Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Chiang Mai, Thailand

1. Tuk-tuk Tour Scams

Avoid overpriced or misleading tuk-tuk tours promising attractions not included in your itinerary.

Fixed Price: Negotiate a fixed price before starting the tour.
Attraction Confirmation: Confirm all included attractions in your itinerary.
Recommended Locations: Research recommended tourist spots and compare them with the tour itinerary.

Avoid being ripped off by unofficial currency exchange shops offering lower rates.

Official Establishments: Exchange money at official banks or authorized exchange shops.
Rates Verification: Verify the current exchange rate before making transactions.
Avoid Solicitation: Avoid being solicited for currency exchanges on the street or at markets.

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by identifying legitimate taxis.

Metered Taxi: Use metered taxis to ensure fair pricing.
Official Company: Choose a taxi from an official company with a clear logo and company name.
Avoid Unmarked Vehicles: Avoid taxis without proper identification or registration numbers.

Avoid buying counterfeit goods from street vendors.

Authenticity: Buy goods only from trusted shops or markets.
Price Too Good to Be True: Be wary of prices significantly lower than market rates for popular items.
Check Quality: Inspect the quality of the goods before purchase.

Avoid overpriced gold items and fraudulent shops.

Certified Shops: Purchase gold from certified shops.
Gold Rate Verification: Verify the current gold rate before making a purchase.
Avoid Isolated Shops: Avoid isolated shops that lack customer presence.

Avoid being charged for overpriced or watered-down sticky rice.

Fair Price: Compare the price of sticky rice with other venues.
Check Ingredients: Ensure that the sticky rice is made with quality ingredients.
Avoid Street Vendors: Opt for restaurants or markets to buy sticky rice.

Avoid massage parlors offering overpriced services or using unhygienic practices.

Reputable Spas: Choose reputable spas with good reviews and a professional environment.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or fellow travelers for massage recommendations.
Check Hygiene Practices: Ensure the massage parlor maintains cleanliness and hygiene standards.

Avoid baggage handling scams at airports or train stations.

Official Handlers: Use only official baggage handlers.
Secure Luggage: Keep an eye on your luggage at all times, especially during transfers.
Avoid Solicitation: Refuse unsolicited help with your baggage and avoid being followed by suspicious individuals.

Avoid booking tours or activities through untrusted sources offering unrealistic deals.

Verified Tour Providers: Book tours through verified providers with good reviews.
Price Comparison: Compare prices for similar tours to ensure a fair price.
Check Itinerary Details: Review the itinerary details to ensure they are accurate and realistic.

Avoid fraudulent tuk-tuk drivers offering misleading information or overpriced rides.

Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or fellow travelers for trusted tuk-tuk driver recommendations.
Negotiate Price Beforehand: Negotiate the price before getting into the tuk-tuk.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Refuse unsolicited rides and offers from drivers on the street.

Avoid ATM skimming by using safe ATMs and protecting your card information.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs in secure locations, such as banks or shopping centers.
Check Machine for Tampering: Inspect the ATM machine for any signs of tampering before use.
Protect PIN and Card: Cover your hand while entering your PIN and never share your card information.

Avoid rental scams by verifying the condition of the motorbike and checking the rental agreement.

Reputable Rental Shops: Rent a motorbike from a reputable shop with good reviews.
Condition Check: Inspect the condition of the motorbike before renting it.
Review Rental Agreement: Read and understand the rental agreement, including insurance details.

Avoid street food poisoning by choosing reputable vendors with good hygiene practices.

Reputable Vendors: Choose vendors with a good reputation and high customer satisfaction.
Check Hygiene Practices: Ensure the vendor maintains proper hygiene standards.
Avoid Unsolicited Food Offers: Refuse unsolicited food offers from street vendors.

Avoid accepting counterfeit money in exchange for goods or services.

Check Denomination: Examine the denomination and security features of banknotes carefully.
Use Reputable Establishments: Transact only at reputable shops, restaurants, or banks.
Report Suspicious Transactions: Report any suspicious transactions to local authorities.

Avoid overpriced accommodation by researching and comparing prices.

Price Comparison: Compare prices for similar accommodations in the same area.
Reputable Accommodation Providers: Book accommodation through reputable providers with good reviews.
Check Inclusions: Review what is included in the room rate to avoid hidden fees.