As a runaway turned budget backpacker, I can’t stop looking for ways to save money, make money, and ultimately travel longer. I always try for discounts because it never hurts to ask. I haggle for everything because there’s always a chance. And I constantly contemplate potential business opportunities abroad.
When I was 16 and trying to survive in Cairo, I brought tourists to perfume shops for a small commission from the shop owner. In Ethiopia I noticed a price disparity between raw sugar cane in the highlands vs the lowlands, and used this to make a small profit. And in Europe I would dumpster dive and sell my finds, and also recycle bottles.
This past week in Bangkok, Thailand, I put my budget and business conscious mind to work. I explored the city like any other backpacker would but the runaway in me kept on the look out for opportunities.
Whether you’ve blown all your money on Thai whisky buckets or you’re trying to salvage your budget, below are a few ways to make money in Bangkok.
1) Become a Ping-pong Tour Guide
It wasn’t until this trip, my fourth time in Bangkok, did I finally decide to see a ping pong show. It’s not because I wasn’t curious but more so because the whole business seemed pretty dodgy. As it turned out, it kind of is. You have to negotiate with a Tuk Tuk driver for a 30 minute ride into a Bangkok Ghetto, and then with a mafia looking club owner.
I would have felt much more at ease if I had gone with someone who had done it before. And then I thought, that’s not a bad way to make some money while ensuring fellow backpackers stay safe and don’t get ripped off. The key to this is to make friends with Tuk Tuk drivers and negotiate group discounts for transport and the show. Check out How To See A Ping Pong Show In Bangkok for more info.
Additionally, if you know Bangkok well enough, you could also offer people a tour of the city.
Animator Steve from New York turned Booze Cruise tour guide on Ko Pha Ngan.
2) Team Up With Tuk Tuk Drivers
Tuk Tuk drivers have agreements all over Bangkok with various luxury and boutique shops. For each tourist they bring in, they receive gas vouchers for between 30 and 90 Bhat.
To do this you need to make friends with a Tuk Tuk driver. Then propose that you’ll agree to visit 5 or 6 shops if he agrees to split the commission. Although you won’t make much and you’ll have to put up with pestering sales people, it makes for a fun day cruising around the city in the back of a speeding Tuk Tuk. This method works best during the low season when drivers are struggling for customers and more willing to work with you. To see how I did it, check out How To Explore Bangkok For Free.
Tuk Tuk teamwork
3) Promote A Club
Khoa San road is full of clubs, restaurants, and massage parlors. Like the Tuk Tuk drivers, some places offer commission, albeit a small one, by bringing in others.
I don’t recommend doing it unless you really believe in what you’re promoting. Otherwise it’s simply capitalizing off your fellow backpackers and that doesn’t feel good.
4) Pawn Your Things
If worst comes to worst, you can always pawn your things. Mid way down Rambuttri road, the road adjacent to Khao San, is a small street side pawn shop. Although they offer terrible prices, it’s better than nothing. And even though you’re in their power, don’t forget to haggle.
Pawn shop on Rambutrii Road, Bangkok
Conclusion
Bangkok is a highly evolved organism full of symbiotic relationships between drivers and shop owners, and promoters and clubs. It thrives off tourists who, when they compare their purchasing power to that at home, end up spending way too much for everything.
So if you’re on a really tight budget or in need of money, there’s no reason why you can’t capitalize on these cash flows yourself. Just be sure to do so with good intentions and in ways that make everyone happy.
Hi, I’m just curious: how do you talk with the Tuk Tuk drivers to make these arrangements? I can’t imagine how I’d conduct the conversation myself.
You are definitely awesome in terms of your business mind, it is one of my favorite things about your site and blog.
Keep on traveling.
Many of them can speak some level of english. If not, they speak business :)
Dude, you are a born hustler … I admire that, by the way. Hope you translate this into making it big online … after all, you have an amazing story to tell!
Hey Tim, thanks a lot! Appreciate the support. I hope so too!!
oh so sneaky! Love the teaming up with tuk tuk trip!
;) They love it too.
Hey Leif!
Long time no talk! I talked to you a while back on Facebook. Glad to see you’re still following your dreams of travel. In Spring of 2015 I’m looking to backpack Europe (I’ll have sufficient funds by then) but i’ll go anywhere my interests take me. If you’re interested contact me and maybe we could get together and travel. Hope to hear from you.
Cheers!
DJ
Hey! O yea, I remember I think. Yup, can’t stop traveling :) I’m a bit of a lone wolf when it comes to traveling but if we’re in the same region let’s def meet up.
I don’t know any other ways for travelers to make money in Bangkok,but make comment for the per-pas of saying to you Thanks for your Great guide.
Hey Leif,
Although I never comment on your posts, I have been a dedicated fan of your website for quite a while. I’m only in high school right now but there is nothing more satisfying to me than traveling and experiencing new things. I believe cultural enrichment is the best education one can have (far superior to our education in the US). For quite sometime, I was ready to abandon my current life for one of excitement and adventure. However, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I knew in my head, that if I did, nothing would ever be the same. I loved my family too much. They aren’t the reason I wanted to leave. I wanted to leave because I believe that conformity and routine are not adequate lifestyles. I felt obligated to break the cycle that everyone follows. I craved adventure. Recently, I came across AFS and was unsure about it for quite a while. But, when you also posted about it, I knew it was probably I good idea. Eventually, I got my parents to accept it and they agree with me at the moment about how I want to live my life (I understand this is a privilege that few people share and greatly appreciate that). In fact, I am in the middle of the application process right now (getting teacher recommendations). Now, this is where I desire your advice. In all honesty, my vice principle and guidance counselor are royal b***hes and they are on bad terms with me and my parents. They refuse to let me partake in AFS and threaten to fail me (even though I have perfect grades). I know people who have gone to study with AFS and their schools were honored as they were the pioneer students to do so. Please advise me on how I can convince my school and I would be extremely greatful. We even appealed to the super intendant! Thanks a lot in advanced Leif. You are kind of like a role model to me and I value your opinions. I’m still counting on the fact we might meet someday! And again thanks in advanced!
~AAR
Hey AAR, thanks for letting me know! I definitely agree, there’s no better education than by immersing yourself in a different country. O my god, that’s amazing! I’m really glad to hear that you want to go abroad with AFS. But I’m so enraged to hear that your school is giving you such a problem. I think you need to write a really thought out letter and send it to everyone. The state board of education and even the governor, congressmen, senator ect. I wish you the best with it and hope you get to go with AFS.