A Guide to Using Grab in Thailand (2025)

Using grab in Thailand will make getting around easy and convenient, especially when you are exploring spots away from the BTS lines; we share a complete guide as expats in the city.

Getting around Bangkok and getting around Thailand is easy and convenient, with options ranging from tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis to buses, BTS Skytrain, and MRT subway lines in major cities.

However, Grab is by far the most convenient choice for most travelers. The app works much like Uber, allowing you to book rides for cars, motorbikes, or even deliveries with upfront pricing and cashless payment options. It’s widely available in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, offering comfort, safety, and ease of communication in English—perfect for tourists unfamiliar with local transport systems. Whether you need a quick motorbike ride through traffic or a comfortable car to the airport, Grab makes navigating Thailand stress-free and reliable.

Guide to Using Grab in Thailand

What Is Grab?

Grab is a Southeast Asian super app that brings together transport, food delivery, courier, and payment services in one place. In Thailand, Grab is widely used by both locals and visitors because it makes getting around and ordering food incredibly easy. Rather than flagging down a taxi and haggling over the fare, you can simply open the app, see the cost upfront, and track your driver in real time.

While Grab began as a ride-hailing service, it has expanded into a full lifestyle platform. You can now use it to book a car or motorbike ride, get food delivered, send a parcel, shop for groceries, or even pay bills through its wallet system. In cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, Grab has become part of daily life.

Why Use Grab in Thailand

Thailand’s public transport system is convenient in some areas but limited in others. 

Grab fills that gap by providing reliable transport on demand and using this app is always one of our top Thailand tips. Here are some of the main reasons travelers and residents prefer it:

1. Upfront pricing: You see the fare before confirming your booking, which helps avoid being overcharged or scammed.

2. Safety and convenience: The app records driver details, allows you to share your trip in real time, and keeps all transactions digital.

3. Range of options: You can book a car, a motorbike taxi, a delivery, or even order dinner without leaving the app.

4. Time-saving: Bangkok traffic is infamous, and GrabBike drivers can weave through congested streets, saving a lot of time on short trips.

5. Language barrier reduction: Instead of explaining directions in Thai, you can enter your destination directly into the app.

While Grab is sometimes a little more expensive than local metered taxis, most users find that the convenience and transparency more than make up for it.

Setting Up the Grab App

Downloading and Installing

Grab is available for both iOS and Android. Download it from your app store, open it, and set your country to Thailand if it doesn’t automatically detect your location. The app will display all prices in Thai Baht (THB) and will be available in English or Thai depending on your phone’s language settings.

Phone Number and SIM Card

You’ll need a phone number to register. Travelers are encouraged to buy a Thai SIM card when they arrive—available at airports, 7-Elevens, and mobile kiosks—so that drivers can contact you easily. A local number also ensures you receive verification codes and SMS updates without international charges.

If you already use Grab in another country, your account should work in Thailand. However, certain features like the GrabPay wallet may be restricted if your wallet is tied to another currency.

Payment Options

Grab offers several ways to pay:

• Cash: The most common option in Thailand. Simply hand the driver the exact amount when your ride ends.
• Credit or debit card: Link your card in the app, and fares are automatically charged at the end of each trip. Be aware that your bank may apply a small foreign transaction fee.
• GrabPay wallet: You can top up your wallet using a linked card or bank transfer and use the balance for rides, food, or shopping. Some promotions are only available when you pay with GrabPay.
• Promotions and vouchers: Check the Promotions tab for discount codes or cash-back offers.

Before confirming a ride, always double-check which payment method is active—switching after booking isn’t always possible.

Grab Services Available in Thailand

Grab is more than a transport app. It’s a full ecosystem of services that cater to nearly every convenience. Here are the main ones:

• Grab Transport

The transport section is where most people begin. It includes private cars, taxis, and motorbikes, each with its own benefits.

• JustGrab

JustGrab is the most popular option. It automatically finds the nearest available car or taxi and shows you a fixed fare before you book. Because it searches across both car and taxi drivers, pick-up times are usually short. The price stays the same even if you hit traffic, making it ideal for predictable budgeting.

