly likely that the attraction is open and the conmen want to take you to a gem shop or some sort of factory to purchase overpriced, fake goods.

If a taxi driver or a tuk tuk driver insists to take you someplace you don’t want to go, then say no. Keep saying no (mai aow, kha) or simply get out and flag down another taxi. Insist on the driver using the meter. For a tuk tuk, negotiate the fare to your destination before getting in. These methods will keep you from being taken advantage of.

More next week!