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Not all taxi or tuk-tuk drivers are out to scam tourists, but some see a backpack and see a piñata full of money just waiting to get whacked. I was trying to get a cab to a comedy show in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and I had the address on my phone. The cabbie looked at the address and said “30 ringgit”. “30 ringgit?”, I said, “That’s way too much! 20.” He glared at me and pointed at his cab.”Can’t you read? Haggling is prohibited!”
In great big red letters no less.
So I got there for 25.
EDITOR’S NOTE:No matter how careful you are, you will get scammed. It will be embarrassing and demeaning. You will be bitter. In the arms race of travelers and scammers there are no winners, only survivors. But like any experience, its not the mistake you make, its the recovery that matters. Don’t let the few who prey on travelers sour your view of everyone. In our experience, there are far more people out there who want to help you than who want to scam you. Be smart, be wary, be in control.
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