In addition to using BTS and MRT, another means of transport that is more comfortable is taxis. Most taxis are now new, spacious and come in a variety of colors such as green, yellow, red, blue, even orange, red and pink. Experience taking a taxi in Thailand , catching a taxi is not too difficult, especially in areas around hotels, shopping malls or tourist attractions.
However, in the rain or during rush hour, you may have to queue for a taxi. Fares start at 35 baht for the first two kilometres and increase with distance travelled. There is a rush hour charge (1.25 baht per metre when travelling under 6km/h). Taxi fares for a specific number of kilometres are usually around 50 baht, so you can negotiate the distance and price. Most taxi drivers do not speak much English, so communication is usually non-verbal, relying on facial recognition.
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What should you keep in mind when taking a taxi in Thailand? |
All in all, taxi options are never in short supply, unless it’s raining. With reasonable fares and 24-hour service, taxis are a convenient way to get around. All taxis have meters to measure distance and calculate fares, but sometimes you need to remind the driver to turn it on to avoid unnecessary arguments. With reasonable prices, drivers working round the clock and complicated traffic, a small tip can go a long way.
Here are some things to know when taking a taxi in Bangkok:
- Taxi color : The color of taxis in Bangkok, especially the pink ones, has no special significance except to help distinguish the operating companies. The taxis are usually new, spacious, and come in a variety of colors such as green, yellow, red, blue, and even orange, red, and pink.
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Are there any differences in taxi colors in Thailand? |
- Identifying an empty taxi : To identify an empty taxi, you just need to look for a taxi with a bright colored light on the hood, similar to the system in Vietnam. When there is a passenger, the driver will turn off this light.
- How much is a fair price : Nowadays, with the widespread use of meters, bargaining is no longer necessary. However, make sure the taxi driver turns on the meter to avoid charging an unduly high price. If the taxi driver quotes a fixed price instead of using the meter, it may be a sign of an unreliable service. Taxis parked in front of hotels often use this tactic.
- Tricky drivers : In some cases, the driver may take you to a shopping place even though you don't want to. In this situation, we often have difficulty doing anything other than reporting to the road management agency hotline at 1584, if you have time to take a photo of the license plate (both outside and inside the car) and quickly change to another car.
- Hailing a taxi : You can hail a taxi anywhere, including at bus stops, even if there is no bus coming. If there is no taxi nearby, the taxi driver may honk the horn to signal that he is waiting.
- Beware of taxi scams : Similar to tuk tuks, if a taxi driver approaches you and offers to take you to a "good place", you should immediately refuse. Otherwise, you may end up paying a large sum of money without receiving a commensurate service. However, if you want to try your luck, you can inform in advance that you do not need a special ride. If your senses indicate that the driver is not trustworthy, find another taxi. Also, always be equipped with a Thailand tourist map to know if the driver is going the right way, lest they take detours and make the journey longer.
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Beware of taxi scams in Bangkok |
- Drivers don't know their way around : Don't expect your driver to know every street in Bangkok, so always carry a map, business cards, and contact information for the place you want to go, preferably in Thai if possible. You can usually get business cards at the hotel reception.
- Be careful with the road : Be careful and look before and after opening the door, because many tourists do not pay attention to the motorbikes coming from behind. You know what will happen next. The motorbikes here are as smooth as anywhere, including Vietnam.
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Know the route before taking a taxi in Thailand |
- Should you tip : In Thai culture, tipping is not considered mandatory, but for short trips, tipping around 5-10 baht is common and encouraged. For those working in chaotic traffic environments, a small tip can make them feel appreciated. However, remember that drivers often do not have small change to give, so you should bring small bills when taking a taxi.
- Leaving things in the car : You can write down the taxi company's phone number as well as the license plate number in case you forget something. However, the most important thing is to carefully check your belongings and belongings before leaving the taxi to avoid unnecessary trouble.
In summary, when taking a taxi in Bangkok, following tips and notes such as always carrying contact information, checking carefully before leaving the car, being careful when opening the door or learning about the distance in advance will help visitors avoid unnecessary trouble and have a safer and more convenient experience when moving around this city.
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