overcharged by taxi at ground floor

[snake24]

you accepted a negotiaged fare. Why are you whinging?

You should have gotten into a taxi which turned its meter on. End of story.

No he lied to me period

Sorry, but you haven't explained exactly how you ended up in a cab with a driver that already refused to use the meter. You balked at the first guy for a price that was 'quoted'? You should have insisted on the meter or have walked away, back to the desk. However, you NEGOTIATED a lower price with the second driver, who subsequently upped the fare? I assume that when you panned the first driver, you just walked up the next taxi driver (who will have twigged that you had been NEGOTIATING) and asked him, 'How much?'. Your error sir.

You do not need to negotiate ANY local Bangkok fare at the airport taxi rank. Even a fare to Pattaya has a published rate, usually (but not always) on a laminated card on the seat back. Yours was a local run to an area in the east of the city; half hour tops in good traffic.

Next time, you say to the girl 'Ratchada soi hah', she gives you a ticket and you follow the driver, he turns on the meter, end of. He suggests a fixed fare, you go back to the desk. Taxis from the airport into Bangkok are typically low drama unless you make it otherwise.

ok I walked away from the first booth no I didn't just approach the next booth or the next driver he would have seen me refuse the ride. I walked a few booths down I approached another booth person quoted 250 by him driver agreed but lied to me once inside.I should have insisted on the meter on hindsight but my mind was on other things. it's actually probably the first time I took a cab by myself without a Thai friend helping me. usually a friend picks me up our they talk to the driver on the phone for me and yes I have walked outfrom cabs before cos he told my fren on the phone he didn't want to use the meter. I don't know why I just sat in and just took it though this time around. j once had a driver give me the evil eye after he found out he couldn't over charge me. told him I would call my Thai fren on the phone and he backed off but was pissed with me. my mind was on activating ais gprs package. I took a picture of his id and will upload it here. oh yes since I just arrived from my home country I didn't have any 100s aft all. just 2 20s. the rest of my currency was all 500s and 1000s. the money changers where I change currencies at only give 1000 and 500s.

[bubba]

My experience with using the 3rd floor (departures area) taxis is different: the taxis are allowed to wait there, at least for a period of time.

Umm... No, they're not allowed to wait there.. You see those guys in uniform in trucks with the flashing lights and that horn?

They's generally the airport cops and they's have a tendency to tell these taxis to move on.

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Guess our experience is different. Every time I go out to the 3rd floor for a taxi, which is very frequently, I see at least five, and as many as ten taxis waiting. Most recently, that was the case this past Thursday night.

And to answer your question, yes, I have seen guys in uniform there. But they are not making taxis leave as soon as they drop their passengers.

[bubba]

Jasus, you claim to have been here for 5 years and don't know Ratchada.. what a blinkered life you lead !! Get out and have a look around. Until then, don't presume you are qualified to give advice on an area you seem to know nothing about.

totster

Here is another bright mind! Do you know Thep Sathit or Chai Badan, or Chaiyaphoom or Nakhon Ratchasima? You might have heard of the last 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima is also known as Korat) but there are Thais who have no ideas of the last 2 places. I don't like BKK, I don't live in BKK, I only travel through and occasionally stay there overnight. I'm not a tour guide and not giving anyone advice on the Thailand travel tips, but I do make 5-6 round trips out of Thai each year so I'm passing though Swampy on average once a month.

Now, how is it I'm not qualified to give an advice on airport taxis?

Thep Sathit or Chai Badan, or Chaiyaphoom or Nakhon Ratchasima? Oh, I thought we were talking about Bangkok. You know, with well-known areas such as Ratchada.

Been here for 5+ years and if I don't travel to any particular area.

Then

I don't like BKK, I don't live in BKK, I only travel through and occasionally stay there overnight.

Getting sort of confusing there. But you did say that you occasionally stay in Bangkok and depart from BKK 5 - 6 times/year. Thanks for your qualified taxi advice.

[apetley]

you accepted a negotiaged fare. Why are you whinging?

 

You should have gotten into a taxi which turned its meter on. End of story.

Second paragraph, driver agreed on 250 at the booth then changed to 450 enroute.

Guess he could have jumped out.

