Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SCAMS
Thais can be so friendly and laid-back that some visitors are lulled into a false
sense of security, making them vulnerable to scams of all kinds. Bangkok is espe-
cially good at long-involved frauds that dupe travellers into thinking that they've
made a friend and are getting a bargain on highly valuable gem stones (which are
actually pretty, sparkling glass).
Follow TAT's number-one suggestion to tourists:
Disregard all offers of free shop-
ping or sightseeing help from strangers
. These invariably take a commission from
your purchases. See the boxed text,
Click here
, for more information.
THEFT & FRAUD
Exercise diligence when it comes to your personal belongings. Ensure that your
room is securely locked and carry your most important effects (passport, money,
credit cards) on your person. Take care when leaving valuables in hotel safes.
Follow the same practice when you're travelling. A locked bag will not prevent
theft on a long-haul bus.
When using a credit card, don't let vendors take your credit card out of your sight
to run it through the machine. Unscrupulous merchants have been known to rub off
three or four or more receipts with one purchase.
To avoid losing all of your travel money in an instant, use a credit card that is not
directly linked to your bank account back home so that the operator doesn't have
access to immediate funds.
Contact the
tourist police
(
1155)
if you have any problems with consumer
fraud.
TOUTS & COMMISSIONS
Touting is a longtime tradition in Asia, and while Thailand doesn't have as many
touts as, say, India, it has its share. In Bangkok, túk-túk drivers, hotel employees
and bar girls often take new arrivals on city tours; these almost always end up in
high-pressure sales situations at silk, jewellery or handicraft shops.
Touts also steer customers to certain guest houses that pay a commission. Travel
agencies are notorious for talking newly arrived tourists into staying at badly loc-
ated, overpriced hotels.
Some travel agencies often masquerade as TAT, the government-funded tourist
information office. Be aware that the official TAT offices do not make hotel or trans-
port bookings.
