Taxis come in a wide variety of forms. Rickshaws, tuk-tuks, motorbikes, and
rowboats await you at every turn. Taxis, in all these forms, will often express
their desire to take you anywhere in whatever city or locale you happen to be
in for an extremely small fare. They will then say they must make a quick stop,
which inevitably leads to a drawn out attempt to sell you something expensive.
They will take you to some sort of shop (jewelry, gem, tailors, and travel
agents are all common) and you will be hassled to purchase something. If you
choose to buy anything, a commission will be given to the taxi driver.
Unbeknownst to you, this commission will be tagged atop a price tag that is
already overpriced. Do not get in a taxi offering extremely low fares or if
they tell you they need to make a stop. It is a quick way to waste away a few
hours haggling your way out of spending money.
Destination Dirty, Closed, or Full
This scam usually involves a taxi driver or a travel agent. When you tell
the driver you want to go to a certain guesthouse or hotel, or try to make a
reservation, they will tell you that it is either closed, dirty, or full. They
will proceed to inform you of a very cheap alternative that will suit your
needs. If you choose this route, it is likely that you will end up paying more
for substandard service and accommodation. It is always a good idea to call
before you show up or to go check your intended destination anyways, regardless
of what you are told. Taxis and travel agents are often lying in this regard,
hoping that they can book you or take you to a hotel where they get a
commission.
A slightly modified version of this involves major tourist sites. If
approached by anyone who claims that a major tourist site is closed for
renovation or a government holiday, be weary. This is a common lie that usually
leads you towards some other destination (usually a shop or hotel) in hopes of
getting you to spend your money. Disregard such statements and check your
desired destination yourself. Or, if you must, check with a local tourist
police or tourist information center to determine whether the site is closed.