1. Tuk-tuks/taxis

- Tell them you’re almost there (doesn’t matter where “there” is)

- If they offer to take you somewhere, say you’ve already been there, or you’re going there on another day

- Shake your head no and keep walking

- DO NOT wave, contrary to what you might think, they are not just being friendly, they will think you want a ride

2. Bargaining/Shopping

- Say you’re looking for something obscure that you know they don’t have

- Be on a mission (or at least look like it)

- Never stop to look at a map or to look confused

- Be with a tour guide or pretend to be with a tour guide that you need to keep up with

- Don’t linger for too long

- Do your research so you don’t get scammed about what time temples open

Quick story… I heard about the scammers in Thailand who say “there is a special event and the palace is closed until 3 p.m. today, let me take you on a ride around town (aka to shops that give them a cut of the purchases) and I’ll bring you back at 3″. Knowing this, when a tuk-tuk driver said this to me, I said “No, it’s open, I checked online” and kept walking. He didn’t say anything back. Successfully avoided being scammed!

3. Kids

- No eye contact (hard to do, but essential)

- No communication except no or no thank you (also hard to do, but also essential)

Photo Credit – Flickr