You think Thailand is expensive? It’s probably not Thailand. It’s you 🙂
The average Thai person lives comfortably on some 500 euros per a month which includes all expenses like rent, food, and transport included. Meanwhile, tourists regularly blow that in a day or two and don’t even realize how. Obviously you will want to endulge and will not live like a Thai when on holiday but some scams and money mistakes are easy enough to avoid and still have a great holiday. The less money you spend the earlier you can come again 😀 And let’s admit it we all get addicted to coming back so making the Baht last longer is very useful.
Here are some brutal Thailand tourist mistakes and money traps that can ruin your trip and how to sidestep every single one.
Falling for the “friendly waitress” act in bars
In tourist hotspots like Bangkok or Pattaya, you’re never really alone and specially if you’re male. But be warned: that sweet, smiling waitress complimenting you? Often, she’s not really a waitress. It’s a script. She is there to extract as much money from you as possible. Every drink, every compliment comes with a price tag. And there is nothing wrong with it but just be aware and don’t get suckered into buying tons of drinks and then get your bill padded with extras you didn’t even order. Be smart, check your bill regularly and always keep in mind that they want you to spend as much as possible.
Real story: I saw a guy in a gogo bar saying to the woman sitting with him it was his birthday. Suddenly, the staff gathered and started to sing, brought shots for everyone, and gave at the end he got charged for all of that he didn’t even want.
Tip: Keep emergency cash hidden, don’t open up emotionally or financially, and always know the price of drinks before you start buying.
Do not ring the bell at the bar
See a big brass bell or fun-looking horn? Don’t touch it. Ring it, and you’ve just offered to buy everyone a drink. Once you ring it there will be girls coming out of every whole in the wall looking for their drink. That can easily be a few thousand baht for abosolutely nothing. Once they all drink their drink they will dissapear as fast as they appeared 😀
Tip: Keep your hands to yourself unless you’re in the mood to buy a round for the entire bar.
Imported booze can blow your budget
Western liquor is taxed like gold in Thailand. A gin and tonic at your hotel could cost the same as a 3-course Thai meal. So if you are on a tight budget or want to make it last longer try to stick to the local brands as they can be much cheaper. A Hoegaarden can be 240thb in a bar while the Leo or Chang is almost half the price.
Tip: Stick to local brands like Leo, Chang, and Sangsom. Buy at 7-Eleven. Hunt happy hours. Drink responsibly.
Trusting random strangers offering help or advice
If a random guy offers to take you to a temple, gem shop, or tailor just run. It’s almost always a scam. Specially if you are visting tourist spots there will always be someone saying that it is closed but they can get you in or some similar scam and lie.
Phrase to learn: “Mai ao krub/kha” (I don’t want it). Or just Mai. Use it like a verbal shield.
Taking taxis without a meter
Many taxis won’t use the meter. Some drivers will quote 2-3x the normal fare, or worse they will try to upsell tours while driving or offer to take you to see women. This is just because they get a kickback for every tourist they bring and then you will be pressured or even worse made to buy or pay something. Always before getting into taxi as “Meter?” and if he agrees get in and if not then just close the door and go to the next one. Luckily there is never a shortage of Taxi’s in Bangkok.
Tip: Use Grab or Bolt for set fares. Or stick to motorbike taxis for short distances.
Going only to famous beaches
Thailand’s most famous beaches like Phi Phi and Maya Bay are stunning, but also the most expensive and crowded. Those instagram photos don’t show all the Chinese and Indian tour groups that are all around places like that. If you want a relaxing beach just totally avoid such places.
Tip: Explore lesser known islands like Koh Lipe, Koh Yao Noi, or islands in Trat province. They’re cheaper, more chill, and equally beautiful.
Traveling during festivals without knowing it
Do your research before you travel. Avoid traveling when there are festivals and holidays as the crowds are just too much and the prices skyrocker. Thai festivals = beautiful chaos + inflated prices. Chinese New Year (Feb), Songkran (April), and Loi Krathong (Oct) are the most crowded. If you don’t want to pay a premium you should also avoid traveling in the high season. Prices are much higher in that period and it can get very busy. High season (Nov–Mar) = best weather + highest prices. But April–Sept is the rainy season and underrated. It usually only rains in the evening anyway.
Also try to avoid times when there are school holidays at your home country or region. July and August tickets from Europe can be up to 40-50% more expensive as everyone is traveling at the same time.
Tip: Use a Thai festival calendar when planning. Book flights and hotels early or avoid those dates altogether. Travel in Sept or Oct. Less rain, fewer tourists, and half the price.
Booking IG hotels that cost a fortune
Instagram-famous hotels charge 150+ Euro a night but are often far from anything. They might look great on photos but do not offer that much better accomodation that other much more budget friendly hotels. There are hundreds of great smaller hotels in Bangkok in the range of about 50 Euros. No need to overpay as the diference between 4 star and 5 star hotels isn’t that big but the price can easily be double. And everything in the luxury hotels will be double from the mini bar, reastaurants, bars and you know all the taxis outside those hotels are looking to scam you.
