I have read a number of posts about the sky-high tuk-tuk fares and wonder if the practice is limited to Phuket Airport, Patong Beach and Kata/Karon. Or has it spread all over the island (I think someone said Chalong was okay)?

Also re: car rental. To avoid the fake scratches and dents scams, which car rental companies should be considered?

Thanks.

Tuk tuk prices are sky high everywhere on island with not a lot of variance in prices no matter where you hire one.

Tuk tuk prices are sky high everywhere on island with not a lot of variance in prices no matter where you hire one.

But are at thier worst in Patong after dark (400 baht for 400 meters recent quote)..

For car rental I have never had a problem with Avis at Phuket Airport....

I have used Thai Car Rent at the airport several times, good service, bring the car to you whereever you are on the island, good choice of cars, reasonable prices. Also, they will let you indicate scratches on the rental agreement, never had any problems whatsoever.

Tuk tuk prices are sky high everywhere on island with not a lot of variance in prices no matter where you hire one.

But are at thier worst in Patong after dark (400 baht for 400 meters recent quote)..

Most of the tuk-tuks in Phuket are owned by the same company, and they do whatever they like. The local council do nothing about it.

They are supposed to have a price list visiable to the passengers. I lived in Patong for three years, I never seen one tuk-tuk with any price list. You can report this, but nothing happens.

One can only guess why they can do as they like, without any consequences, but I think most of us know the answer.

And just to be clear, tuk tuks don't operate from the airport. Your options in terms of Taxis are the incedibaly overpriced "limosenes" (Toyota Corolla) which are likely to kill you by thier insane driving, or the slightly more reasonable metered taxi's (out the door to the right) which there often aren't enough of thanks to the limo mafia pressure. Metered taxi's often have no seatbelts in back so sit up front.

Tuk tuks are a despicable boyle on the underbelly of Phuket. Many of us here have been silently boycotting them for years. Avoid if possible.

But are at thier worst in Patong after dark (400 baht for 400 meters recent quote)..

I paid 450 baht from Patong to Surin the other day for 2 people. Although I hate using them sometimes I have no choice as the alternative is driving extremely drunk.

I dont understand what the OP means in the statement ' TUK-TUK areas of Phuket to avoid'...please could you clarify?

There's always motorcycle taxis.

This topic continues here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Tuk-Tuks-Far...on-t331886.html