[GrantSmith]

 

 

My experience with using the 3rd floor (departures area) taxis is different: the taxis are allowed to wait there, at least for a period of time. 

Umm... No, they're not allowed to wait there.. You see those guys in uniform in trucks with the flashing lights and that horn?

They's generally the airport cops and they's have a tendency to tell these taxis to move on.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

 

 

Guess our experience is different. Every time I go out to the 3rd floor for a taxi, which is very frequently, I see at least five, and as many as ten taxis waiting. Most recently, that was the case this past Thursday night.

 

And to answer your question, yes, I have seen guys in uniform there. But they are not making taxis leave as soon as they drop their passengers.

Is there really a need to mention ones frequency of which they utilise said destination, as if it qualifies them to pass judgement on those who don't or are assumed to not be such frequent users. I too, am a frequent user of Swampy.

Anyway, whilst they are not up the taxi drivers arse to move him or her on as soon as they drop their fare off - I also never claimed they were - they are (the taxis) not permitted to pick up fares (this is true of many airports the world over, and not thailand specific that taxis will pick up a fare from the departure area to go back to the CBD or elsewhere) and the airport police will move them on, on their next round.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Baerboxer]

I use these taxis ona frequent basis and the trick they try is to get the paper they give the girl and she tears it in 2 and keeps one and give you the other one they then try to get you to give them that which of course then you have no recourse.

Upon entering the cab they say 450 baht, I always say Meter, they say no Meter, I say Ok i get out and go back to the girl,

SUDDENLY meter is turned on and off we go.

Very simple.

I've only had that happen once and I'm a frequent user too. As soon as we got in the taxi, the driver asked for my part of the paper. It was a big taxi, bigger than the normal taxi vehicle. He still turned on the meter. But, the meter was running faster than normal. I know the costs and distances too and from my house, and the costs vary very slightly normally. This guy was about 100-150 baht over charging based on his quick meter.

After travelling overnight and arriving home, it's just not worth the hassle and bother arguing over 4 or 5 $.

[GirlDrinkDrunk]

Jasus, you claim to have been here for 5 years and don't know Ratchada.. what a blinkered life you lead !! Get out and have a look around. Until then, don't presume you are qualified to give advice on an area you seem to know nothing about.

totster

Here is another bright mind! Do you know Thep Sathit or Chai Badan, or Chaiyaphoom or Nakhon Ratchasima? You might have heard of the last 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima is also known as Korat) but there are Thais who have no ideas of the last 2 places. I don't like BKK, I don't live in BKK, I only travel through and occasionally stay there overnight. I'm not a tour guide and not giving anyone advice on the Thailand travel tips, but I do make 5-6 round trips out of Thai each year so I'm passing though Swampy on average once a month.

Now, how is it I'm not qualified to give an advice on airport taxis?

Fine you are qualified. now what do you want, a freaking badge?

jesus people, how difficult is it to sit in a car, tell them where you want to go and get out if they dont turn the meter on?

and how could it possibly worthy of endless comment, let alone argument.

[richard_smith237]

Jasus, you claim to have been here for 5 years and don't know Ratchada.. what a blinkered life you lead !! Get out and have a look around. Until then, don't presume you are qualified to give advice on an area you seem to know nothing about.

totster

Here is another bright mind! Do you know Thep Sathit or Chai Badan, or Chaiyaphoom or Nakhon Ratchasima? You might have heard of the last 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima is also known as Korat) but there are Thais who have no ideas of the last 2 places. I don't like BKK, I don't live in BKK, I only travel through and occasionally stay there overnight. I'm not a tour guide and not giving anyone advice on the Thailand travel tips, but I do make 5-6 round trips out of Thai each year so I'm passing though Swampy on average once a month.

Now, how is it I'm not qualified to give an advice on airport taxis?

Fine you are qualified. now what do you want, a freaking badge?

jesus people, how difficult is it to sit in a car, tell them where you want to go and get out if they dont turn the meter on?

and how could it possibly worthy of endless comment, let alone argument.

I don't know - but lets not start a debate of endless comments regarding whether or not this debate is worthy !

The Op and driver agreed upon B250... once on route the driver upped it to B450 - It was then too late for the Op to get out of the moving Taxi.

