Quote:
Originally Posted by tlam26
just new to the forum and grabbing info as i learn to use it.
re ;- taxi`s , is there a going rate to silom from the airport or is it all negotiable.
any advise will be great.
cheers keglegs ( Adelaide HHH)
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At the moment, while the old airport (Don Muang) is still open, there are limousines (about 500THB? haven't used myself), taxis from the taxi rank (meter fare + 50THB + tip) or the departures route (below, meter fare + tip).
The best practice is to keep walking straight ahead out of the arrivals area and take the escalators up two levels to the departures area. Outside here there are taxis keen to pick up fares immediately after dropping folks off since it saves them (and you) joining the queue back down at arrivals. Ask "Taxi-meter [destination], expressway" and if they say yes get in and make sure the meter on the dashboard reads "35" as you start off. If they offer to take you shopping, to see suits or anything else's politely but firmly decline - they get paid a commission for every sucker they drop off at certain establishments (gem stores, tailors etc. all of which are just a waste of your time and potential high-pressure sales rip-offs). Have some 20THB notes in hand to pay the expressway tolls. (twice: 20THB then 40THB). This, along with the fact you were picked up at departures, lets them know you are not a complete newbie and they are less likely to try anything.
However, the new airport (Suvarnabhumi) is supposed to open soon. I have heard there is a limousine service franchised from the airport to downtown which will be expensive (and I always like to find ways around franchises anyway, just on principle) and a bus service that will take you out to where you can pick up a taxi, which sounds awkward and inconvenient. It has been mooted that a similar manoeuvre to Don Muang -haul your bags to departures and pick up a dropping-off taxi - will be the better option, but until some intrepid souls have reconnoitred the situation we won't know any more. Same-same with tolls and time of transit/traffic situations. Suvarnabhumi is scheduled to open on the 28th September.