Thailand has become a hot spot for backpacker travelers for a reason: it’s home to some of the world’s best beaches, the most unique markets, and the most raucous parties! Unfortunately, as tourists flock to this beautiful country, the number of scammers trying to take advantage of them is also on the rise. Scams in Thailand vary in sophistication and seriousness and can ruin all the fun of exploring this country. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place and I’ll tell you how to avoid tourist traps, stay out of trouble and have an experience of a lifetime.
The “free gifts” scam
Everyone loves freebies, and traveling tourists on a tight budget even more so. Thai locals and store owners are well aware of this and don’t hesitate to take advantage of it. The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a prime example. Men walk around with packets of bird seed and try to give you a few in your hands to feed the birds, claiming it’s free and according to Thai tradition symbolizes good luck. Make no mistake, once a bird seed is in your hand, they will try to charge you for it and you won’t be able to hand it back without scattering it. The best thing to do in this and similar situations is to exercise extreme caution or avoid free gifts from strangers altogether. If the gift seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Cab Scams
As soon as you step out of the airport, you’re immediately surrounded by a crowd of charming cab drivers eager to get their hands on your fare. So how can you protect yourself from overpaying? Again, you should avoid those who are too persistent in trying to take your fare, as they will be looking for tourists to take advantage of. When getting into a cab, make sure there is a meter and that it is working. Don’t settle for the phrase “the meter is broken” after which you will be offered a fixed price, as it will almost always be overcharged. Top tip: cab ride apps like Uber or Grab are a great option as you know immediately how much you are paying, there is no need to exchange money or feel awkward, and they are also very cheap in Thailand.
Motorcycle rental scams
Motorcycle rental is a great way to experience Thailand and is one of the main types of tourism. Aside from physical safety considerations, motorcycle rental shops have a few tricks to watch out for. Never leave your passport with the rental company. If they do need to have a copy of your passport, leave a photocopy or offer to send an electronic copy. If it’s just a deposit, offer to leave money instead. One trick they use is to claim you damaged the motorcycle and demand payment for repairs. Be sure to note the condition of the motorcycle, take pictures and let them know before you leave. Another way is to leave the motorcycle locked and parked somewhere, then someone with spare keys will come and get the motorcycle and charge you for its loss. To avoid this, take a padlock with you to lock your motorcycle.
Market shopping scams
One of the best things to do in Thailand is to visit the many cheap markets. From cheap bags, shoes and sportswear to authentic Thai souvenirs and jewelry, you can find everything a traveler needs in Thai markets. The art of haggling has become part of the culture, and there are a few tips to help you get a good deal. Never settle for the first offer. It has to be overpriced to get you to make a counter offer and negotiate, so when you hear the first offer, whatever it may be, just walk away in disgust and watch them immediately offer you almost half the price. If they don’t chase you, however, don’t be afraid to walk away. Many stalls sell the same thing, so if you can’t get the price you want, just walk down the road and try again at the next place. You have the power to haggle, so don’t be afraid to use it!
Drink spiking scam
Not so much a scam, but something to be wary of: popular tourist bars and nightspots can spike drinks. Scammers thrive on drunk people making bad decisions, and all good solo travelers love to drink and make bad decisions. Fortunately, you can still get drunk and avoid this if you are vigilant. Always keep an eye on the bartender when he or she is making your drinks. Do not accept drinks from strangers. If you buy a bucket of alcohol, buy a bucket with sealed bottles that you can mix yourself, not a bucket with ready-made mixes. Simple tips like these will help you to drink freely and not shy away from your inhibitions without losing your values or anything else.