If I found myself in this situation I would have said nothing until arriving at the destination at which point call the Hotel security over to discuss with taxi (I've done this in Indonesia before). Or pay-up chalk it down to experience and write about it on ThaiVisa.com which will help alert others to similar issues.

The only reason so many of us are so streetwise regarding many of the issues in Thailand is that many of us experience these issues through others who've taken the time to write about them on forums such as this.

[lomatopo]

Guess our experience is different. Every time I go out to the 3rd floor for a taxi, which is very frequently, I see at least five, and as many as ten taxis waiting. Most recently, that was the case this past Thursday night.

Believe you mean to say the fourth floor, AKA: Departures, where taxis sometime linger, after having dropped passengers off at the airport, hoping to pick up passengers leaving the airport. Often there are officials here trying to discourage this activity.

The only egress on level 3 is directly to the parking garage.

I just arrived from my home country I didn't have any 100s aft all. just 2 20s. the rest of my currency was all 500s and 1000s. the money changers where I change currencies at only give 1000 and 500s.

One can pay the toll(s), assuming the tollway is a routing option, with a larger bill, 100/500/1,000, which makes it easy to get change en route.

[snake24]

All right I have uploaded the pictures of the drivers Id and how he stopped his cab to aid another driver with a flat while commendable for being a Good Samaritan he didn't ask for my permission and he didn't apologize for making me wait although he actually didn't need to since he already lied to me by agreeing to a lower price and then changing it later. I hope the pics can be clearly seen on higher res cos they didn't look too clear on my iPhone screen will use MacBook to check it later. I really should have done this earlier but too busy exploring bkk. I should upload the taxi note thing they give at the booths. I'll get around to it.

[brewsterbudgen]

To be honest, I'm not sure what you hope to achieve by posting photos. I'd just put it down to experience and get on with enjoying your stay. You know next time to not try to agree any fare in a BKK taxi.

[gerryBScot]

To be honest, I'm not sure what you hope to achieve by posting photos. I'd just put it down to experience and get on with enjoying your stay. You know next time to not try to agree any fare in a BKK taxi.

Yeah this is good advice. Time to move on. Get over it! This happens everywhere in the world and it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. I was a hack driver once in London UK and I never tried any funny stuff with customers. I charged what was agreed, when a customer was down to be taken to an airport link station I didn't try to convert it into an airport run; the fee was agreed by my company and that is what I charged. I never tried to alter their destinations or do anything to increase the price. I got my customers to the destination as efficiently as possible. I made a lot of money on tips because I did the job properly.

Put it down to experience. Say meter, and if the driver doesn't agree get out the taxi and get another one. I've never had problems with taxi drivers at the airport or in Bangkok. I have had huge problems in other countries like the Philippines even when travelling in taxis with my filipino wife. I used to say to her before getting a taxi, if there is no meter we're getting out, no negotiation, no discussion, we're getting out, this guy lost the job - and we started doing it, inconvenient as it was travelling with a baby and baggage, and I was adamant - you lost the job mate, **** off, as prices came tumbling down. There was never a problem getting another taxi.

But yeah it really sucks when this happens and most people aren't usually thinking ahead after a long flight other than getting to their final destination.

[mrtoad]

Simple rule, no meter, not use.

[HeavyDrinker]

As for the old heading for the departures 'trick', it can be very hit and miss these days.

On some days, the coppers and security guards won't bat an eyelid and its easy; on other days they'll come chasing after you and send you downstairs like you're an international criminal. A neighbour's son (Thai) was literally escorted downstairs when he came home last week so it seems no-one is immune. Even his protestations as to who his parents are fell on deaf ears the poor lamb.

There were some (very unofficial looking) signs there for a while saying it was 'illegal' to get a cab from departures but they quickly vanished, so exactly what the official stance on doing this is, is unclear.

At them moment it seems to be at the whim of the guards/police on duty. I suppose if they're in on the scam then they'll ship you downstairs, if they're not, they don't care.

At the booths they do seem to be quoting flat rates (between 300-450B) into BKK at the moment but when people refuse and insist on the meter they tend to get shoved in a taxi regardless, whether or not to be at the mercy of the driver's fancy as regards using the meter, who knows?

