Thai Taxi Services Review
Navigating the busy roads of Bangkok and the bustling avenues of Pattaya is an adventure in itself. For many visitors, local taxis provide the most immediate and direct way to travel. Understanding the details of using and using these taxis in each city can alter an often stressful experience into a simple element of your journey. While both cities offer cabs with meters, the similarities usually go no further, with unique systems, challenges, and informal guidelines governing their use. Being prepared is the essential for a successful ride.
In Bangkok, the well-known brilliant pink, yellow, green, or orange taxis are a ever-present feature. 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 near popular hotels or popular landmarks, for drivers to refuse the meter and instead offer a flat, inflated rate. In this situation, your wisest choice is to politely decline, step out, and simply find a different driver. With the large number 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 taxi journey. The capital's infamous congestion can cause fares to increase rapidly as the meter ticks. What looks like a short distance on a map can take a significant period. Using a navigation app like Google Maps to check the current congestion can help you decide if a taxi is the best option 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 extra charge paid by the passenger on top of the meter fare, so keep some change ready.
Pattaya presents a contrasting transport scene entirely. The city is known for missing a widespread network of standard cabs for general street hailing. Instead, the main mode of public transport is the "baht bus" or "songthaew." These are converted pickup trucks with bench seats in the back that run along fixed routes. 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 personal cabs in Pattaya, you typically won't find one waiting on the street. These vehicles operate mainly through hotel concierges, dedicated taxi stands, or pre-booking via phone or app. Fares are generally agreed upon as a flat rate before the journey begins. Knowing the rough going rate for your intended trip is essential to prevent overpaying. A short trip across central Pattaya might have a set price, 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 broad advice is relevant. First, having your destination noted in the local language on your phone or on a piece of paper is very beneficial. This eliminates language barriers and shows the driver precisely your destination. Second, try to carry plenty of small denomination banknotes. Drivers frequently claim not to have change for large bills, which can be a ploy to obtain a larger tip. Third, while most drivers are honest, always be conscious of your environment and trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong, it is perfectly acceptable to end the ride.
Modern technology has also become a tourist's useful tool in Thailand. Ride-hailing apps like Grab operate in both Bangkok and Pattaya. Using Grab offers many benefits: the fare is fixed and paid electronically, the route is tracked via GPS, and there is no cash necessary or language negotiation. It provides a known and frequently less stressful alternative, especially for newcomers or during late-night travels. In Bangkok, it smoothly augments regular taxis, while in Pattaya, it is often the most reliable way to book a private car.
Ultimately, using taxis in bangkok to pattaya airport transfer and Pattaya requires a willingness to adjust. In Bangkok, your mantra is "meter only," paired with patience for the traffic. In Pattaya, it's about knowing how songthaews work 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 assuredly take 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.