Phuket Thailand

Nanook · #1 05-09-2007, 16:16

Just a quick question:
Last my I went to the meter taxi stand. But i don't remember anymore where is was. Think it was one floor down from the arrival hall. You go to a counter and tell them where you need to go and they give you a slip which you have to present to the driver. Worked well IMHO.

Can anybody refresh my memory of where this stand is located?

Thanks.

MrDK · #2 05-09-2007, 18:07

It is on the 1st floor as you said. As you exit immigration/customs hang left and take the escalator down.

erik1 · #3 05-09-2007, 18:13

On the same floor as the food hall, haha that would be my first stop.

for the rest just on the first floor.

Next trip will be landing - immigration - check in Air Asia - down to the food hall for a first bite of thai food - then into that small plane to khon kaen

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nanook

Just a quick question:
Last my I went to the meter taxi stand. But i don't remember anymore where is was. Think it was one floor down from the arrival hall. You go to a counter and tell them where you need to go and they give you a slip which you have to present to the driver. Worked well IMHO.

Can anybody refresh my memory of where this stand is located?

Thanks.

Nanook · #4 05-09-2007, 18:24

OK. So no have Alzheimer yet... 55555555555....

Thanks Lars and Erik.

MrDK · #5 05-09-2007, 18:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nanook

OK. So no have Alzheimer yet... .

You are probably only at the Sometimers Decease stage at this point.

Nanook · #6 05-09-2007, 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrDK

You are probably only at the Sometimers Decease stage at this point.

Yeah, who knows... Maybe my GF has a cure...

MassMoose · #7 05-09-2007, 19:05

The first and only time arriving at this air port I thought it was difficult at first to locate the real taxi's(not the ones on the arrival floor trying to rip off tourists). It is well worth noting to a first time traveler that the real taxi's are down the escalator as you have already stated.

Schmeen · #8 05-09-2007, 20:25

I always go up two levels to departures and get a decent cab.

So many of the shitheaps wait in the Arrivals queue, I just refuse to get into some of those.

MadNomad · #9 05-09-2007, 20:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by MassMoose

The first and only time arriving at this air port I thought it was difficult at first to locate the real taxi's(not the ones on the arrival floor trying to rip off tourists). It is well worth noting to a first time traveler that the real taxi's are down the escalator as you have already stated.

greetings fellow masshole......salem ma here.....ill be in Patong first time in feb
Cheers!

Nanook · #10 05-09-2007, 20:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmeen

I always go up two leb=vels to departures and get a decent cab.

So many of the shitheaps wait in the Arrivals queue, I just refuse to get into some of those.

Well, I did not and will not use any of the taxi offers made by these people walking up and down the arrival hall. I just go to this little booth outside, as it worked out fine for me the last time I was there.

ATMwalking · #11 05-09-2007, 21:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nanook

Can anybody refresh my memory of where this stand is located?

<rant>

Shows what a failure this airport is. What other airport would you have to ask this question? I was walking around for 20 minutes trying to figure out where to go to get the airport hotel shuttle.

When on the elevator, one of the fast food workers got in with a big cart of garbage. I only let him get on because there was already an airport official on board. So I made a point of say "This is exactly why I hate this airport. I just got off the plane. Maybe my first time to thailand. Now I ride with garbage. Welcome to thailand." My girlfriend was angry but the official got the point.

</rant>

BTW, don't get fooled by the Airport of Thailand's expensive Limos that are conviently located and more obvious. Strange how that worked out isn't it. The airport is it's own airport taxi mafia now.

