What should I tip the driver for hotel transfer in Thailand and where should I get health insurance for travel?

Apr 26, 2024
8 months ago
Peter ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi I hope to come to Thailand next January/February staying in Panwa, Phuket, the hotel can arrange transfers. How much would you tip the driver?

Second question my wife and I are both in our eighties, we live in Spain, would it be better to get insurance here or in Thailand ?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation covers two main topics: the appropriate tipping for a hotel transfer driver in Thailand and advice on health insurance for expats traveling to Thailand. Tipping varies depending on the driver's service; generally, a tip of 50-200 baht is suggested for good service. As for health insurance, opinions suggest that expats may find it better to purchase insurance either at home or in Thailand, while considering the coverage for emergencies and transport back home.
Henrik *****
Buy insurance in your homecountry, since it will also cover transport back to your homecountry or to get relatives to Thailand in case of accidents or illness.
Henrik *****
When using hoteltransfers you have allready payed much above the reasonable price for the transport, so absolutely no tip. The driver should tip you for paying extra.

On Phuket use the phuketsmartbus.com/

Only 100 Baht.

From in front of Domestic Terminal, short walking distance from International terminal.

The buses have aircon, and you are not as cramped as taximinibus with 8-10 passangers.

There is adequate room for your luggage.

Be aware of Taxi, Minibus & tuktuk on Phuket is the most expensive in all of Thailand.

Taxi and Minibusses from the Taxi stand at the airport, will stop at their own travel agency on the route, and try to convince you, that your hotelreservation is canceled, and you need to get a new hotelroom from that travel agency.

Or they try to get you to book tours.

With 8-10 passengers it will easyli delay your transport half an hour or more.

Then easier to use the bus without scams.

Instead you should use the app’s if you want to get a reasonable price or at least use to compare prices.

thephuketnews.com/phuket-airport-limo-co-op-fined-b180k-for-tour-shop-stops-
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thephuketnews.com/grab-taxi-now-allowed-at-phuket-airport-
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thephuketnews.com/phuket-airport-taxi-checks-as-maxim-becomes-legal-
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.php?PDPA_accept=1
Christopher *************
Totally agree with you. To Insure Promptitude. I will not eat anywhere there is a service charge and when I do tip it because the service has been above and beyond. I have tipped twice in the last 3 years and that was for dining for my Daughter's 20th and 21st B/days and that went in the servers hand.
Neale **********
I never tip anyone. I'm not going down this ridiculous American route of tipping someone for everything when they already get a salary to do their job.
Garry ********
It's not America,,, tips are totally up to you, while it's nice to tip people and Thais do have a low income, but you will go broke tipping everyone for everything.
Yorgos **************
It's April now. Tips will go up about 35.67% at 23 of January 2025
Christopher *************
Get your Insurance where you can. There are lots of Companies in Thailand. I got mine for a reasonable rate from
*******************
For 3 months and I am 77. I will be taking my Daughter back to Canada next month and I will use them for her Insurance coverage. Your ages may be a problem though? As for the Driver , He will probably be an employee of the Hotel and be driving a hotel vehicle. Maybe THB 50 and the same for the Bellhop who delivers your luggage to the room.
Robert *****
Yeah. Fast track at the Airport, tip for driver 200 baht. Change a couple days expenses at the Airport to get by, then you’ll find money exchange out in town that give a better rate.
Michael ********
Nothing to do with your question, but at your age you qualify for fast track at airport.

TIP depends is slow and good driver 1 to 200 baht. If manic and crazy nothing.

Is it the cape panwa you staying ?
Tom ********
@Mic****
what age do you have to be for fast track at the airport ?
Steve **********
Michael ********
@Tom *******
70 i believe
Tom ********
@Mic****
Thanks, still way too young then 🙂
Michael ********
@Tom *******
few companies offer a fast track service I believe
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