bangkok street smart tips

 My mom and I absolutely LOVED Thailand. Temples were amazing, food was fantastic, and shopping was phenomenal. But there were a few things I would should tell you about Thailand.

The *Land of Smiles* CAN be deceiving if you are gullible and stupid. Most tourists unfortunately are. 

HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT TIPS:

(1) Taxi. Make sure the meter is on. I have yelled at many taxi drivers who try to *negotiate* the prices by not turning on the meter. It's total bullshit and needs to be called out. If they try to hassle you, pay the price but don't tip. They'll often *pretend* not to understand you. Just tell them repeatedly, "turn meter on" and if that doesn't work, you have every right to leave.

(2) Negotiating in Open Markets. Don't flaunt your jewelry or your name-brand clothing and bags while shopping. Common sense, right? You'd be surprised how some of these people would try to negotiate pricing while flaunting their wealth. Hello.

(3) Bring CASH. Cash is king in Thailand.

(4) Food is better on the street than in the restaurants. The street food is really good and really cheap. I haven't been impressed by most of the restaurants in Thailand vs. the street vendor food carts.

(5) Make copies of your passport and keep them in the provided lock boxes at the hotel rooms. You don't need to haul around your passports. Gawd forbid someone pick-pockets you and you lose everything. Keep your important possessions inside that lock box, including extra cash.

(6) Print out a copy of your itinerary and grab some extra hotel business cards for the taxi. This is especially useful if you don't speak the language and you are too drunk to function.