Known as the land of smiles, Thailand has much to offer the discerning backpacker with sandy white beaches, culture, great cuisine, and parties. It is for this reason that Thailand is the first point of most backpackers on their journey to South East Asia. This abundance of tourists, however, is drawing hordes of unscrupulous individuals to commit scams to take advantage of the foreigners who end up losing most or if not all their hard-earned money. It is to prevent our readers from falling prey to such scams that we at Travset have compiled a list of the 10 most frequent scams.
1. The taxi scam
A scam that is very widespread in almost all tourist hotspots in Asia, the taxi scam is when your taxi driver starts to overcharge you. This is done by taking a longer route than necessary or having a meter that runs faster than usual.
How to avoid
Get a local sim as you land from the airport and reach out to Uber or well known local taxi services with good reviews online.
Ask the information staff at the airport for information on estimated fares to your destination and ensure this is the amount agreed on with a taxi driver before boarding.
If the meter appears to be running faster than your Google map says it should, stop the taxi and get off.
2. The hotel is closed/demolished
The hotel that you booked well before arrival, the one with the receptionist you confirmed your arrival does not exist anymore as per your taxi driver. Do not be fooled.
This is a very common scam done by the taxi drivers who take the now stranded tourists to hotels that are quite expensive. Guess who receives a commission?
How to avoid
You have your phone and the internet at your fingertips. Simply call the hotel you made reservations with and confirm your booking. Convey this to the driver and insist that he takes you there or get off and find another taxi.
3. The gem scam
Another scam done by the taxi drivers, overly friendly locals or those claiming to be tourist guides, the gem scam is where gullible tourists are told a tale of how they could purchase very cheap gems at a location only they know of to sell at great value abroad.
Do not be fooled. These cheap gems were not made in the earth but in the lab with synthetic materials.
How to avoid
Ignore those who come towards you with offers that seem too good to be true.
4. Oh no, the Grand Palace is closed
One of the most famous tourist destinations in Thailand, the Grand Palace is a must-see. Many taxi and tuk-tuk drivers, however, will try to convince you otherwise, claiming the Grand Palace is closed for a special ceremony. They will then recommend the aforementioned gem shops and other temples where you can purchase offerings for exorbitant prices.
How to avoid
Insist on going to the Grand Place and see whether it’s open or close for yourself.
5. Motorbike scam
One of the easiest means of getting around the busy streets of Thailand is by a motorbike. There are however unscrupulous motorbike renting agencies that accuse you of damage to the bikes and ask for reimbursement on its return. Some even go as far as stealing your bike and accusing you of having lost it!
How to avoid
Take extensive photos of the bike before signing the contract in front of the rental agency employee and inform him of the reason why you are doing as such. You can also use your own lock for the bike to ensure it does not get stolen.
6. Fake money
Some denounce the notes you pay for their goods as counterfeit notes and take it inside the back of the shop to verify. What happens then is a switch of the original note with one that is a counterfeit that is returned to the tourist. The unassuming tourist is then made to pay again!
How to avoid
Don’t let your money out of sight. Take pictures of the serial numbers if it will be out of your site.
7. Pretty girls who love you
Walking down the street or waiting for your drink at the bar, you encounter a beautiful girl who seems to take an interest in you and have much in common, to your surprise. A couple of minutes of flirtations later she then suggests you go to another she knows of, which you agree to. You arrive at the bar, order some drinks and then the girls excuses herself to use the bathroom and leave you saddled with a very expensive tab at the bar.
How to avoid
Use your common sense and be wary of strangers and companions who seem too good to be true.
8. Wrong change
It’s hard to stop and count your change in a busy market place with crowds jostling you from all angles. We suggest you do it anyway.
How to avoid
Familiarise yourself with the currency notes and coins. This will ensure you count faster and without much hassle.
9. The jet ski scam
Very similar to the motorbike mentioned before, the jet ski rentals will accuse you of damaging the jet ski and seek compensation.
How to avoid
Take pictures as with the motorbike and ensure the employees from the ski rental see you during it.
