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Terry Cox captured his luggage just after it dropped onto the carousel in the Bangkok airport. Weary from the very long flight, he stepped into the bright sunlight looking for a taxi. A smiling young man immediately appeared at his elbow.

"Want to buy my camel?" Luxor, Egypt

"Sir, taxi cost you twenty five U.S. dollars. You come with me. I take you into town. No charge. You see my hotel. Very nice. If you don't like, I drop you at Royal Palace, no problem. I take your bag?"

Terry gave him the heavy bag and wound up staying at a wonderful hotel set back about fifty yards from the bustling Chao Phraya River. Not only had he avoided the $25 cab ride but he paid one-fourth what he'd budgeted for hotel expenses

That decision worked out for Terry, but would you have accepted that ride into town? Well, I've done just that — and more than once.

Many people make their living offering to "help." They have to hustle to attract travelers to their picturesque small hotel or safari van or dive boat.

In my experience they have usually been legitimate, provided useful service, and earned a generous tip. On the rare occasion when what someone promised wasn't what he delivered we've parted with no hard feelings.

The fact is that the moment you walk out the front entrance of the airport in a faraway land everyone is happy to see you.

Unfortunately, a tiny minority may express their happiness in ways that are definitely not in your best interest.

How do you tell them apart?

Move on to Part II Return to Top

Traveler's Tool Kit by Rob Sangster, offers practical tips on how to travel absolutely anywhere. Click here to order!