Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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 guesthouses that pay a commission. Travel agencies are notorious for talking
newly arrived tourists into staying at badly located, overpriced hotels.
Some travel agencies often masquerade as TAT, the government-funded tourist information office. They might put
up agents wearing fake TAT badges or have signs that read TAT in big letters to entice travellers into their offices
where they can sell them bus and train tickets for a commission. Be aware that the official TAT offices do not make
hotel or transport bookings. If such a place offers to do this for you, then it is a travel agency not a tourist information
office.
When making transport arrangements, talk to several travel agencies to look for the best price, as the commission
percentage varies greatly between agents. Also resist any high-sales tactics from an agent trying to sign you up for
everything: plane tickets, hotel, tours etc. The most honest Thais are typically very low-key and often sub-par
salespeople.
Shopping
Many bargains await you in Thailand but don't go shopping in the company of touts, tour guides or friendly strangers,
as they will inevitably take a commission on anything you buy, thus driving prices up beyond an acceptable value and
creating a nuisance for future visitors.
BARGAINING
If there isn't a sign stating the price for an item, then the price is negotiable. Bargaining for nonfood items is
common in street markets and some mum-and-dad shops. Prices in department stores, minimarts, 7-Elevens and
so forth are fixed.
Thais respect a good haggler. Always let the vendor make the first offer, then ask 'Can you lower the price?'.
This usually results in a discount. Now it's your turn to make a counter-offer; always start low but don't bargain
at all unless you're serious about buying.
It helps immeasurably to keep the negotiations relaxed and friendly, and always remember to smile. Don't
lose your temper or raise your voice as drama is not a good leveraging tool.
Antiques
Real Thai antiques are increasingly rare. Today most dealers sell antique reproductions or items from Myanmar.
Bangkok is the centre of the antique and reproduction trade.
Real antiques cannot be taken out of Thailand without a permit. No Buddha image, new or old, may be exported
without the permission of the Department of Fine Arts.