Nanook · #12 05-09-2007, 21:31

Thanks ATM.
Well at Schiphol Airport Amsterdam, there is also some kind of Taxi Maffia trying to get in. Every 10-15 minutes or so, you hear an announcement only to take a cab from the official taxi stand and not use any of the scums who approach you in the arrival halls.

marc26 · #13 05-09-2007, 22:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATMwalking

<rant>

</rant>

BTW, don't get fooled by the Airport of Thailand's expensive Limos that are conviently located and more obvious. Strange how that worked out isn't it. The airport is it's own airport taxi mafia now.

last month i took one of these
i just didnt want to look around for a taxi
i asked them if there was one available after 5 of their workers soliciting me, grab my bag and, lo and behold, sorry sir, have to wait
do they not understand that i just arrive, most probably from a long flight and dont want to wait around when im paying 5 times what it would cost me for a regualr taxi?

erik1 · #14 06-09-2007, 09:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc26

last month i took one of these
i just didnt want to look around for a taxi
i asked them if there was one available after 5 of their workers soliciting me, grab my bag and, lo and behold, sorry sir, have to wait
do they not understand that i just arrive, most probably from a long flight and dont want to wait around when im paying 5 times what it would cost me for a regualr taxi?

you falang you no understand

AOT give value for money - pay extra for extra wait in nice airport - not pay extra for bring bangkok - stupid falang

Minder · #15 06-09-2007, 09:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrDK

It is on the 1st floor as you said. As you exit immigration/customs hang left and take the escalator down.

__________________________________________________ ________

I've been caught this way before!
Your 1st floor is what we in the land of OZ call the Ground floor (our 1st floor is your 2nd floor etc)

My fellow Australians - the Taxi rank is just outside of the terminal on the ground floor !

BTW the "Private Taxi" charge my mate recently paid to Suk was 800 baht - more than double what you pay from the stand. Enjoy.

MrDK · #16 06-09-2007, 09:58

I am a little confused

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minder

Your 1st floor is what we in the land of OZ call the Ground floor

Same-same Amalika

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minder

(our 1st floor is your 2nd floor etc)

If you by our (Thai) mean 1 floor is above the ground floor, then same-same as Denmark where I am originally from.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minder

My fellow Australians - the Taxi rank is just outside of the terminal on the ground floor !

Conveniently labeled in Suvarnabhumi airport as Level 1 (and not 0 as in many European airports)

Robaht · #17 06-09-2007, 11:06

Why anybody would not just walk up to the departures level and get a taxi meter that just dropped somebody off is way beyond me. Choose the color and condition of the taxi you like, insist on taxi meter, tell 'em where you're going and save some money. No waiting - there is always a taxi there ready to go!

okay okay, maybe for a first timer who is nervous...but really, even then, just do it and fake it!

Minder · #18 06-09-2007, 14:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrDK

I am a little confused
Same-same Amalika

If you by our (Thai) mean 1 floor is above the ground floor, then same-same as Denmark where I am originally from.

Conveniently labeled in Suvarnabhumi airport as Level 1 (and not 0 as in many European airports)

__________________________________________________ _____________

It gets better.... email from Sabai Lodge in Pattaya (I'd asked for a room on the first floor - but it seems there in no 1st floor...LOL )...

"Dear Sir,
Thank you very much for your booking. ....

For first floor you mean ground floor or second floor?

Please let us have your confirmation as soon as possible.
Your Faithfully, Ked Sabai Lodge

....anyway the Taxis are on the Ground level....Enjoy.

erik1 · #19 06-09-2007, 15:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrDK

I am a little confused
Same-same Amalika

If you by our (Thai) mean 1 floor is above the ground floor, then same-same as Denmark where I am originally from.

Conveniently labeled in Suvarnabhumi airport as Level 1 (and not 0 as in many European airports)

Suvy has 0 as well but not yet open, I believe that is for the station below it. But not yet active in the elevators

sanuk21 · #20 07-09-2007, 17:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmeen

I always go up two levels to departures and get a decent cab.

So many of the shitheaps wait in the Arrivals queue, I just refuse to get into some of those.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robaht

Why anybody would not just walk up to the departures level and get a taxi meter that just dropped somebody off is way beyond me. Choose the color and condition of the taxi you like, insist on taxi meter, tell 'em where you're going and save some money. No waiting - there is always a taxi there ready to go!

okay okay, maybe for a first timer who is nervous...but really, even then, just do it and fake it!

I agree with Schmeen and Robaht!

When you get a taxi meter from the booth on arrivals and your driver grabs your bag you are committed.

Since I was stuck with the oldest taxi in BKK with no airconditioner, no wipers, no lights and faulty shockers I vowed ..never again.

