Generally speaking, Thailand is one of the safest countries in the world. Crime–especially violent crime–is very rare in the country and tourists typically are welcomed into the country with open arms.

But just because crime is few and far between doesn’t mean you should let your guard down while traveling through Thailand. Because tourist scams in Thailand do exist–even if they are a lot rarer than in other countries visited by hordes of tourists every year.

That said, here are the most frequent scams to avoid while traveling through Thailand’s many wondrous stops.

What are the most common scams in Thailand?

1. Taxi Price Gouging: Ask for the Meter

Picture this: you hop into a taxi in Thailand, excited for your next destination, and the driver conveniently “forgets” to turn on the meter. Next thing you know, you arrive at the destination and the driver asks you to pay an exorbitant price.

It is very common in busy areas or areas frequented by lots of tourists for taxis (especially in Bangkok) to quote foreigners outrageous prices rather than accept a metered fare.

How to avoid this scam: This one is easy. Always ask for the meter. If the driver says no, then wait for another taxi to drive by. If it seems like a metered taxi will be hard to find, then make sure you negotiate a fair price before stepping inside. Side note: you are much more likely to get a taxi willing to use the meter that is driving by rather than hailing one that is parked on the street.

2. Rigged Taxi Meter: Be Firm and Speak Up

In the last couple of years, this scam in Thailand has become very common. It typically happens right when you arrive at the airport before you even get your bearings. You hop in the taxi at DMK or BKK airport and suddenly you look up at the meter and the price is astronomical.

In general, the maximum price you should ever pay for a metered taxi in Bangkok is 400-500 baht (and that would be a very far ride from the airport).

How to avoid this scam: If the meter price is skyrocketing every moment and heading for 1,000+ baht, there’s a big problem. Either get out and find a new taxi or negotiate a new price that is reasonable. If the driver gives you problems, take a picture of his taxi plate number on the door and report him/her to the taxi company or Thai tourism police.

3. Tuk-Tuks “Tours”: Find Better Alternatives

Tuk-tuks, the zippy three-wheelers synonymous with Bangkok’s traffic-filled streets, are notorious for tourist scams and almost never giving foreigners a fair price. We recommend avoiding tuk-tuks in almost every situation. But if you want to experience zooming through the city in a tuk-tuk, negotiate the fare upfront and stick to the agreed-upon route.

Whether it be a simple ride from point A to B or a guided tour through the city, tuk-tuks in Bangkok will try to lure tourists into making other stops where they can make commissions bringing tourists such as markets selling gems or shops selling tailored suits.

How to avoid this scam: Just say no when prompted by a tuk-tuk driver to go somewhere else. They will tell you everything under the moon (i.e., “you can just look”, “you don’t have to buy anything”, etc.). Just don’t listen. They are wasting your valuable time in Thailand.

4. Red Light District Funny Business: Be Careful What You Agree To

Thailand’s notorious red-light districts may lure you with promises of free shows and cheap thrills. Beware of common red light district scams in Thailand where inflated prices and unexpected charges can really put a damper on your night of party.

Typically these scams involve taking tourists to cheap “karaoke” rooms, Ping Pong shows, or other sex-themed shows where they proceed to charge them for a million different things at ridiculous prices.

How to avoid this scam: Confirm prices before indulging in the nightlife to keep your evening fun, not financially painful. And try your best to avoid red light spots that are exceptionally seedy-looking. If you get a sketched-out intuition, listen to it.

5. Wrong Change Scam: Always Count Your Baht

This common tourist scam in Thailand is most likely to occur at chaotic nightlife locations like Khao San Road but can happen anywhere. A tourist goes to buy a local beer or perhaps street food with a large bill and the staff “accidentally” gives the incorrect change back.

How to avoid this scam: Always politely count your baht on the spot to avoid falling prey to this sly tactic. After all, you wouldn’t want to break the bank on one beer when you could’ve bought another five more for the same amount.

6. Attraction “X” is Closed Today: Don’t Trust Random People in Tourist Areas

Normally, this common Thailand scam happens when a random person waits near a tourist site and falsely tells tourists going there that it is closed for the day due to a special ceremony or renovation. The scammer then diverts the tourists to overpriced tours, attractions, or shops where they can make money off of them.

This tourist scam is most likely to occur in places like Bangkok, Phuket, or Pattaya.

How to avoid this scam: Check official sources for attraction hours and don’t be swayed by tales of unexpected closures. Every major tourist attraction has staff working even on closed days (which aren’t often) that you can ask.

7. Damaged Scooter Rental: Take Pics Before Renting

Renting and driving scooters on paradise islands is kind of one of the defining things about a trip to Thailand. It’s a must. But before you take off riding your new scooter rental, make sure you snap some photos of it from each angle as proof of its condition at the time of rental.

Some motorbike shops try to make a little extra money by scamming unsuspecting tourists into believing that they damaged the scooter. When in reality, the damage was already there.

How to avoid this scam: Take pics of the motorbike before revving up the engine, agree on terms in writing, and return the gear in the same condition to avoid inflated repair charges.

8. Farang Price: Bargain and Be Willing to Say No

As a foreigner (“farang” in Thai), you will undoubtedly encounter this common scam in Thailand. Put simply, many Thais decide to charge higher prices to tourists knowing that many won’t care to pay more or simply don’t know the actual cost. I guess who can really blame them?

But sometimes that can annoyingly lead to situations where Thai sellers try to quote astronomical prices to foreigners for local goods and services. Things that are a fraction of the price.

How to avoid this scam: Combat this by asking locals for price references or by checking online reviews to ensure you’re not paying more for the same thing. On top of that, put your bargaining cap on and be willing to walk away if they don’t give you a fair price.

How can I avoid getting scammed in Thailand?

Protecting yourself from scams in Thailand and ensuring you have a fun and safe experience in the country is similar to pretty much everywhere else you might go.

First and foremost, keep your wits about you and be aware of everything going on around you. If someone sounds like they are trying to pull one over on you, then trust that intuition and exit the situation.

Thankfully, a petty scam is probably the worst thing that will happen to you in Thailand. And, as most people who have traveled to Thailand will attest to, even that won’t likely happen due to Thai culture’s emphasis on respect and community.

But as always, always be smart and trust your gut!