• GrabTaxi

GrabTaxi connects you directly with licensed taxi drivers. Fares are based on the meter, plus a small booking fee (usually around 20–45 THB). This option can be cheaper than JustGrab for short distances, although it depends on traffic conditions. GrabTaxi also allows for future bookings in some areas.

• GrabBike

For short trips or when traffic is at a standstill, GrabBike is unbeatable and a cheaper option; perfect for those visiting Bangkok on a budget. A motorbike taxi can zip through jams and reach your destination much faster. Fares are lower than car rides, though limited space means you can only bring small bags. Drivers provide helmets—make sure to wear one for safety.

• GrabFood

GrabFood is Thailand’s version of food delivery heaven. You can browse thousands of restaurants, order meals, and have them brought to your door. Delivery fees depend on distance, and you can often find discount codes that cut costs significantly.

• GrabMart

Need groceries, toiletries, or convenience items? GrabMart delivers from local stores and supermarkets. It’s great for when you run out of essentials or don’t feel like going out.

• GrabExpress

GrabExpress is a same-day delivery service for sending packages, gifts, or documents. You input the pick-up and drop-off points, and a driver collects and delivers it—often within an hour in major cities.

• GrabPay and Wallet Services

GrabPay is Grab’s digital payment system. You can use it to pay for rides, food, or even in-person purchases at participating stores. Users who regularly top up their wallet often receive special discounts or cash-back rewards.

How to Book a Ride Step by Step

1. Open the Grab app and make sure your phone’s location settings are on.
2. Choose Transport from the home screen.
3. Enter your pick-up location. The app detects your current spot automatically, but you can drag the pin or type in a specific address.
4. Enter your destination. You’ll see estimated fares for different ride types.
5. Select your preferred service—JustGrab, GrabTaxi, GrabBike, etc.
6. Check the fare and payment method. Apply any promo codes here.
7. Confirm your booking. The app will search for nearby drivers.
8. Review driver details. You’ll see the driver’s name, photo, license plate, and estimated arrival time.
9. Meet your driver. Be ready before they arrive to avoid cancellation fees.
10. Track your trip. You can follow the route on the in-app map.
11. Pay and rate your driver at the end of the ride.

If your location is tricky (like a large shopping mall or condo complex), use the chat feature to send specific directions or landmarks.

Best Practices and Tips for using Grab in Thailand

• Choose the Right Ride Type

Pick JustGrab for predictable pricing, GrabTaxi for meter-based fares, and GrabBike when you need speed. Compare fares before booking—sometimes one option is significantly cheaper depending on the time of day and location.

• Avoid Surge Pricing

Grab uses dynamic pricing during busy hours, heavy rain, or public holidays. If prices spike, wait five to ten minutes to see if they drop. Traveling early in the morning or later at night can also save money.

• Communicate Clearly with Drivers

Many Thai drivers speak some English, but clear communication helps. Use the in-app chat to send pickup notes like “waiting at Gate 2” or “in front of Starbucks.” If your driver calls and you don’t understand, reply in short simple phrases or send your location pin.

• Safety Tips

Always confirm the car’s license plate and driver details before getting in. Avoid unregistered cars or anyone asking to go off the app. Share your trip with a friend through the in-app sharing feature for peace of mind.

Grab also tracks routes automatically—if the driver deviates significantly, you can report it afterward.

• Handling Cancellations and Refunds

You can cancel a ride anytime before the driver reaches your pickup, but once they’ve started driving toward you, there may be a small cancellation fee. If your driver cancels after accepting, simply rebook. For fare disputes or accidental charges, go to Help in the app to request a review or refund.

• Payment and Tipping

Cash payments are simple, and many drivers prefer them. If paying by card or wallet, ensure you’ve selected the correct method before confirming. Tips are optional, but rounding up or adding 10–20 baht is appreciated, especially for great service or difficult traffic.