At departures level just follow Robarts spot on advice!

If you are a newbee don't assume that the taxi driver can speak English and will know where your hotel is. Always have your hotel written in thai or at least the hotel's phone number so reception can direct the taxi driver.

AngloTeuton · #21 08-09-2007, 01:12

Same scam at the Phuket Airport:
But just go up to the departure level and grab an arriving cab there or even hitch-hike a private car. Or take the Airport bus in front of Burger King for THB 52 to Phuket Town and any the local buses from there, they have a full size bus to Patong and many pick-up truck jitneys aka 'song twaes' to all the beaches from the bus terminal (erratic) or Ranong Street (reliable, frequent and cheap 20~30 baht). Many wildcat taxis around the corner. -- Or get off at Big C Dept Store and grab a bus/taxi/moto from there (back of the building). All fares are negotiable, even with Taxi-Meter. Offer to let the driver stop at a gold shop for 10 min and get the lowest possible fare.

Another scam goes like this: you hotel manager books a taxi for you. At the agreed time the cab is not there. Manager calls a 'friend' who will take you for double the fare. They know you can't afford to miss your flight and are their hostage. TIT (= this is Thailand)!

My faves now are the 'next big thing' in Thai ground transportation: mopeds with home built sidecars! Can take 2~4 passengers and all their luggage. Same fare as mopeds that take you on the pillion, i e: cheap, THB 15 ~100.

But beware: those things can come apart with catastrophic consequences. Saw one vending bike flip when the sidecar separated from the bike spilling all that good food in the street. No injuries and the street dogs loved it! Amazing acts or random kindness: Passing Thais donated cash to the hapless driver! TIT also. I followed that good example and gave the man 100 baht. That sure would not happen in NYC, LA, LON or Berlin! I once spilled from my bike in LA and nobody stopped to help. Actually some drivers cursed me for blocking traffic for a few minutes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sanuk21

I agree with Schmeen and Robaht!

When you get a taxi meter from the booth on arrivals and your driver grabs your bag you are committed.

Since I was stuck with the oldest taxi in BKK with no airconditioner, no wipers, no lights and faulty shockers I vowed ..never again.

At departures level just follow Robarts spot on advice!

If you are a newbee don't assume that the taxi driver can speak English and will know where your hotel is. Always have your hotel written in thai or at least the hotel's phone number so reception can direct the taxi driver.

marc26 · #22 08-09-2007, 01:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngloTeuton

Same scam at the Phuket Airport:
But just go up to the departure level and grab an arriving cab there or even hitch-hike a private car. Or take the Airport bus in front of Burger King for THB 52 to Phuket Town and any the local buses from there, they have a full size bus to Patong and many pick-up truck jitneys aka 'song twaes' to all the beaches from the bus terminal (erratic) or Ranong Street (reliable, frequent and cheap 20~30 baht). Many wildcat taxis around the corner. -- Or get off at Big C Dept Store and grab a bus/taxi/moto from there (back of the building). All fares are negotiable, even with Taxi-Meter. Offer to let the driver stop at a gold shop for 10 min and get the lowest possible fare.

Another scam goes like this: you hotel manager books a taxi for you. At the agreed time the cab is not there. Manager calls a 'friend' who will take you for double the fare. They know you can't afford to miss your flight and are their hostage. TIT (= this is Thailand)!

My faves now are the 'next big thing' in Thai ground transportation: mopeds with home built sidecars! Can take 2~4 passengers and all their luggage. Same fare as mopeds that take you on the pillion, i e: cheap, THB 15 ~100.

But beware: those things can come apart with catastrophic consequences. Saw one vending bike flip when the sidecar separated from the bike spilling all that good food in the street. No injuries and the street dogs loved it! Amazing acts or random kindness: Passing Thais donated cash to the hapless driver! TIT also. I followed that good example and gave the man 100 baht. That sure would not happen in NYC, LA, LON or Berlin! I once spilled from my bike in LA and nobody stopped to help. Actually some drivers cursed me for blocking traffic for a few minutes.

i know being frugal is a virtue
but in another thread you said you bought a yacht but go through all these measures to save a few baht. seems strange