A mistake I made was buying the 25 pre-paid trips on the rabbit card. The prepaid trips are only worth it if you make long distance trips with each ride (like 5 or more stops that cost 50 or more baht). I bought the 25 pre-paid trips that came out to about 35 baht for each ride BUT you have to pay an extra 15 baht for every ride (that comes out of the 100 baht reserve you have to pay for to get the card), so in essence every trip I made cost 50 baht AND you have to keep reloading the reserve amount on the rabbit card to use the prepaid trips. It's super annoying and while the ticket person tried to explain things when I was buying the card, the language barrier made it somewhat difficult. They should make this much easier than it is. Now I know how to use it I'm good but for someone new to Bangkok it is unnecessarily complicated.
@@marcp108 This is what I should have done instead of buying the 25 prepaid trips. I used them all and I think I just about broke even but the whole adding value thing becomes a pain. But now I know!
Personally, I would advise first-time visitors to Bangkok to stay off the roads completely. Private cars are indeed much safer than taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes, but do absolutely nothing to save you from the frustration of being stuck in some of the worst traffic in the world. Using the BTS/MRT and the river ferries, as well as the Airport Rail Link, is a far more pleasant way to travel around Bangkok - and cheaper, as well. If you absolutely must go somewhere by road, it is always best to plan your time of travel & route with a local, one who has been driving in Bangkok for years & knows how and when to avoid traffic. As a side note (warning), I would also advise NOT walking around the streets with your attention overly focused on Google Maps, or otherwise distracted by your smartphone (or GoPro, for you YTers!). This is a darn good way to get hit by a car, bike, bus or truck - or step into a deep hole in the sidewalk. Put your phone away, while you are walking - and take it out again only when you are standing/sitting some place safely away from the traffic! Just my opinion, for what it is (not) worth! :)
Good advice. I agree. My main modes of transportation are public transit and ferries. Weaving through traffic as a TH-cam is definitely an art form 😂 Thanks for the input
I commend you for not encouraging people to use motorcycle taxis. They are very popular, can get you there fast and cheap, at a huge risk of injury or death. Keep in mind Thailand has one of the worst traffic accident rates in the world. Many taxi bikers are reckless, they care little about their own safety and even less about yours. Many bikes have bald tyres, broken rear lights, many have had their rear view mirrors removed. And if you should ride one without a helmet, that's just suicidal.
One odd thing with BKK taxis is that Thais will usually tell the driver where they want to go, effectively asking if he's willing to take them, before getting into the taxi. That just gives the driver an opportunity to say "no" or quote a big flat fare. I get in and shut the door before I tell the driver where I want to go (just as I would in any other city). If he proposes a big flat rate, I just say "meter". Of course he can still refuse the job. But he's already got a customer on board, and I've only ever had a couple of drivers refuse. In which case I get out. BKK taxis are a buyer's market. If you miss one there will usually be another that comes along in a minute. The only time I would ask before getting in would be for an unusually long trip, like to the airport.
Agree with most of what you have said. The motorbike taxis are great in peak hour to get around. A little dangerous but whatever. At their 'stations' they have prices listed for common close by destinations - they will not travel far. Most trips are b30 -B50. Act confident and tell them your destination give them a small tip when you get off!
From a tourist perspective using ride-hailing apps makes sense. As a resident I never use them (unless in really very rare cases that I end up in a very isolated place with no taxis passing by). I disagree with agreeing on a fixed price with taxis. I NEVER use fixed price with taxis, ONLY meter. When I hail a taxi who asks for a fixed price, I immediately refuse and abruptly stop any conversation, even if they change their mind and want to turn on the meter anyway. I never give a second chance and just hail the next one. Always have a variety of bills/change with you, so that you can pay the amount and don't have to rely on change. A taxi driver making a conversation really doesn't necessarily mean that they try to scam you. Again : if you're a tourist it could be a possible intro to a scam. But as a resident here I never had this happen to me. It's just common sense that trying to scam a long-term resident is a complete waste of time. Some conversations can be really fun.
