Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Scams
There are a myriad of ways that dishonest people will try to scam you out of some or a lot of
money. A common scam involves counterfeit currency where the shop owner switches your
real bill with a fake one. This is common with the 1,000 baht note to don't let it out of your
sight until you have paid for your goods.
Anothercommonscamisthegemscamwherejewelersselltouristscomparativelyworthless
gems that are actually cut glass. If you realize in time that you have been swindled then call
the Tourist Police right away (1155) and they will help sort you out.
There are many pickpockets working the streets of major cities so keep an eye on your bags.
If someone friendly approaches you and offers to take you on a too-good-to-be-true cheap
tour of Bangkok then it is safest to decline. You could find yourself in a tuk-tuk going from
store to store while the driver picks up a commission at every stop and you lose time wan-
dering through yet another jewel shop.