At the end of the day, scam or not, we're talking about 100-150B tops. While this doesn't make it right, it seems a trifle to get so het up about. It beats the vampires at some other airports in the region...

[richard_smith237]

At the end of the day, scam or not, we're talking about 100-150B tops. While this doesn't make it right, it seems a trifle to get so het up about. It beats the vampires at some other airports in the region...

Indeed - but how did these prices of taxi's from other airports in Thailand get out of hand in the first place?. Its only 150B now - in 2 years its 400B over charge...

The behaviour you described is the thin end of the wedge... Lets not put ourselves in the line of danger, but at the same time we are right to throw a minor protest at this behaviour.. No Meter No Ride... Quite simple for the most part except when there is no alternative....

[GrantSmith]

 

Indeed - but how did these prices of taxi's from other airports in Thailand get out of hand in the first place?. Its only 150B now - in 2 years its 400B over charge... 

 

The behaviour you described is the thin end of the wedge... Lets not put ourselves in the line of danger, but at the same time we are right to throw a minor protest at this behaviour.. No Meter No Ride... Quite simple for the most part except when there is no alternative.... 

Wow slow down Nostradamus!

Bangkok would not be the first city (nor the last) to overcharge for a cab ride from the Airport to the CBD (used for sake of argument)

Taxis in farangland are notoriously and ridiculously overpriced! Add in their methods for over charging and it's all rather relative.

A cab fare from Swampy to say, I don't know, Suk soi take your pick, isn't going to cost you an arm and a leg - oh wait, is it too soon to be making wisecracks about old mate who got hacked up on suk earlier this year? - over, is it?

Yeah yeah in a perfect world a cab is going to run about 200-300 baht give or take. But really, for $3, what's to squabble over? The same distance back in farangland is easily going to cost you 3-5 times that, and you can generally argue and carry on in English about directions and routes (sic ) to take.

I've not once had any of this nonsense of meters and overcharging nor the cab attendants in cahoots with the cabbies to overcharge, meter's are always used, no questions asked nor demanded.

Am I just a lucky mark? Far from it! Do I tip Somchai at the end? Not really aside from rounding up my fare.

Mind you, despite being a frequenter of Swampy, I'm not always resorting to Somchai the Cabbie to get home but when I do.. I'm not being taken for a - metaphorical - ride...

That's not to say it doesn't happen, just in my experience, it hasn't.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[snake24]

To be honest, I'm not sure what you hope to achieve by posting photos. I'd just put it down to experience and get on with enjoying your stay. You know next time to not try to agree any fare in a BKK taxi.

Perhaps someone could seek some recourse for me not by refunding me the fare but by punishing the driver. Fine him for me. I have the taxi piece of paper and now i have his name on it too. I can post a picture of that here.

Indeed - but how did these prices of taxi's from other airports in Thailand get out of hand in the first place?. Its only 150B now - in 2 years its 400B over charge...

The behaviour you described is the thin end of the wedge... Lets not put ourselves in the line of danger, but at the same time we are right to throw a minor protest at this behaviour.. No Meter No Ride... Quite simple for the most part except when there is no alternative....

Wow slow down Nostradamus!

Bangkok would not be the first city (nor the last) to overcharge for a cab ride from the Airport to the CBD (used for sake of argument)

Taxis in farangland are notoriously and ridiculously overpriced! Add in their methods for over charging and it's all rather relative.

A cab fare from Swampy to say, I don't know, Suk soi take your pick, isn't going to cost you an arm and a leg - oh wait, is it too soon to be making wisecracks about old mate who got hacked up on suk earlier this year? - over, is it?

Yeah yeah in a perfect world a cab is going to run about 200-300 baht give or take. But really, for $3, what's to squabble over? The same distance back in farangland is easily going to cost you 3-5 times that, and you can generally argue and carry on in English about directions and routes (sic ) to take.

I've not once had any of this nonsense of meters and overcharging nor the cab attendants in cahoots with the cabbies to overcharge, meter's are always used, no questions asked nor demanded.

Am I just a lucky mark? Far from it! Do I tip Somchai at the end? Not really aside from rounding up my fare.