I agree with the conversations… but unfortunately in my experience a driver is much more likely to operate a scam if he starts talking, but I agree that there are plenty of nice ones that will talk as well. Cheers
It's like night and day when people step into a vehicle here... and that's correct, many altercations have occurred due to excessive honking. Thanks for the additional tip!
Been here for a few days now visiting. Your videos prepped me well. Traffic is bad but it's all about claiming your spot. Claim your right to cross. Claim your position in traffic. If you can't defend it, it wasn't yours to begin with.
I still teach as well… just incredibly busy. I’m doubling up right now cause I’m about to pay some very large school fees for my son but hoping to switch over to content fully soon.
First, the tip is very useful for any newcomer to the city, who normally won’t have a longterm friend living here. And second, your making too many assumptions. It was a random message about meeting up after they already booked their holiday… not a trip to come meet me. Not sure where you got that assumption from.
A mistake I made was buying the 25 pre-paid trips on the rabbit card. The prepaid trips are only worth it if you make long distance trips with each ride (like 5 or more stops that cost 50 or more baht). I bought the 25 pre-paid trips that came out to about 35 baht for each ride BUT you have to pay an extra 15 baht for every ride (that comes out of the 100 baht reserve you have to pay for to get the card), so in essence every trip I made cost 50 baht AND you have to keep reloading the reserve amount on the rabbit card to use the prepaid trips. It's super annoying and while the ticket person tried to explain things when I was buying the card, the language barrier made it somewhat difficult. They should make this much easier than it is. Now I know how to use it I'm good but for someone new to Bangkok it is unnecessarily complicated.
Good advice. I actually made that mistake years back and totally forgot. Thanks for the input
I use a Rabbit card and have had no problems. Just added money when I needed to. Value on card seems to last over 12 months.
@@marcp108 This is what I should have done instead of buying the 25 prepaid trips. I used them all and I think I just about broke even but the whole adding value thing becomes a pain. But now I know!
Personally, I would advise first-time visitors to Bangkok to stay off the roads completely. Private cars are indeed much safer than taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes, but do absolutely nothing to save you from the frustration of being stuck in some of the worst traffic in the world. Using the BTS/MRT and the river ferries, as well as the Airport Rail Link, is a far more pleasant way to travel around Bangkok - and cheaper, as well.
If you absolutely must go somewhere by road, it is always best to plan your time of travel & route with a local, one who has been driving in Bangkok for years & knows how and when to avoid traffic.
As a side note (warning), I would also advise NOT walking around the streets with your attention overly focused on Google Maps, or otherwise distracted by your smartphone (or GoPro, for you YTers!). This is a darn good way to get hit by a car, bike, bus or truck - or step into a deep hole in the sidewalk. Put your phone away, while you are walking - and take it out again only when you are standing/sitting some place safely away from the traffic!
Just my opinion, for what it is (not) worth! :)
Very wise comment.
Good advice. I agree. My main modes of transportation are public transit and ferries. Weaving through traffic as a TH-cam is definitely an art form 😂 Thanks for the input
I commend you for not encouraging people to use motorcycle taxis. They are very popular, can get you there fast and cheap, at a huge risk of injury or death. Keep in mind Thailand has one of the worst traffic accident rates in the world. Many taxi bikers are reckless, they care little about their own safety and even less about yours. Many bikes have bald tyres, broken rear lights, many have had their rear view mirrors removed. And if you should ride one without a helmet, that's just suicidal.
I think people often underestimate the risks with bikes. Thanks for your input.
It is very dangerous to cross the zebra crossing as the cars will not stop even there is a traffic light ...😂😂😂
Yes… definitely. I treat it like an open roadway.
Useful vid. 🙏🏼
Cheers
Great video yet again! Thanks Cal!
