Scams in SE Asia

carnie

I'll be over that way from Feb next till about May.. So today I decided to read up on the different scams in the area. Vietnam and Thailand seem to be the worst. Whether it tuk tuk drivers/hotels/bars/restaurants over charging, "friendly strangers" giving you "good" advice to go to certain sites or shops and the list goes on.

I was reading this http://www.travelfish.org/feature/129 and all the scams seems pretty much the same in that they take your money and don't cause any physical harm.. Then I got to the comment (4 up from the bottom) about the jet ski scam.. I'll admit it this put the willies up me. Not so much the attitude of jet ski owner but that a Mafia boss got involved and the police completely turned a blind eye to everything that happened or was going to happen.

Just going from the comments on the above link is Thailand really that bad?
Have you been scammed while in this part of world?
What should first time visiters like myself look for?

Here's a article about the scams in Laos and Vietnam.. They don't seem as bad as Thailand

Tipperary animal lover

Use your common sense you'll be grand, if you get into a situation you don't like just walk away, drink spiking is big in Thailand just carry what you need for the night out, some westeners will try to scam you not just the Thais, never promise anything unless you mean it thais always remember!! Thailand is the worst for scams.cambodia Vietnam and Laos its really only the taxi drivers make sure you agree the price or have the meter running(watch the meter sometimes it runs to fast;)).
Some hotels/hostels are dodgy, staff are known to come into the room when your out and help themselves to your wallet and hotel will not take responsibility.
If your happy with a price go with it, but always check around what's been offered. Hope this helps you, you'll have a great time.

Stinicker

http://www.stickmanweekly.com/Reader2007/reader4672.htm

Thailand has a good few scams, been there twice before so I know what to look out for. Worst thing that happened me was when I had my bags opened in the hold underneath a bus and had US$200 stolen from an envelope which was my "emergency fund", amazingly they never stole the netbook, ipod or camera just went for the Cash, I didn't spot it for a few days later as when I opened my bags and saw everything there I never bothered to open my travel folder.

So simple tips never leave valuables out of your sight if traveling by bus in Thailand. or never rent a Jetski in Thailand, always make sure the taxi has his meter on or else get out.

keenan110

I'm just back from two months in SEA. As the other posters have said just use your common sense and you should get by fine! Always agree a price with Tuk Tuk driver etc before going anywhere and be willing to haggle and bargain for just about everything! You get used to having to haggle very quickly so don't worry about it!:)

carnie

I'm hitting India up first for 3 months so hopefully by the time I get to SE Asia my haggling game will be decent enough..

The whole jet ski thing seems well dodgy.. Kinda glad i found out about it now rather then having to deal with a pushy owner accusing me of damaging his jet ski..

Think I'll keep all my valuables on me at all times ie camara, passport & mp3