• Using Promotions and Grab Unlimited

Grab often runs campaigns that give you discount codes or ride credits. Check the Promotions section regularly. There’s also a subscription program called Grab Unlimited that provides monthly discounts on rides and food deliveries.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

• Incorrect Pickup Location

GPS in Bangkok’s tall building zones can be inaccurate. Always double-check your pin before confirming, and use landmarks like “opposite 7-Eleven” or “gate 3” to help drivers find you.

• Driver Cancellations

Drivers occasionally cancel if they’re too far or traffic is bad. Don’t take it personally—just rebook. If it happens repeatedly, you can report it to Grab support.

• Language Barriers

Typing your destination in Thai script can sometimes help, but the app usually translates automatically. If your driver doesn’t speak English, use the chat or show your address on Google Maps.

• App or Network Issues

Thailand’s internet is generally good, but in some rural areas connections drop. Keep mobile data switched on and avoid switching between Wi-Fi and cellular mid-booking. Restart the app if it freezes or crashes.

Advice for Tourists and Newcomers

• Get a Local SIM and Data Plan

Reliable mobile data ensures accurate GPS and uninterrupted app access. Thai SIMs are cheap—often less than 300 baht for a week of unlimited data—and available at airports and convenience stores.

• Use Your Existing Grab Account

If you already have Grab from your home country, it will work automatically when you arrive in Thailand. Just note that your Grab wallet balance may not transfer between countries, so link a card or use cash for local rides.

• Watch Out for Fees

Foreign credit cards may incur a 3% processing or foreign transaction fee. If you want to avoid this, consider using a travel card that waives such charges or use cash instead.

• Stay Safe

Thailand is generally very safe, but it’s still smart to confirm your driver’s identity before getting in the vehicle. Don’t share personal information or agree to pay outside the app. Report any suspicious behavior immediately through Grab’s help center.

• Grab vs. Regular Taxis

Metered taxis can sometimes be cheaper, especially for short rides or when traffic is light. However, taxi drivers occasionally refuse short trips or avoid using the meter. Grab eliminates that stress by guaranteeing service and showing the price in advance.

Where You Can Use Grab in Thailand

Grab operates in most major cities and tourist areas, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi, Hua Hin, and Khon Kaen. Coverage can vary—GrabBike, for instance, is mostly available in large cities. If you’re visiting smaller towns, check the app to see which services are active there.

• Legal Status and Regulations

Ride-hailing services like Grab were once a gray area in Thailand, but the government has since legalized them under specific rules. Drivers must register their cars for commercial use and display proper stickers. This shift has made Grab safer and more widely accepted than ever.

Grab also partners with local taxi fleets to integrate licensed drivers, ensuring better compliance with regulations. Fare structures and booking fees can change, so it’s worth keeping your app updated to see the latest terms.

• Future Features and Innovations

Grab continues to evolve. Expect to see electric vehicle options, better integration with public transport systems, and smarter algorithms for route optimization. The company is also investing in sustainability efforts and financial services such as microloans and insurance through its wallet platform.

As technology improves, Grab may eventually offer hybrid rides combining public transport with short GrabBike or car hops—streamlining travel even further for both locals and tourists.

Grab has revolutionized how people move around Thailand. It combines convenience, safety, and simplicity in a single app. Whether you’re heading to the airport, exploring Bangkok’s markets, or craving late-night street food, Grab makes it effortless.

Before your first ride:

• Install the Grab app and sign up using a working Thai phone number.
• Get a local SIM card for reliable data.
• Link a payment method or keep small bills ready.
• Use JustGrab for simplicity and GrabTaxi for metered fares.
• Always confirm the car details before getting in.
• Keep an eye out for promotions—they can save a lot over multiple rides.
• Share your trip when traveling alone for peace of mind.
• Try GrabBike for quick hops around the city.

For travelers, Grab is not only a tool but an essential part of the modern Thai experience. It’s faster than waiting for a cab, safer than negotiating with unregulated drivers, and cheaper than many alternatives when used wisely. Once you get used to it, you’ll likely find yourself relying on Grab for nearly everything—from your airport transfer to your breakfast delivery the next morning.