Is Grab Safe & Reliable In Bangkok? Must-Know Tips

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Is grab safe and reliable in Bangkok? Here is everything you need to know about using apps like grab and bolt to get around Bangkok, including common scams, top tips, and advice on how to get the best discounts.

It’s no secret that taxis and tuk-tuks aren’t the most convenient way to get around Bangkok anymore. Grab has taken over many parts of South East Asia, and Bangkok is actually one of the best cities to use the app.

Make the most of your time in Bangkok and save time and money with grab.

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grab bangkok safe and reliable price taxis

Why you can trust this article about grab in Bangkok

Hi, I’m Victoria, and I’m your go-to source for South East Asia travel tips and information. I’ve been traveling to Thailand for more than 25 years, which feels crazy to say, but it’s true.

Needless to say, Thailand has changed a lot over the years, and I’m here to keep you updated on travel information and the best things to do or see. I live in Bali, which is just a short journey from beautiful Thailand, and I end up coming here several times per year for extended trips.

Whether you’re looking for an ultimate island-hopping itinerary, or useful currency tips, I’ve got you covered.

Thailand is very easy to reach from Bali, so I come here quite a lot and usually stay for a while. I can tell you everything you need to know about using Grab in Bangkok, when it’s reliable, and when not so much.

With this article, getting around Bangkok with the help of ride hailing apps or taxis will be easy.

Must-Have Travel Resources

  • Insurance – Safetywing
  • Accommodation – Agoda or Booking
  • eSIM – Jetpac
  • Flights – Skyscanner
  • Tours & Experiences – Viator

Is grab available in Bangkok?

Good news: grab is available in and around Bangkok, so getting around is easy, at least most of the time. However, there are some things you should know before you rely exclusively on grab to get around Bangkok.

Bangkok is a very well-connected city in general, so you’ll have the luxury of choosing from a variety of transport options. But if you’re not keen on public transport and don’t want to worry about overpaying for taxis, your best bet will be grab.

grab driver in bangkok on red scooter bike with his head down and helmet on

Is grab reliable in Bangkok?

Generally, grab is very reliable, and I personally use it almost exclusively when in Bangkok.

Just keep in mind that it might take longer to find a ride during rush hour, so factor in plenty of time. Occasionally, it can be challenging to find a grab driver in Bangkok very late at night, but in my experience, this is mostly the case if you’re staying in a very quiet neighborhood far from the center of town.

If you’re having trouble finding a driver, just keep waiting or try booking a different type of car or bike, which can sometimes help. You may also find that it helps to walk to a major street or to another area where traffic might not be as bad.

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Is grab safe to use in Bangkok?

Grab is safe to use for tourists in Bangkok, and you do not need to worry, even as a solo female traveler. Incidents where drivers are inappropriate or disregard the rules are very rare and not more or less common than any other transport method.

Grab monitors and regulates its drivers and takes complaints seriously, so you’ll be as safe as possible during your time in Bangkok.

You can share the details of your trip with someone via the app, and you’ll receive an instant warning should the driver go off-route.

OUR TIP

If you ever feel that your driver is driving too fast or you feel unsafe in their vehicle, you can let them know, and they will slow down. This goes especially for motorbike taxis.

The Best Things In Life Are Free

A free walking tour is the best way to explore Bangkok – click the link below to see the best ones available.

What are normal prices for grab in Bangkok?

The price for short grab car rides within Bangkok is around THB 100 to THB 200. Longer trips will be closer to THB 300 to THB 600 or even over THB 1000 for rides over an hour or more.

Keep in mind that rates for grab bikes in Bangkok will be more affordable than the prices for cars above.

These rates will go up during rush hour or if there is a high demand for drivers in the area.

grab driver on blue scooter in bangkok with mask and helmet on on empty road

Is Bolt available in Bangkok?

Bolt is a popular alternative to grab in Thailand. The app is much newer and less established than grab, so it’s still expanding its services.

Prices are usually much cheaper than grab, but finding a driver can be a challenge in my experience.

I’ve used Bolt occasionally in Bangkok, but often, it is unable to find a ride, unfortunately.

Are Uber and Lyft available in Bangkok?

Uber and Lyft are not currently available in Bangkok or anywhere in Thailand. Grab is the most popular alternative and a good choice if you want to get around using convenient online taxis.

OUR TIP

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Is gojek available in Bangkok?

Gojek is an Indonesian alternative to grab or Uber and was briefly available in Thailand before the company handed over operations to Air Asia in 2020.

