Scam in ThailandChanging money
Short-changing in Thailand
How it works
You receive less change than you are owed.
Warning signs
- The change does not match the price and the note you handed over.
How to avoid it
- Check your change before leaving.
- Use smaller notes when possible.
- State the note value as you hand it over.
If it happens to you
Point out the missing amount and ask for the correct change.
- Move to a safe public place. Avoid arguments, physical confrontation or chasing thieves.
- Save receipts, tickets, messages and payment records. Write down what happened and any useful descriptions.
- If cards or a phone were stolen, contact your bank and mobile provider. Block affected cards and secure your accounts.
- Report the incident to police or the Tourist Police. Ask for a copy or reference number for the report.
- Contact the seller, booking provider or card issuer about a refund or payment dispute. For a gem scam, act immediately, especially if goods were mailed.
- Contact your insurer where relevant. Ask your embassy for help if your passport was stolen or you face a serious accusation.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/ThailandTourism2026Taxi drivers in BangkokA traveller says an airport taxi driver returned only 200 baht from a 1,000-baht payment for a 500-baht fare.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/ThailandTourism2025What to do when taxi driver gaslights you by saying you gave him the wrong bills to payA passenger reports that a driver substituted a 100-baht note for their 1,000-baht payment and demanded more money.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the short-changing scam in Thailand?
You receive less change than you are owed.
How can I spot it early?
The change does not match the price and the note you handed over.
How do I avoid short-changing in Thailand?
Check your change before leaving. Use smaller notes when possible. State the note value as you hand it over.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Point out the missing amount and ask for the correct change.
Where in Thailand does this happen?
Tourist transactions It has been reported in Bangkok.
How common is this scam in Thailand?
Common. Tourist scams are common in Thailand, especially around major sights, transport stops and tourist shopping areas. Most involve inflated prices, misleading offers or unwanted shop visits. Theft also happens, including bag-snatching by people on motorbikes.
Are there similar scams in Thailand?
Yes: counterfeit 1,000-baht notes, poor hotel money-exchange rates.
Who can I report it to?
Tourist Police: call 1155. In Chiang Mai, 053-278559 is also listed. A Tourist Police office is located in Terminal 2 at Arcade Bus Station. Police: report theft or fraud and request a written report. The listed police emergency number in Chiang Mai is 191. Tourist Authority of Thailand: for the gem scam, call +66 2 694-1222 immediately and seek help pursuing a refund. Bangkok Mail Centre: if scam gems were mailed, call +66 2 215-0966 (-195) immediately. Have the shop name, address and mailing date ready. Your embassy: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport or serious accusation. For the airport duty-free scam, ask for its lawyer or translator. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to block stolen cards and discuss disputed payments. Travel insurer: contact the claims service listed in your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence.
What number do I call in an emergency in Thailand?
Tourist Police: 1155, Chiang Mai Tourist Police: 053-278559, Police emergencies, listed for Chiang Mai: 191, Chiang Mai Rescue Team: 053-218888, Chiang Mai Fire: 053-241777.
Reviewed by @snuck