Tips for taking a cab service in Bangkok

Tips You Should Know About Taking Cab Service in Bangkok

When traveling to Bangkok, besides the public transport of the city, taking a cab service in Bangkok is a great idea. These cabs are spacious and are a comfortable way to travel across the city. You can find these cabs from various locations across the city, such as airports, taxi stands and you can even book from various online platforms. For the first time visitors in the city, a cab is the easiest way of transportation in the city. In this blog we'll walk you through various tips that you need to consider when taking a taxi in Thailand .

Understanding the Bangkok Cab System

Bangkok's cab system is an important part of the city's transportation. These cab's are always available and are comparatively inexpensive compared to other parts of the globe. But it is important to understand how the cab system of Bangkok city works.

Types of Cabs in Bangkok

Cab services in Bangkok are divided into two parts, firstly traditional metered taxi, and second ride hailing services. You can easily recognize the metered cab by their bright colors, such as bright pink, yellow-green or blue. These types of cab operate on meters and your fare is calculated by distance and time of your ride. Whereas, ride hailing services, allows individuals to book a cab from their phones, showing them an estimated fare of their journey.

How to Hail a Cab in Bangkok

Hailing a cab service in Bangkok is an easy task, but one must be aware of various know-hows. The most common way of getting a cab in Bangkok is by flagging one down on the streets. You can raise your hand to a passing cab. It is important to keep in mind that cab's in Bangkok do not pick any individuals from bus stops, so it is advised not to stand on bus stands when hailing a cab. A cab won't stop if they are already carrying any passengers or if the cab driver refuses to visit the location you want to go, this generally happens during the rush hours or if you want to visit in heavy traffic areas.

Using Ride Hailing Apps

Except for traditional metered cab's, ride hailing apps offer a suitable alternative. These apps offer a number of benefits such as allowing you to book a cab in advance, choose the type of vehicle you want, and pay using cashless methods. As well as ride hailing services are more trustworthy for knowing the fare of your trip, these apps also allow you to track your rides, which is very useful for safety.

Tips for a smooth cab ride in Bangkok

Knowing how to take a cab service in Bangkok can make your trip enjoyable. Here are some tips that you can consider:

Ensure the meter is running: The most important thing to check when you halt a cab in Thailand is that the meter is running. By the law, it is compulsory for all metered taxis to calculate fare by meter. Many cab drivers will try to negotiate with you on the metered fare, especially if you're a first time visitor. Request your cab driver to use meters to avoid getting overcharged. But if the taxi driver refuses, look for a different taxi.
Know your Destination: Before booking a cab it is important to know the destination where you wish to visit, it is advised to get the name of destination written in Thai. Most of the cab drivers in Bangkok do not speak English, so having the address written in Thai can be helpful for them in understanding your destination. You can also use a map to help your driver navigate your destination.
Avoid traveling during rush hours: Bangkok is known for its traffic jams, especially during peak hours (from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM). It is advisable not to travel during these times to avoid getting stuck in heavy traffic. But if you still decide to travel during these times, be prepared for a longer journey than usual.
Carry Small Changes: Although cab service in Bangkok is economic, still it is advised to carry small changes with you. Cab drivers won't refuse taking large bills, but sometimes carrying changes allows you to pay the exact bill. Rounding up your fare up to 10 to 20 Baht is a common practice.

Safety Tips for taking a cab service in Bangkok

Safety is foremost when taking a taxi in Thailand . Although the city of Bangkok is generally safe, taking a few precautionary measures can ensure that your ride is smooth and secure.

Check Cab ID and License Plate: Before boarding a cab it is important to check for cab's ID and license plate which is displayed on the back side of a taxi. The ID of the driver should include their name, along with photo and license number. If a driver fails to produce these documents it is advised to look for a different cab.
Share your Ride Details: For more safe travel, you may share your ride details with your loved ones. If you're using ride hailing services, they have a built-in feature for sharing your ride details. Sharing your ride details with your loved one can provide them with a peace of mind that you're safe.
Be Cautious of Scams: Despite the fact that most taxi drivers in Bangkok are honest and diligent, there are some scams which one needs to be cautious about. One common tactic is where the drivers take a longer road in order to increase the fare. So as not to fall for this trick, familiarize yourself with your destination's general directions from a map. If you see them behaving unusually or if you realize they are not going where you want to visit, tell them politely that they should follow the route or take another cab.
Use a Translation App: If you don't speak or understand Thai language, using a translation app can be very useful. This can make your communication while taking a cab service in Bangkok much smoother.

Conclusion

Taking a cab service in Bangkok is the most convenient way to travel across the city. By following the tips mentioned above, one can ensure that their cab rides go smoothly. Don't forget to be careful about scams and keep yourself updated about local rules and regulations.

We at Bangkok Taxi24 are known for providing the best cab services across the city.