7 Essential Tips for Taking Taxis in Bangkok

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - For first-time travelers to Bangkok, Thailand, there are several modes of transportation available for exploring the city's iconic sites. There are buses, underground trains, sky trains, tuk-tuks, and taxis. Of these options, taxis are the most popular.

In the era of vehicle booking applications and increasing railway lines, taxis remain a choice for residents and tourists alike. These colorful taxis are plying the streets of Bangkok to transport passengers to their destinations. Here are some things to avoid confusion when using taxis for the first time in Bangkok.

1. Meaning of each taxi color

If observed, taxis in Bangkok come in various colors, indicating whether the taxis are independently owned or part of a fleet. Taxis in yellow and green indicate that they are independently owned. Meanwhile, solid-colored taxis such as pink, blue, or orange are part of different taxi companies. Another difference is that blue taxis have GPS systems and can provide printed receipts.

2. Empty taxi sign

According to Lifestyle Asia, taxis in Bangkok have illuminated signs on the passenger side of the front window. The sign is inscribed with a Thai word meaning "empty," so if the light is on, the taxi is ready to take passengers. Modern taxis sometimes have these on their rooftops as well.

3. Drivers are not allowed to refuse passengers

In Thailand, there is a regulation that taxi drivers must accept every passenger. If they refuse, passengers can report their license plate number through the hotline at 1584 or the DLT Taxi application.

According to information from the Thai Embassy, there are several reasons why some taxi drivers ignore passengers. Among them, drivers may be heading home after a long day of work, they may be running out of gas, they may not see the passenger in time and are already late to switch lanes, or they may see that the passenger is not Thai and their English is very poor. If a driver refuses to take a passenger to a location, they may have to return the taxi they rented before a certain time.

4. Drivers are prohibited from charging a fixed fare

Still, from this regulation, drivers must also use the meter and not give a fixed fare. If a driver quotes a price for the journey, look for another taxi. Be cautious, as this could end up being a scam.

5. Beware of scams

If a driver starts telling you about interesting places, don't dismiss it too quickly, but also be aware of potential scams. Taxi drivers go around every day and know some of the newest and best places. But some dishonest drivers try to take passengers to suspicious places in exchange for a reward.

6. Prepare a map

Unlike black cab drivers in London, not all taxi drivers in Bangkok know every corner or alley. Many Bangkok taxi drivers come from out of town and may not know the way. So it's best to use GPS, bring a map, a hotel card, or directions in Thai explaining the destination.

7. How to get a taxi

Getting a taxi in Bangkok is relatively easy, unless it's raining. But it's best to be careful when deciding where to call a taxi and pay attention to the traffic conditions. This includes calling a taxi at a bus stop if no buses are expected to arrive beforehand, or upon entering the vehicle.

In addition, avoid taking the first taxi parked outside your hotel or tourist destination. These drivers often refuse to use the meter or try to take you somewhere you don't want to go. It's better to walk a bit further and hail a moving taxi.

Editor's Choice: Bangkok and Hanoi Named Top Cities for Tourist Scams

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