Mind you, despite being a frequenter of Swampy, I'm not always resorting to Somchai the Cabbie to get home but when I do.. I'm not being taken for a - metaphorical - ride...

That's not to say it doesn't happen, just in my experience, it hasn't.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

For me 200-300 bht isn't 3 dollars but rather around 5-8 dollars. I'm not from a farang counrty although my country's currency is pretty strong. 1 AUD is around 1.2 SGD so that would be like 6 dollars to me and in my country the amount charged for certain things is around the same as a farang country like maybe 5.95 for a macdonalds meal is also the same in farang land even though the exchange rate is different. I don't know if there's a term to describe this.

[NanLaew]

The OP was a total noob, was buggering about with his phone and not paying attention. Plus he negotiated BOTH taxis, the first one he walked away from and absurdly enough, repeated the exact same mistake after walking up several lines of taxi desks to the second taxi. There is no need to negotiate at the airport taxi ranks when grabbing a local ride, not ever. Just say where you are going, ask for the meter and get in if he says yes and get out if he says no or doesn't turn it on.

There's absolutely no point in trying to chase a refund or exact any driver punishment despite having receipts taxi numbers and fuzzy pcitures. Just pay attention from now on.

BTW. Didn't I tell you to use the Airport Express to Makassan instead (in another thread?)

[Totster]

Indeed - but how did these prices of taxi's from other airports in Thailand get out of hand in the first place?. Its only 150B now - in 2 years its 400B over charge...

The behaviour you described is the thin end of the wedge... Lets not put ourselves in the line of danger, but at the same time we are right to throw a minor protest at this behaviour.. No Meter No Ride... Quite simple for the most part except when there is no alternative....

Wow slow down Nostradamus!

Bangkok would not be the first city (nor the last) to overcharge for a cab ride from the Airport to the CBD (used for sake of argument)

Taxis in farangland are notoriously and ridiculously overpriced! Add in their methods for over charging and it's all rather relative.

A cab fare from Swampy to say, I don't know, Suk soi take your pick, isn't going to cost you an arm and a leg - oh wait, is it too soon to be making wisecracks about old mate who got hacked up on suk earlier this year? - over, is it?

Yeah yeah in a perfect world a cab is going to run about 200-300 baht give or take. But really, for $3, what's to squabble over? The same distance back in farangland is easily going to cost you 3-5 times that, and you can generally argue and carry on in English about directions and routes (sic ) to take.

I've not once had any of this nonsense of meters and overcharging nor the cab attendants in cahoots with the cabbies to overcharge, meter's are always used, no questions asked nor demanded.

Am I just a lucky mark? Far from it! Do I tip Somchai at the end? Not really aside from rounding up my fare.

Mind you, despite being a frequenter of Swampy, I'm not always resorting to Somchai the Cabbie to get home but when I do.. I'm not being taken for a - metaphorical - ride...

That's not to say it doesn't happen, just in my experience, it hasn't.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

This is almost the obligatory "it's not just in Thailand" post....

totster

[GrantSmith]

For me 200-300 bht isn't 3 dollars but rather around 5-8 dollars. I'm not from a farang counrty although my country's currency is pretty strong. 1 AUD is around 1.2 SGD so that would be like 6 dollars to me and in my country the amount charged for certain things is around the same as a farang country like maybe 5.95 for a macdonalds meal is also the same in farang land even though the exchange rate is different. I don't know if there's a term to describe this.

And if you're complaining over 5-8 SGD you also need a slap!

Changi to the CBD roughly about $S20 (give or take time of day, surcharges and so forth) about 20km's (again, give or take), Swampy to CBD about 25km's and around ฿400 (if you get "done"). Let me know if I need to go on.

[RAZZELL]

Amazes me people get all bent out of shape over a few baht

If he charged you 450 was this including tolls? Or did he say 250 + tolls?

The fare to Rachada is probably about 300 odd with tolls anyway.

RAZZ

[Spare]

Rip off also happens (and more frequent) in JFK & LAX.

Why don't you complain about that too?

[lomatopo]

Rip off also happens (and more frequent) in JFK & LAX.

Why don't you complain about that too?

