Airport Taxis

[pomchop]

Recently flew into CR airport after several months away.

Sorry to see there was now five or six guys standing just outside with white shirts and official looking Airport Taxi badges....but they were quoting fixed rates, in my case 500 baht and refused to discuss using the meter.

I walked out to the car park where there were several taxi drivers sitting there, told them my destination and away we went with meter no problem. The actual meter rate was 210 baht so no doubt the quoted 500 baht "fixed rate" was a rip.

I sure hate to see the CR airport turn into the same ole crap as places like phuket ruled by various taxi mafias. I realize it's not likely to change especially if unknowing tourists just accept the flat rates.

If there is such a thing as an airport authority it would sure be great to see them crack down on the BS before it gets totally out of hand.

End of rant.

[sceadugenga]

I avoid the touts in every other Asian airport so I see no difference in doing so here.

There's a booth there with a meter taxi sign that should give fair business plus a little extra for the booking.

[pomchop]

But these touts all are wearing white shirts with a very official looking Airport Taxi badge. Someone at the airport must either supply the badges or at least be aware ot their tactics. They attempt to get the passengers before they can get out to the car park where the meter taxis are waiting.

I suspect we "local residents" pretty much can avoid them but the average tourist would likely get taken for a ride. Not sure it they try and quote flat rates to Thais as well or if they concentrate their scam on tourists. My guess is Thais tell them to take a hike or at least i hope so.

One thing i have always loved about CR airport is the lack of scams and BS there compared to so many other places. My concern is that left unchecked eventually none of the taxis will agree to use the meter or be very intimidated by some kind of taxi mafia to "fall in line".

Please Chiang Rai don't let a taxi mafia turn the airport into another Phuket type operation.

[villagefarang]

It is fine to complain on here but it could end up being more than a little dangerous to try to intervene directly. If the authorities are not interest, or worse involved, then it is every man for himself.

We always pick up our visitors, Thai and Foreign, and we park our own car at the airport if it is a short trip.

[sceadugenga]

For years the only way out of Chiang Rai Airport if you weren't being picked up was to use the expensive hire car with driver service, I provided a list of the prices while it was operating.

When taxis became available you used to have to ring one yourself as they were not allowed to stand for hire at the terminal.

Last time I looked there was a booth where one of the hire car operators used to be, clearly marked "Meter Taxi".

What I suggest is that if you think this is also operating on a set price system that you obtain a card from the taxi service in town, which they freely offer, and ring one when leaving the plane and asked to be picked up.

I just had a quick look online and came up with this number.

053-77-34-77

[pomchop]

For years the only way out of Chiang Rai Airport if you weren't being picked up was to use the expensive hire car with driver service, I provided a list of the prices while it was operating.

When taxis became available you used to have to ring one yourself as they were not allowed to stand for hire at the terminal.

Last time I looked there was a booth where one of the hire car operators used to be, clearly marked "Meter Taxi".

What I suggest is that if you think this is also operating on a set price system that you obtain a card from the taxi service in town, which they freely offer, and ring one when leaving the plane and asked to be picked up.

I just had a quick look online and came up with this number.

053-77-34-77

Yes I am pretty sure that we "locals" can figure it out but as stated I do just hate to see tourists arriving in CR get nabbed by a bunch of scam guys trying to charge them double or more than a meter. My experience has been that once the scammers get their foot in the door and once the airport authority guys get in on the action with payoffs/bribes it will only get worse.. Phuket airport is a perfect example.