While gojek is very popular across Indonesia, especially in places like Uluwatu, Canggu, or Sanur, it does not work in Thailand anymore and definitely not in Bangkok.

gojek helmet on bike in front of green hedge

Is grab available at Bangkok’s airports?

Grab works at Bangkok Airport, but it has some limitations. Depending on when you’re arriving and how busy it is, grab drivers may be unable to pick up passengers at Arrivals. The local taxi drivers often oppose the use of online taxis (even though they’re perfectly legal), so it’s smart to avoid confrontation.

Both of Bangkok’s airports have designated grab pickup points, which you can check using the app. Usually, grabs from the airport are slightly more expensive than the regular fares.

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Advantages of using grab in Bangkok

If you’re not already convinced, here are the main arguments and benefits of using grab to get around Bangkok:

  1. Always the lowest price: Grab will almost always be cheaper than a taxi, and you won’t have to worry about overpaying.
  2. Extremely convenient: Call a ride from your phone, no matter where you are.
  3. Get a ride within minutes: Unless you’re in a very remote part of Bangkok or in rush hour, you’ll almost always be picked up in 10 minutes or less.
  4. Transparency and safety: Drivers are regulated, and the whole service is very transparent, so negative incidents are very uncommon.
  5. Plenty of options and features: You can use grab for all sorts of things, such as food delivery, and can customize the type of vehicle you need.

Challenges of using grab in Bangkok

Nothing is perfect, and grab is no exception. Here are some disadvantages of using the apps and things to look out for:

  1. Drivers sometimes double-book: Most drivers work for several ride-hailing apps, so they might accept your grab ride only to cancel a few minutes later if a better one comes in on Bolt.
  2. Communication can be tricky: Many drivers don’t speak English, and sometimes there are miscommunications.
  3. Bangkok’s traffic can be crazy: Even grab can’t fix the traffic, and during rush hour, it can take a while to find a ride.
  4. Grab drivers don’t earn a lot: The drivers work long days and don’t make a lot of money, so make sure to always tip.
  5. The app decides the prices: Much like Uber, these gig economy companies aren’t the most ethical even though they create so any jobs.

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Can you use grab in Bangkok without a credit card?

The good news is that you do not need a credit card to use grab in Bangkok. You can pay the driver in cash after the ride is over, which they might even appreciate more since you’ll be more likely to tip.

You can, of course, enter your credit card in the app if you want to, and I actually recommend it. Grab works with international credit cards, and paying becomes a lot more convenient.

grab driver on red scooter in bangkok

Do you need a local SIM card to use grab in Bangkok?

You need to get a local Thai SIM card to use grab in Bangkok. When signing up for the app, you’ll have to register a phone number, and it only accepts numbers from countries where grab operates.

If you’re from outside of South East Asia, you need to buy a SIM card in Bangkok to use grab.

Common grab scams in Bangkok

Scams exist in most places that have a lot of tourists, and here are some things you should look out for when using grab, or taxis in Bangkok. These aren’t necessarily scams but just unexpected things that might occur.

  1. Your driver accepts the ride and doesn’t move. This isn’t really a scam, but more a way to stretch out the time in hopes of getting a better ride. Of course, your driver may also be stuck in traffic, so don’t jump to conclusions too quickly. If the driver is not moving and unresponsive, just cancel the ride and book a new one.
  2. Accepting a ride and then asking you to cancel. Drivers get penalized if they cancel too many rides, as do riders (but not nearly as severely). Your driver may accept your ride on grab, then find a better one on Bolt, but doesn’t want to be penalized for canceling. If that happens, there is a setting in the app where you can indicate that the driver asked you to cancel. Many drivers also have their app on auto-accept, which an lead to this situation.
  3. Driver arrives and asks for more money. This is an unfortunate situation, and we understand that payments for drivers are low, but asking for more before the ride even begins is not acceptable and not the point of using grab. If this happens, just cancel the ride and find another driver.

As you can tell, none of these scams are really very severe and are better referred to as inconveniences.

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Tips for using grab in Bangkok

Here are some things you should know about using grab in Bangkok.

1. Use the hidden discounts in the grab app

Grab sometimes gives you discounts you can use directly in the app to bring down your total price.

You can select them right before you order your ride, and they will often take off anywhere between THB 5 and THB 150. It works even better for food delivery, and I often save 30% or even 50% on food orders, which makes a big difference.