You do realize that this sub-forum is titled, "Suvarnabhumi Airport"? Hence the topics tend to focus on activities/issues associated with SBIA/BKK rather than airports in New York or Los Angeles.

FWIW, I've never been ripped off at JFK, LGA, EWR or LAX.

[Chicog]

I use these taxis ona frequent basis and the trick they try is to get the paper they give the girl and she tears it in 2 and keeps one and give you the other one they then try to get you to give them that which of course then you have no recourse.

Upon entering the cab they say 450 baht, I always say Meter, they say no Meter, I say Ok i get out and go back to the girl,

SUDDENLY meter is turned on and off we go.

Very simple.

I've only had that happen once and I'm a frequent user too. As soon as we got in the taxi, the driver asked for my part of the paper. It was a big taxi, bigger than the normal taxi vehicle. He still turned on the meter. But, the meter was running faster than normal. I know the costs and distances too and from my house, and the costs vary very slightly normally. This guy was about 100-150 baht over charging based on his quick meter.

After travelling overnight and arriving home, it's just not worth the hassle and bother arguing over 4 or 5 $.

I've said it before - post the form, it's yours not the drivers.

I had one who stiffed me but I was too tired to argue. I ticked the boxes for "No meter" and "Make Passenger pay tolls" (I think that was the wording), and asked the hotel to post it.

A month later I get a letter in my home country from the transport ministry or whatever it is, telling me they'd called the driver in for an interview, he'd admitted the offence and was fined Bt1,000.

In fairness, I've never once had a driver fail to turn the meter on from Swampy. And I've never seen a racing meter either.

[Aussieroaming]

Rule #1: only ride taxis who use the meter.

Rule #2: note drivers license number, take picture with mobile.

Rule #3: if getting a taxi by hotel bell boy tell bell boy you destination and want to use meter.

Rule #4: make sure you have 100 and 20 baht notes in your wallet.

Agree..go upstairs to arrivals and ask a few taxis. You will eventually find one that goes on meter.

But realistically, even though you are pissed about the fare you are talking about less than $10, so don't let it ruin the holiday or whatever you are up to

Remember you came here hopefully for a good time.

You just gave the taxi driver merit for taking you safely to where you were going

Enjoy the visit

[bubba]

Rule #1: only ride taxis who use the meter.

Rule #2: note drivers license number, take picture with mobile.

Rule #3: if getting a taxi by hotel bell boy tell bell boy you destination and want to use meter.

Rule #4: make sure you have 100 and 20 baht notes in your wallet.

Agree..go upstairs to arrivals and ask a few taxis. You will eventually find one that goes on meter.

Unfortunately, not any more.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/679139-cannot-get-a-taxi-anymore-at-3rd-floor-at-suvarnabhumi/

[gandalf12]

Every 6 and 9 weeks I travel through the airport and have not had a problem with the taxis at the airport. If you go to the official taxi stand there is a clear message that the fare is what is on the meter plus 50 Baht.

At DM there was a lot of scamming going on but at the new airport I have only had it once many years ago. Driver told me the meter was not working so I pointed out to him, in Thai, the price is the fare on the meter + 50 Baht.

Funny how the meter fixed itself

[Jay Sata]

Given the drivers have to hang around waiting for hours and then get someone like me who just wants to go to a nearby hotel I never argue about the fare and usually throw in a 100 baht tip.

[merijn]

Same here i travel to/from BKK almost on a weekly basis and luckily never had any problems with the taxis from the official stand.

( one time the taxi tried to refuse the meter but used it after i told him to do so )

Maybe it helps that i speak Thai and provide him the address in Thai.

[homsiam]

Rule #1: only ride taxis who use the meter.

Rule #2: note drivers license number, take picture with mobile.

Rule #3: if getting a taxi by hotel bell boy tell bell boy you destination and want to use meter.

Rule #4: make sure you have 100 and 20 baht notes in your wallet.

You now they want you look same a foul,if you need a taxi i give you a number here.09-2929-6769MR Piamsiri.I go whith this guy fore many year him charge me 4000b from Bangkok to Surin about 650km o so.When i stay Bangkok go from airport to Sukumwhit 250b.Sorry fore some word not get in post but edit and clear it