THAILAND is one of the foreign destinations most frequently visited by tourists from Indonesia. In addition to an affordable distance, the Land of the White Elephant offers many interesting things that can make your holiday moments enjoyable.
However, you should be aware of the fraudulent modes that usually target tourists during their holidays in Thailand. Here are seven modes of tourist fraud and how to avoid them, quoted from the official Pegipegi broadcast on Monday (11/7).
Tuk-Tuk and Taxi Scams
In some areas of Thailand, unscrupulous tuk-tuk, taxi and bus drivers can take you to certain shops, restaurants and malls to buy goods or services instead of having you taken directly to your destination. This mode is worrying for tourists, because some often do not know where they are and have difficulty returning to the inn area once they have been scammed.
To avoid this, opt for tuk-tuks and taxis that are milling about or not standing still, such as hotels and major tourist attractions. Make sure you ask for fares and give clear instructions regarding the location you want to go to.
Turn down the offer of a driver who invites you to stop by several places. If you want to use a taxi, make sure whether the driver uses a meter or not.
Also check the driver’s identity, such as the name and photo that is usually listed on the dashboard. If the driver turns off the meter or asks for unwanted things in the middle of the trip, take the cellphone and photo of the driver’s identity. Give a warning that they can be reported to the local tourist police. [antaranews/photo special]