Not everyone knows about these discounts since you need to manually select them, so make sure to give it a try next time you use grab in Bangkok.

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A free walking tour is the best way to explore Bangkok – click the link below to see the best ones available.

2. Always wear a helmet when taking a grab bike in Bangkok

If you’re ordering grab motorbike taxis, you should always wear a helmet. Almost all drivers have a spare one with them, but many won’t offer it to you unless you ask (at least for shorter trips).

Road accidents are unfortunately not uncommon in Bangkok, and you should always wear a helmet, no matter how short the trip is.

There is a small chance that your grab driver in Bangkok might not have a second helmet with them, in which case they sometimes offer to give you their own. It’s up to you if you accept it.

Every traveller should have insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies, hospital visits and unforeseen accidents. SafetyWing is not only the best choice for shorter trips but also offers long-term plans for digital nomads or those travelling for extended periods of time.

They have a great selection of plans, including trip insurance, which supports you in case of cancelled flights or lost baggage.

My favourite part is that they offer adventure sports coverage ad-ons, so you can do all the exciting activities without having to worry about taking unnecessary risks.

No matter where you’re travelling, you cannot put a price on peace of mind.

Find out more about SafetyWing here.

helmet on white scooter

3. Don’t ask a grab driver to take two passengers on their scooter

A lot of tourists will ask drivers to take two people on their scooter, so they don’t have to order two rides.

We don’t recommend doing this, as it’s unsafe and usually not really necessary since grab rides are so affordable and easy to find. Don’t put the added responsibility on your driver and get a second one instead.

This makes Bangkok’s roads safer and decreases the chances of accidents.

4. Factor in traffic

Bangkok’s traffic can get crazy during rush hours, and you can sometimes get stuck for hours close to the city center.

If you’re going anywhere in Bangkok with a car, it will take much longer than a scooter, so make sure to factor that in when you order your grab.

5. Order an XL grab if you have luggage

Grab has the option to order XL rides, which will be a larger car with more space. Even if you think you would fit in a regular car, you should order a larger ride if you have luggage, especially if you’re more than three people.

Some grab drivers will get angry if you don’t spend the extra money on an XL ride, and they might even refuse to take you. It’s better to avoid the conflict and get a large one instead. The price difference isn’t very big.

luggage bali airport

6. Give your driver a good tip

Grab drivers do not earn a lot, and they work extremely hard. While tipping is not mandatory, we highly recommend that you do. Your driver will really appreciate it, and even small amounts can go a long way.

You can tip directly through the app if your credit card is entered, or you can just give your driver cash.

7. Enter your credit card in the app

Having your credit card entered in the grab app makes things so much easier, and you won’t have to worry about having the correct change. Grab works with international credit cards, and it’s quick and easy to put your details in.

8. Double-check your address

Grab often gets the address wrong, and your deliveries or rides might go to the wrong place.

Always double-check your address to avoid confusion and make life easier for your driver.

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9. Make use of the sending function

Sending things with grab is a lifesaver and will make your Bangkok trip so much more convenient. You can get a lot of errands done with grab, and it’s easy to forget about this extremely convenient feature, so definitely make use of it as much as you can.

You could, for example, leave some luggage behind at a hotel and then have the staff (if they agree of course) send it to you later on in your trip, so you don’t have to carry everything around.

10. Know that you might be asked to pay for tolls

Grab prices in Bangkok do not include parking fees or tolls, and your driver will ask you to pay these separately in cash. This is especially common at the big toll roads surrounding the city.

They’re usually affordable and only cost around THB 50 to THB 100.

traffic in bangkok with buses taxis and grab bikes

11. Expect that your driver might not have change

Most grab drivers in Bangkok do not have change for big bills, and sometimes they might also tell you that they don’t in order to get a good tip.

It’s smart to come prepared and carry smaller bills, especially for scooter taxis. That’s another reason why entering your credit card in the app makes things so much easier.

12. Add multiple stops to your ride

Did you know you can add more than one stop to your ride on grab? Your driver will wait for around 5 minutes (or probably longer if you ask them nicely and give a good tip).

13. Consider getting grab unlimited for longer Thailand trips

If you’re in Thailand for longer and will be using grab quite a lot, it might be worth it to invest in a grab unlimited membership. It’s very affordable and definitely worth it if you frequently get rides or order food.

You’ll get discount vouchers for almost all grab features, and the app even keeps track of how much you saved.

