106 replies to this topic

[boarhog]

When you think you know it all is when you stop learning. Each trip I manage to pick up something new and realise the traditional method is not always the best. This is one that I didn't learn until I left BKK the first trip and saw several taxis dropping off people at departures.

Would like to recommend to everyone arriving and needing a taxi to avoid people offering taxi service outside baggage and arrivals.
For an example if you going to Nana, Sukhumvit they will charge you around 600-700 baht. If you go outside to get a metered taxi, they have to pay an airport tax (surcharge) straight away. This journey can be up to 450 baht.

However by just going upstairs to departures you can easily catch a taxi that just dropped some on off. Just insist on metered and this same trip can be done just under 200 baht. Don't let them try to add on a service charge or airport tax, becuase they didn't have to pay it, by not getting in that que downstairs.

They have elevators as well that you can easily fit a luggage trolley on. You get those trolleys at baggage claim for free.
The escalators are moving sidewalk types, not steps. You can fit you trolley on them easily as well. When you get up top and go outside look to your right and see the metered taxis. They are across the first lane. Keen drivers will actually be looking for you, and be more than willing to assist you with your bags. Just make sure you establish that your on meter rate.

Once I had one try to get an extra 100 baht on top of meter after arriving at my guest house. I asked why and he said for airport tax? I told him he didn't have to pay it, so I'm not either. He was happy to take his meter fare only. For him it was worth a try, thinking the average farang doesn't know any better.

I have done this several times now. Thai governement had recently had a big crackdown against the illegal taxi services that were operating which has helped from what I have heard.

When you get to the top floor which is departures, you just cross these lanes of traffic. you can actually see the taxi's who have just dropped off people sitting with open doors waiting on the suave travellor.

In my case I had a driver searching me out, and on the way to taxi did the usual questioning of meter. 190 baht to Nana. the driver in the center Taxi is actually looking for a suave customer using the departures drop off. I have also used this same principle in Viet Nam (Ho chi Min ) Airport paying about 5 USD instead of $15.

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[boarhog]

The 2nd best option in my opinion is this outdoor taxi meter que on the first floor. Here you que in a long line then pay that surcharge of 50 baht, then there is more traffic going out of airport in this area. Remember go to top level and go down to your right and look for taxi's that have just dropped people off. They will often look for a next fare instead of going around and getting in the que. They win and you win by doing this. Its all allowed. You'll always save time and money with this option.

Then since there are so many cars leaving this area its often slow going getting out.

Have some baht ready for both these options because you are responsible for tolls. They have several ATM's and money exchange booths inside the airport.

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[boarhog]

Lots of locals even arrange their pick-ups to meet them in this area as there is a lot less hassle and traffic. Easy to get out for them and or a taxi.

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[boarhog]

The AVAT Tourist Tax Refund office is another way to recover some funds. Save you receipts on gifts and purchases and get your refund here. If your buying a lot of things, gold, electronics, etc, it really adds up and makes it worth while. This one is located by Gate C.

Meals and accomadation do not count.

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[onetruesaxon]

Excellent Idea boarhog and well laid out.

Thank you for taking the time & effort to put this on the forum.

Well i appreciated the post !!!

[boarhog]

Way too much time on your hands boarhog.

For my part I'm happy to use the excellent system which has been put in place by the airport authority and continue to catch my cab at the ground floor, I know it means paying a few dollars more but hey....I can afford it

and you who doesn't have time wants to wait in a que then in traffic? Up to you.

I'll take the quicker less expensive alternative everytime.

[kliome]

Better still, send an email to Mr.T taxis, and you'll have someone waiting for you as you exit with your bag.

Quicker, simpler AND cheaper..

Make a reservation in advance email mr_ttaxi@hotmail.com or call for reservation +66 38-720-318 or mobile 081-258-7716/081-351-3612.

[dixon cox]

I've used the Departures level for a taxi to Sukhumvit more times than I can remember.

However, it is not the saving of a few Baht (approx. £1) which sends me upstairs, that's irrelevant... it is the simple fact that I am able to choose my ride into town and not get lumbered with any old shitty and fucked-up taxi that is next in line downstairs in arrivals.

Notice how many beaten-up old bangers with dodgy meters wait inline downstairs in Arrivals to how many clean and well-looked after newer taxis are available upstairs dropping people off in Departures.

It's not the money that's the deciding factor at all, it's the quality and safety of the vehicle.

This is an old topic which has been covered before on a number of occasions across several fora, but not in such photographic and descriptive detail. As PT says.. too much time :|

[boarhog]

This is an old topic which has been covered before on a number of occasions across several fora, but not in such photographic and descriptive detail. As PT says.. too much time :|

My deepest apologies for taking the time to help someone who asked. I must yield to the guys who have less time in the future.

[boarhog]

In fifty plus arrivals at either of the Bangkok airports, I've thus far not had to wait in line for a taxi loger than the time it takes them to write out a destination ticket for the driver.
Paying 100 Baht more for the approved method while I'm about to start a spend spend spend holiday troubles me not :?

Thats fine, I realise people get set in their ways and often afraid to change something that works for them.

I'll keep applying my strategy whether its BKK, VN or China. for me it is about choice, and I will take the cheaper quicker option. I'm also with dixon on the point I want to choose my driver and Taxi and this involves speaking to my actual driver.

If people want to follow the mainstream crowd thats their choice.