Paid $40 for a "local guide" in Bangkok who took me straight to a souvenir shop

The guy promised hidden temples and street food spots, but all I got was a 20 minute walk to a store selling overpriced keychains, and then he tried to charge me extra for the "tour" - has anyone else fallen for a fake guide scam like this?

3 comments

3 Comments

torres.grant9d ago

Wait, he tried to charge you extra AFTER dragging you to a gift shop? That's insane. Forty bucks is already a lot for a walk to a souvenir store. I would've laughed in his face and walked away. These guys prey on tourists who don't know better. At least you only lost $40 and not your wallet or phone. Definitely check reviews on TripAdvisor or ask at your hotel front desk before hiring anyone next time.

morgan_martinez8d agoMost Upvoted

Wait, so @torres.grant thinks $40 is bad enough? Man, you got the "express keychain experience" package with a bonus surcharge at the end. That's like paying for a five star dinner and getting a microwaved hot dog with a side of guilt trip. These guys must have a masters degree in creative billing. I'd be half impressed if I wasn't so annoyed for you.

fiona9859d ago

Flip it around on @torres.grant for a sec - these scammers are getting clever with social proof. What if the fake guide was working with a fake hotel front desk? Like you pay them, they give you a "recommended" guide who's actually their buddy. Happened to my mate in Chiang Mai. He asked his hotel for a local food tour and the front desk guy sent him to his cousin who charged triple and took him to a pad thai stall near the train station. Hotels get kickbacks sometimes, so even asking at the front desk isn't safe unless you check independent reviews first.