Best ways to get around Bangkok

Here are the best transport options for Bangkok so you can still get around as easily and conveniently as possible, just in case grab doesn’t work as expected.

1. Is Bangkok walkable?

Bangkok is pretty walkable, with spacious sidewalks. The Khao San area, especially, can be explored very well on foot, although the distances can be long, especially if you’re walking in the hot sun.

I would highly recommend walking shorter distances under 15 minutes and getting a grab for longer trips to make the journey more comfortable.

Also, keep in mind that rain can appear very suddenly in Thailand, even during the high season. Invest in a rain poncho and keep an eye on the weather if you’re planning on walking a lot.

2. Can you rent a bicycle in Bangkok?

Renting a bicycle is not very common in Bangkok, but some people do bike tours around the area. Check out this bike tour around Chinatown and the Chao Praya River.

It’s the perfect balance of being active and exploring, and you’ll absolutely love it if you enjoy spending time outdoors.

3. Can you rent a scooter in Bangkok, and is it safe for driving?

Renting a scooter is the best way to get around most parts of Thailand, but in the case of Bangkok, it’s not really necessary. The city has great transport, is pretty walkable, and distances aren’t extremely long. You can probably get around to most places on foot or by grab/taxi if needed.

Bangkok’s traffic is very busy and not suitable for inexperienced scooter drivers. It can be very unsafe for tourists to drive here, especially on the big highways.

If you do rent a scooter, drive slowly and always wear a helmet. Scooter accidents are very common in Thailand, and tourist drivers make the roads dangerous.

Every traveller should have insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies, hospital visits and unforeseen accidents. SafetyWing is not only the best choice for shorter trips but also offers long-term plans for digital nomads or those travelling for extended periods of time.

They have a great selection of plans, including trip insurance, which supports you in case of cancelled flights or lost baggage.

My favourite part is that they offer adventure sports coverage ad-ons, so you can do all the exciting activities without having to worry about taking unnecessary risks.

No matter where you’re travelling, you cannot put a price on peace of mind.

Find out more about SafetyWing here.

grab driver on bike between big trucks in bangkok

4. Can you rent a car in Bangkok?

It’s not very common for tourists to rent a car in Thailand, but it is possible. There are plenty of official car rental agencies in Bangkok, especially at the airport. We recommend booking through Discover Cars online, which will get you the best rates, and you won’t have to worry about overpaying or having to worry about insurance.

Prices start at approximately THB 700 (~ $20 US) per day but will be more expensive during the high season.

Make sure you have the correct driver’s license, though, and only rent a car in Bangkok if you’re confident driving on the left side of the road.

OUR TIP

You can also rent a car elsewhere in Bangkok and then drive further south to Thailand’s islands. This is definitely a big adventure and will involve a lot of driving, but it can make getting around much easier.

5. Public buses in Bangkok

Bangkok’s public bus system is pretty good, although it can be difficult to navigate if you don’t speak the local language. Buses connect most neighborhoods in Bangkok, and you can just hop on and off and pay cash on board.

You can use Google Maps to help you figure out which bus goes where or double-check with the staff on board.

Unfortunately, the buses in Bangkok aren’t the most reliable, and they can be late at times.

We highly recommend the airport buses which can take you to and from both of Bangkok’s airports.

orange bus on empty road in bangkok

6. Taking taxis in Bangkok

Bangkok has plenty of taxis, and they can be found almost everywhere. You can flag one down on the street or ask your accommodation to book one for you.

Unfortunately, taxis are usually more expensive than grab rides since many of them do not use a meter. If you use taxis, always try to find a driver who will use a meter to avoid overpaying.

taxi in bangkok white and green

7. Getting around Bangkok by tuk-tuk

There are tuk-tuks in Bangkok, and you can mostly find them in the tourist neighborhoods around Khao San and Chinatown. Generally, they’re slightly more expensive than a grab ride, but can be fun to try for the experience.

Always haggle and make sure to clarify the price with the driver to avoid scams.

8. Hiring a private driver in Bangkok

If you don’t want to worry about finding new taxis every time you go to a new place, you can also hire a private driver to take you around. This can be very convenient for larger groups and day trips outside of the city.

Many grab and taxi drivers offer this service, so make sure to ask them if you’re interested.

Hiring a private driver is usually only necessary for day trips and not really needed if you’re staying in the city.

9. Using the MRT and BTS Skytrain to get around Bangkok

Bangkok’s public transport subway and skytrain system is very easy to use and extremely convenient.