Thanks for the kind words. Cheers
One odd thing with BKK taxis is that Thais will usually tell the driver where they want to go, effectively asking if he's willing to take them, before getting into the taxi. That just gives the driver an opportunity to say "no" or quote a big flat fare. I get in and shut the door before I tell the driver where I want to go (just as I would in any other city). If he proposes a big flat rate, I just say "meter". Of course he can still refuse the job. But he's already got a customer on board, and I've only ever had a couple of drivers refuse. In which case I get out. BKK taxis are a buyer's market. If you miss one there will usually be another that comes along in a minute.
The only time I would ask before getting in would be for an unusually long trip, like to the airport.
That’s a good approach. Thanks for the input!
Thanks for these kind of videos, very useful to newcomer. Have a nice day, Cal.
I’m glad it’s helpful! Cheers
Whats a trip to Bangkok without a taxi motorbike and a suitcase on your lap at rush hour?
Tis the way 😂
Agree with most of what you have said. The motorbike taxis are great in peak hour to get around. A little dangerous but whatever. At their 'stations' they have prices listed for common close by destinations - they will not travel far. Most trips are b30 -B50. Act confident and tell them your destination give them a small tip when you get off!
Definitely a good approach.
From a tourist perspective using ride-hailing apps makes sense. As a resident I never use them (unless in really very rare cases that I end up in a very isolated place with no taxis passing by).
I disagree with agreeing on a fixed price with taxis. I NEVER use fixed price with taxis, ONLY meter. When I hail a taxi who asks for a fixed price, I immediately refuse and abruptly stop any conversation, even if they change their mind and want to turn on the meter anyway. I never give a second chance and just hail the next one.
Always have a variety of bills/change with you, so that you can pay the amount and don't have to rely on change.
A taxi driver making a conversation really doesn't necessarily mean that they try to scam you. Again : if you're a tourist it could be a possible intro to a scam. But as a resident here I never had this happen to me. It's just common sense that trying to scam a long-term resident is a complete waste of time. Some conversations can be really fun.
I agree with the conversations… but unfortunately in my experience a driver is much more likely to operate a scam if he starts talking, but I agree that there are plenty of nice ones that will talk as well. Cheers
Very true ,motor vehicle operators usually don’t show jai dee.( kindness) But blowing a horn, unless it is an emergency ,is considered impolite.
It's like night and day when people step into a vehicle here... and that's correct, many altercations have occurred due to excessive honking. Thanks for the additional tip!
I just got my Thai Driver’s Licenses . Went to Smart Drive in Udon Thani.Very helpful and efficient.
But I ‘m not planning on driving in Bangkok.
Driving in Bangkok is definitely an adventure. That's one big thing that I miss about Canada.. the relaxed driving!
Thank you very much suggesting attractions
Cheers!
Bangkok wants all the tourist business and money but do very little to stop the unscrupulous taxi and tuktuk scams, leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
It would help a lot if they would address the transportation problems.
Been here for a few days now visiting. Your videos prepped me well. Traffic is bad but it's all about claiming your spot. Claim your right to cross. Claim your position in traffic. If you can't defend it, it wasn't yours to begin with.
Thanks for the kind words and this true. The only challenge here can be that the smaller vehicle (or pedestrian) isn’t necessarily given the spot 😅
Are you still a school teacher or only a TH-camr now?
I still teach as well… just incredibly busy. I’m doubling up right now cause I’m about to pay some very large school fees for my son but hoping to switch over to content fully soon.
E-Scooter/bike and take the train is one of a good choice.
Definitely. Just need to be cautious on the roads.
Say this with me; Duke Duke, not took took!
Fair point. Cheers
your first tip or the first story is nonsense. If a friend comes to visit you in Bangkok, you would 100% recommend them a good connected district.
First, the tip is very useful for any newcomer to the city, who normally won’t have a longterm friend living here. And second, your making too many assumptions.
It was a random message about meeting up after they already booked their holiday… not a trip to come meet me. Not sure where you got that assumption from.
They ought to ban the farangs who dont put their shirts on.