Scam in ThailandTaxis
Taxi no-change trick in Thailand
How it works
The driver says they have no change, hoping you will leave the extra money.
Warning signs
- The driver says they cannot change your note.
How to avoid it
- Carry 20- and 100-baht notes.
- Pay close to the fare amount.
If it happens to you
Make a small purchase at a nearby convenience store to get 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/ThailandTourism2023Sounds obvious but make sure you have smaller bills for taxis else some will pocket the whole lotA traveller says a Bolt driver claimed to have no change and kept 1,000 baht for a 350-baht ride.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/Thailand2019Anyone every called out a taxi driver pretending to not have change?A commenter reports that a driver who initially claimed to lack change produced a bundle of notes after the passenger waited.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the taxi no-change trick scam in Thailand?
The driver says they have no change, hoping you will leave the extra money.
How can I spot it early?
The driver says they cannot change your note.
How do I avoid taxi no-change trick in Thailand?
Carry 20- and 100-baht notes. Pay close to the fare amount.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Make a small purchase at a nearby convenience store to get change.
Where in Thailand does this happen?
Taxi journeys
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: taxi meter refusal.
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