Prices range from THB 15 to THB 60 per ride, so it’s a very affordable way to get around Bangkok.

Unfortunately, neither the MRT nor the BTS currently connects to the Khao San area, where a lot of tourists stay, so you’ll have to find alternative transport options there.

Must-Have Travel Resources

  • Insurance – Safetywing
  • Accommodation – Agoda or Booking
  • eSIM – Jetpac
  • Flights – Skyscanner
  • Tours & Experiences – Viator

10. Getting around Bangkok by boat

Bangkok’s Chao Praya River has a great system of boats which can take you from one neighborhood to another. There are public boats, river taxis, and private longtail boats, all in various price ranges.

We recommend public boats and ferries, which cost only a few baht and conveniently connect Khao San Road to the royal palace, Wat Arun, Chinatown, and much more.

public boat taxi in bangkok on chao praya river

Using grab and more transport methods in other parts of Thailand

We know that figuring out how to get around is one of the most important things for travelers in Thailand. If you’re exploring more islands and places around the country, make sure to check out our grab and transport guides to places like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Krabi, and Koh Tao.

You might also enjoy this post about using grab in Khao Sok National Park.

Grab Bangkok FAQ

Is grab available in Bangkok?

Grab is available in Bangkok, and rides are much cheaper than taxis.

How do you get around in Bangkok, Thailand?

The best way to get around Bangkok is by grab, taxi, on foot, or by public transport.

Is there Uber in Bangkok?

Uber is not available in Bangkok currently, and grab is the best alternative.

Is Bolt available in Bangkok?

Bolt is available in Bangkok, but it can be difficult to find a driver at times.

Is grab available at the airport in Bangkok?

Grab is available at both of the airports in Bangkok, and there are specific grab pickup points you can use.

Is Bangkok walkable?

Bangkok is pretty walkable for shorter distances, although the heat and weather can make it challenging.

Should I use grab in Bangkok?

Grab is a fantastic way to get around Bangkok and is highly recommended

Can tourists use grab in Thailand?

Tourists can use grab in Thailand, but they need a local SIM card to sign up for the app.

How do I pay my grab taxi in Bangkok?

You can pay for grab using cash or your credit card directly in the app.

Is grab illegal in Bangkok?

Grab is legal in Bangkok, and you shouldn’t have any issues using it.

Is grab safe in Bangkok?

Grab is very safe to use in Bangkok for tourists and the app monitors its drives closely.

Before you go…

You’re ready to go on the Thailand adventure of a lifetime to Bangkok. Explore even more of Thailand’s beautiful islands in our 2-week itinerary, or read about which Thai island might be the best choice for you here. If you’re not too sure yet where to stay, this Krabi vs Ao Nang guide will help.

If you’re looking for more fun things to do, check out this legendary abandoned hotel in Koh Tao and snap some pictures for Instagram, for which we have some Thai-inspired captions for you here.

Celebrating a special occasion in Thailand? You’ll love these ideas for spending your birthday in Bangkok.

Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.

My Most Important Travel Resources

  • Insurance – Safetywing
  • Hotels – Agoda or Booking
  • Hostels – Hostelworld
  • eSIM – Jetpac
  • Flights – Skyscanner
  • Tours & Experiences – Viator & Get Your Guide
  • Transport in Asia – 12Go Asia
  • Rental Cars – Discover Cars
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Victoria Heinz

Victoria is the founder of Guide Your Travel and has been a travel writer for ten years. She has a Master of Arts in International Relations and Politics and is a managing partner at a marketing agency in Indonesia, giving her unique insight into local culture and customs. Originally from Germany, Victoria has been living abroad for eight years in countries such as Australia, the UK, Spain, Malaysia and Indonesia. Today, she calls Bali her permanent home and helps over 200,000 people plan their trips around the world every month.

Welcome to Guide your Travel!

Hi! I’m Victoria, a travel blogger from Germany and the author of Guide your Travel. I write about my favourite destinations in Europe, South East Asia and digital nomad life in Bali.

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Hi, I'm Victoria

Welcome to Guide your Travel – a blog about South East Asia and how to travel on a budget.

I’m a blogger, writer and photographer and love to introduce my favourite destinations to others and encourage them to see the world.

I’m originally from Germany but spent four years living in the UK, quite a bit of time in Spain and Malaysia, and am now travelling full time with a home base in Bali, Indonesia.

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