Tip: Use platforms like Agoda. After 10 bookings, you unlock huge secret discounts. Look for hotels near BTS/MRT stations. I found a very very nice serviced apartment on Agoda for 35 Eur a night while it was around 60 on all the other booking platforms.
Paying for hotel laundry
Hotel laundry costs more than your actual clothes. You can find a local laundromat and wash a whole load for under 100 baht. Or if you book a serviced apartment there is a good chance it comes with a washing machine.
Tip: Find local laundromats or small services near massage shops. Typical rate: 100 baht per kilo, washed and returned.
Overpaying for Coffee
That Starbucks? Same price as back home or even more. That street cart iced coffee? 30 baht (under 1 eur). Just avoiding starbucks for your daily coffee can save you a nice chunk of change.
Tip: Try Thai iced coffee from local stalls. Sweet, strong, and budget-friendly.
Eating Western Food All the Time
Pizza, burgers, and pasta cost double or triple. You are in Thailand, the most famous country when it comes to food. Try it. Street food is clean and super tasty and also very cheap. Trust me if you are going to Thailand don’t end up eating just at your hotel, you are missing out.
Tip: Eat Thai street food. Clean, cheap, fast. Look for locals and clean utensils.
Overpaying for transport
In Bangkok, MRT, BTS, and buses are super cheap. Elsewhere, shared songthaews (red trucks) cost almost nothing. Get out, don’t just go from your hotel to a taxi with AC and into a bar with AC. Enjoy Bangkok for more than just the night life. There is so much to see and do. Use the public transport as it is cheap and you can get a feel for the city and connect with the locals.
Tip: Use Google Maps to plan routes and fares. Avoid overpriced tourist minibuses and unmetered taxi. Tuk tuks are the most expensive way to get around and a scam
Booking domestic flights the expensive way
Connecting flights via your long-haul airline can be 3x the price. Use the local low cost airlines.
Tip: Book local airlines separately: AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion. Typical fares: 25–35 Euros.
Paying for Roaming or airport SIMs
International roaming is expensive. I once turned my phone on at a layover in Muscat and lost 80 Euros in 10 seconds. Airport SIMs are marked up so if you don’t need internet right away, once you go to the hotel go out and find the nearest 7-11 and buy one or go into a shopping mall and find the AIS 1-2-Call prepaid sims or True shops. Make sure to bring your passport as all SIMs have to be registered. Another option is an eSIM you can get before you start your trip but only if your phone supports it.
Tip: Buy a local SIM at 7-Eleven (bring your passport). Or get an eSIM before your trip.
Exchanging money at the wrong place
Airport booths near arrivals offer terrible rates. Never ever change any money with them. If you have to change at the airport go to the basement level where the Airport train is and there you can find much better rates. If you can wait it is always better to exchange in the city. If you can find a SuperRich exhange place or similar it usually gets you the best rates. You can find the current Super Rich Thailand rates at their website. But usually banks also have similar rates but you can always check both websites and compare.
Tip: Go to the basement at Suvarnabhumi Airport. All major banks have exchange booths with standard rates or wait till you get into the city.
Accepting ATM Currency Conversions
ATMs ask if you want to be charged in your home currency. Say no! You can lose a lot by accepting their exhange rates. If you do a large withdrawal it can be up to a thousand baht diference. And you should always take out as much as you can because Thai ATMs charge 220THB for each transaction with a foreign card so it is best to take out as many as you can and not take out little by little as each time you will be charged.
Tip: Always choose to be charged in baht. Your bank will usually give a better rate. And take out as much as you can at once don’t do small transactions.
Ignoring Budget Destinations
Bangkok is great but also most expensive destination in Thailand. There are other locations like Chiang Mai, Pai, Isaan area, and other northern areas are cheaper and full of charm. If you want more than the touristy spots and conviniences make sure to visit some of those places and experience a more authentic Thai location.
Tip: Fly north, stay longer, spend less. Ideal for digital nomads and slow travel.
Visit free attractions
The most visited attractions usually are not free. But many stunning temples and parks are totally free. Examples: Wat Mahathat, Wat Paknam, Lumphini Park, Chiang Mai’s Arak Shrine. They are worth a visit as much or even more so as most Thai’s avoid the tourist hot spots and choose the other free attractions.
Tip: Look online for free-to-enter places. Save money for activities or food.
Not speaking a word of thai
Just knowing “hello” and “thank you” gets you better service. Also if you can understand some of what is being said and can answer in Thai the chances of getting scammed are much much lower. Plus the Thai’s are always happy that you try to speak their language and are willing to learn.
Tip: Learn: “Sawasdee krub/kha” (hello), “Khop khun” (thank you), “Mai ao” (no want), and numbers 1–10.
Buying expensive travel adapters you don’t need
Most Thai sockets accept both flat and round power sockets. You probably don’t need an adapter. Buying these at the airport or while you travel can be expensive and you might not even need it. If you really do need it could also ask at the hotel and they would loan you one.
Tip: Bring a small power strip instead. Charge all your devices at once.
Thailand can be incredibly cheap if you know where to look, what to avoid, and how to travel smart. Bookmark this list. Check it over once before you travel. It will make your trip safer, more enjoyable and at the end less expensive. You know you will want to come again so don’t spend all your money this trip 😀
