For the budget traveler, getting something for nothing is a dream that may seldom come true. But in Bangkok, the tuk tuk driver caters well to the ever increasing stream of backpackers and budget travellers who may dream of free means of transport. The tuk tuk scam can be used to one's advantage and instead of losing a large amount of money as many sources warn; one can save on taxi fares.
The tuk tuk scam generally involves a driver taking an unsuspecting passenger via a tailor shop instead of their designated destination. The passenger will then be taken into the shop and shown a variety of options in terms of suits or other goods. A group of shady looking sales representatives will then pressure the victim to buy, claiming that the "half-price sale" ends today and that they must buy today. These high pressure situations to buy often end in the traveler parting with money for an overpriced piece of tailor-made clothing.
The tuk tuk driver receives commission or vouchers for a tank of petrol every time he brings a customer to the shop - leading to inflated prices and unreliable tuk tuk drivers. But some tuk tuk drivers work with the traveler - asking them to play their own role in the scam and pretend to sincerely want a suit made.
A tuk tuk driver might ask you to spend ten minutes in the tailor shop pretending to want to buy, in exchange for a free tuk tuk journey to various stops. This can be a fun experience, not only because of the saving involved. It is not uncommon to be taken to 2 or 3 different sights in Bangkok for a mere 10 minutes of acting. You may even end up seeing amazing sights that you would not have otherwise considered going to.
For the more eager of actors - elaborate stories can be told to the sales representatives and one can pretend to be fooled into thinking they are being offered an amazing deal. It can be amusing to hear the sales person telling you they are giving you a price which you could never get at home and telling you how wonderful a particular style would look when you know that they are lying though their teeth.
Just make sure that you don’t give in to the pressure to buy and be sure not to return to the same tailor you may have promised you would return the next day. Also, be suspicious of those drivers who will claim that the sight you want to see is closed for the day. In fact, be suspicious of anyone you come across on your sight-seeing tour – they might well be in on the scam. Tuk tuks can be found all around Bangkok - but Khao San Road is one place you will not have to look very far.
