Taxis in Bangkok are generally pretty good and problems are not that common, especially in comparison to tuk-tuks. Virtually all taxis in Bangkok are metered nowadays, though on occasion the drivers will (illegally) refuse to use it and quote an inflated flat fare instead (sometimes claiming the meter is 'broken').
Simply start to get out though, and they will normally agree to use it. If not, there's
plenty of others who will. The exception is the rainy season downpours, when
an inflated price is the norm, for Thais as well as farang.
You may also come across the odd taxi driver with a rigged meter, though this
is pretty rare - if you realize, pay only what the price should be and call
over any passing police if there are any.
There
are a couple of ways to increase the likelihood of a driver using the meter.
Some taxi drivers will target tourists, especially first time tourists, who
they believe (often correctly) will pay the inflated rate. It follows that
it's best to ignore the drivers who simply wait on Khao San road, by the Grand
Palace, outside the big hotels etc as it can be quite difficult to get a meter
fare from them. The ones who linger outside of the expensive hotels all day
are the worst of the lot - they are simply lazy, and would prefer to overcharge
a few tourists a day than get some honest fares. Don't use them just because
of their apparent convenience and/or persistence (e.g. grabbing your bags
from you as you leave the hotel), as hailing from the street is easy and a
much better choice.
Appearing like you know what you are doing is also a good way of avoiding
any problems. It's can be worth lying if they ask you how long you've spent
in Thailand already, or how many times you've been. If you say this is your
3rd trip to Thailand, and you've been here for a month so far, they presume
you know how it all works. Also make sure to open the door first and tell
the driver where you want to go before getting in, as it obviously makes it
much easier to walk away if they quote a flat price.
The best way to avoid any problems is to speak some Thai. This may seem
difficult, but the level required for taking
a taxi is quite simple. 'Meter' is a Thai word taken from English and
is pronounced the same, but with more emphasis on the 'er'. If you get stuck,
many hotels will give out cards with their name and address written in Thai
on it.
There
are a couple of ways to increase the likelihood of a driver using the meter.
Some taxi drivers will target tourists, especially first time tourists, who
they believe (often correctly) will pay the inflated rate. It follows that
it's best to ignore the drivers who simply wait on Khao San road, by the Grand
Palace, outside the big hotels etc as it can be quite difficult to get a meter
fare from them. The ones who linger outside of the expensive hotels all day
are the worst of the lot - they are simply lazy, and would prefer to overcharge
a few tourists a day than get some honest fares. Don't use them just because
of their apparent convenience and/or persistence (e.g. grabbing your bags
from you as you leave the hotel), as hailing from the street is easy and a
much better choice.
