4 Common Misconceptions About Thailand Taxi Services
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Navigating the vibrant streets of Bangkok and the bustling avenues of Pattaya is an journey of discovery.... Xem thêm
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Navigating the vibrant streets of Bangkok and the bustling avenues of Pattaya is an journey of discovery. For many visitors, local taxis provide the most direct and direct way to travel. Understanding the nuances of hailing and using these taxis in each city can change a possibly stressful experience into a smooth part of your journey. While both cities offer taxis using meters, the similarities frequently stop at that point, with different customs, challenges, and informal guidelines governing their use. Being prepared is the essential for a successful ride.
In Bangkok, the famous vivid pink, yellow, green, or orange taxis are a commonplace view. The most important rule is to always demand the driver using the meter. Simply ask, “Meter, please?” as you get in. A driver agreeing to use the meter is the basis for a fair fare. It is common, especially at hotel entrances or popular landmarks, for drivers to refuse the meter and instead offer a fixed high price. In this situation, your wisest choice is to politely decline, step out, and simply hail the next cab. With the great quantity of taxis in Bangkok, you will normally locate a compliant driver within a few attempts.
Beyond the meter, traffic is the major consideration for any bangkok to pattaya taxi taxi journey. The capital’s notorious traffic can cause fares to increase rapidly as the meter ticks. What appears to be a quick distance on a map can take a considerable amount of time. Using a GPS service like Google Maps to check the live traffic situation can help you decide if a taxi is the wisest choice or if the BTS Skytrain or MRT subway might be faster. For longer trips, such as to airports or between distant neighborhoods, the expressway tolls are an supplemental fee paid by the passenger on top of the meter fare, so keep some cash available.
Pattaya presents a contrasting transport scene entirely. The city famously lacks a widespread network of regular taxis with meters for general street hailing. Instead, the main mode of public transport is the “baht bus” or “songthaew.” These are adapted vehicles with bench seats in the back that travel set paths. For a shared ride along the main routes, you simply get on and hand over a standard fare per person when you get off. To use one as a private taxi, you must settle on a cost for an exclusive trip beforehand, which will be a lot greater than the shared rate.
For private car taxis in Pattaya, you typically cannot flag one down on the street. These vehicles operate predominantly through hotel concierges, dedicated taxi stands, or pre-booking via phone or app. Fares are almost always negotiated as a flat rate before the journey begins. Knowing the approximate fair price for your intended trip is crucial to avoid overpaying. A short trip across central Pattaya might have a standard rate, while a journey to the outskirts or to Jomtien will cost more. Asking your hotel staff for standard fare advice is a very smart practice.
In both cities, a few general rules hold true. First, having your destination written in Thai on your phone or on a piece of paper is extremely useful. This eliminates pronunciation issues and shows the driver the specific location. Second, try to carry plenty of little bills. Drivers frequently state they are out of change for large bills, which can be a method to get a larger tip. Third, while most drivers are honest, always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong, it is perfectly acceptable to end the ride.
Modern technology has also become a traveler’s best friend in Thailand. Ride-hailing apps like Grab operate in both Bangkok and Pattaya. Using Grab offers multiple perks: the fare is fixed and paid electronically, the route is tracked via GPS, and there is no need for cash or language negotiation. It provides a common and typically less stressful alternative, especially for newcomers or during late-night travels. In Bangkok, it seamlessly supplements regular taxis, while in Pattaya, it is often the best method to book a private car.
Ultimately, using taxis in Bangkok and Pattaya requires a flexible mindset. In Bangkok, your mantra is “meter only,” paired with patience for the traffic. In Pattaya, it’s about grasping the local transport and being prepared to bargain for set prices for private cars. Embracing these differences is part of the local experience. With a little knowledge and preparation, you can comfortably ride these services to explore every corner of these dynamic cities, from Bangkok’s glittering temples to Pattaya’s vibrant waterfront, ensuring you spend more time enjoying about the ride and more time enjoying the destination.