1. Be aware

I know my parents and many other people were worried about my safety while I was there, but no worries, it's not as bad as everyone thinks it is! From what my parents told me I expected the worst and was always on my toes. Nothing even remotely close to what my parents thought would happen happened, but I would say the first tip would be to definitely be aware of your surroundings! There's signs everywhere telling you to watch out for pick pocketing, so we kept our bags zipped and at our sides or in front of us at all times, and that's really all that was necessary! No one, that we saw, even tried to take our stuff, but I believe it's because we were noticeably aware of our surroundings at all times.

2. Bargain

Almost every price vendors give you is tripled what it actually costs. Given they're technically only charging you an extra six dollars, it's never fun to be ripped off. They all assume you are dumb and will pay whatever, so if you go up to them knowing they are saying a price that's too high, always say a lower price. Even if you get the price down only by 100 baht or 200 baht (about $3.00 and $6.00 respectively) they will lower the price 99% of the time if you stand your ground. They know and you know it's a lower price so they won't try to keep ripping you off if they realize you know the price is less.

3. Use the meter

A fun fact about taxis in Bangkok and almost anywhere; it's ILLEGAL not to use the meter. 90% of the drivers have their meters turned off because they will say a price that's over 4x what the meter would be once you tell them where you're going. If you get the driver to use the meter then you don't have a problem. It adds 35 baht (about $1.00) right off the bat then is about 7 baht per km after that. If you are going a short distance and simply don't want to walk, it's really not worth it for the driver to use the meter so they will deny you service if you want to use the meter. If you are splitting the fare, offering 150 baht for a distance that's shorter than 10 km will usually do the trick which is less than $5 for the whole ride and is more than the meter will cost. That is the only instance you should not use the meter because you will most likely not get a ride if you're going that short of a distance.

4. Try new food, but don't be too adventurous

Street food isn't bad. It's only bad if it's not fresh and has been sitting out. Also, if you're going to get street food, get Thai food. They know how to make it and they know what they're doing, so you are less likely to get sick from it. Sickness only comes from ordering food they don't necessarily know how to make (like American food). Nice restaurants and chains are safe bets for good food that won't make you sick. I definitely suggest trying little family restaurants that are "hole in the wall" locations that you see locals at. Locals usually know what they're talking about when it comes to food. So as long as there are a lot of locals, you're most likely safe.

5. Know where you're going before you leave

This is just so you can explain a destination in case a driver doesn't know what you're talking about or isn't sure where you're going. It's better to type out your location and show it to the drivers so they know what you're trying to tell them. You can also point out larger places nearby like hotels because they're more likely to know where they're going.

6. Always get taxis that are moving

There's this thing they try to add to the price called a "waiting fee" if they're waiting on the side of the road for potential customers. These drivers are also less likely to use their meters, just avoid them altogether.

7. Go straight to your destination

Sometimes they may say they need to stop for gas or stop other places, say no. We made the mistake of letting him "stop for gas" and he stopped at this jewelry store where his friend was going to give him money and he said we could go in and walk around and maybe buy stuff…none of us bought anything and were very confused and we went back outside to meet him so he could take us to the Sunday markets, and we got in the cab for him to take us and he wasn't in a good mood because his friend never paid him… We are still unsure what happened but it leads me to my next point…

8. Don't anger the taxi driver

They will drive like maniacs. Bangkok traffic is scary enough, but when you make them mad, they will drive like they're in the fast and furious movies. This comes from experience and it was scary because it felt like we could've gone through the windshield at any point even though we were buckled in. Our driver was mad because he didn't get paid because we didn't buy anything (we think) so he drove fast and was weaving in and out of cars every two seconds. It definitely was not an enjoyable experience.

9. Have a time cushion in case of obstacles

One obstacle may be actually getting a cab…another may be traffic. If you're not on a time constraint, then ignore this, but if you need to get somewhere (i.e. airport) then make room for an extra half-hour or hour just in case of obstacles that may be in your way!

10. Don't take motorcycles

Most don't have insurance and a lot of them drive recklessly on sidewalks and between cars and it gave me anxiety just looking at them. Take them if you're feeling adventurous, but a lot don't have insurance, so keep that in mind. I never saw any accidents, but a lot of close calls for sure.

I can't believe I've already been here for two months! Almost half way there! This has been such an amazing experience so far and I still have more adventures to come!

Cheers!

Tay