Thailand airport exit guides
Thai airports are generally safe and well-signed. The main risk on arrival isn't violence — it's overpaying. Touts inside arrivals at BKK and DMK will quote 3–5× the metered fare.
Common exit risks
- • Tout 'taxi' touts inside arrivals quoting flat fares
- • Drivers 'forgetting' to switch the meter on
- • Tollway fees added without explanation
Cash & card advice
- • Official taxis run a meter and accept cash. Bring small THB notes — drivers rarely have change for ฿1000.
Ride-hailing status
- • Grab and Bolt both work at major airports. Use the official ride-hailing pickup zones, not the curb outside arrivals.
AIRPORTS IN THAILAND
- CNXlow riskChiang MaiChiang Mai InternationalFare ฿100–฿200Read →
- DMKmedium riskBangkokDon Mueang InternationalFare ฿200–฿400Read →
- KBVmedium riskKrabiKrabiFare THB 150-200 (bus) / THB 350-450 (Grab) / THB 400-600 (taxi/private transfer)Read →
- HKThigh riskPhuketPhuket InternationalFare ฿200–฿800Read →
- USMmedium riskKoh SamuiSamuiFare 130 - 500 THBRead →
- BKKmedium riskBangkokSuvarnabhumi AirportFare ฿250–฿450Read →
POPULAR ROUTES IN THAILAND
FAQ
- Does Uber work at airports in Thailand?
- Grab and Bolt both work at major airports. Use the official ride-hailing pickup zones, not the curb outside arrivals.
- Should I pay an airport taxi in cash or card in Thailand?
- Official taxis run a meter and accept cash. Bring small THB notes — drivers rarely have change for ฿1000.
- What currency do I need for a taxi in Thailand?
- Thailand uses the THB (฿). Cash preferred; small THB notes — drivers rarely have change for ฿1000. Avoid changing money at airport kiosks — the rate is usually 5–15% worse than a bank ATM inside the terminal.
- Do I tip taxi drivers in Thailand?
- Not expected — round up 20฿. Drivers do not rely on tips the way US drivers do, and inflated "tips" are sometimes used to justify an overcharge — pay the metered fare first, then decide.
- What airport scams are common in Thailand?
- The three most reported on arrival: Tout 'taxi' touts inside arrivals quoting flat fares; Drivers 'forgetting' to switch the meter on; Tollway fees added without explanation. See the individual airport guides for terminal-specific details.
- Which airports in Thailand have exit guides?
- We cover 6 airports in Thailand — including CNX, DMK, KBV, HKT, USM. Each guide has the official taxi rank location, fair fare, ride-hailing status and the scams to watch for on arrival.