Is There Uber in Thailand? Your Ride-Hailing Questions Answered & Practical Tips

Known for its pristine turquoise beaches, unparalleled and vibrant nightlife, world-class gastronomy, and bustling cities, it’s no surprise that Thailand isn’t just one of the most visited countries in Asia but the world – seeing an estimated 29 million international tourist arrivals in 2023 alone. 

With millions of tourists arriving each year, many visitors use ride-hailing apps and services to navigate and traverse the “Land of a Thousand Smiles,” myself included. Globally, Uber has become synonymous with ride-hailing and sharing, and is typically the first app that pops into your mind when it comes to comfortably and conveniently “getting around.” 

However, tourists traveling to Thailand, expecting to hail an Uber with the ease they do back home, may be surprised to learn that Uber is not available in Thailand. 

While Uber did attempt to permeate the Thai market in 2014, garnering considerable momentum and popularity, its presence was ultimately short-lived due to cultural factors, regulatory barriers, and intense competition – primarily the more localized (and already established) Southeast Asian ride-hailing provider Grab.

Today, Grab is emphatically…I repeat…emphatically, the number one ride-hailing service and app both tourists and locals alike use to efficiently and affordably get around Thailand (and get food delivered). 

Below, I’ll walk you through in greater detail everything you need to know about navigating Thailand, your transportation options available, some pitfalls to avoid while doing so, and a bit about my experiences using Grab in Thailand. 

Is There Uber in Thailand?

Let’s keep this short as we already touched on it in the introduction. There is no Uber in Thailand. Nada. Zilch. An Uber ‘goose egg’ (zero). Like me wearing size 29 pants. It ceases to exist. 

But it’s not just Thailand that Uber couldn’t quite crack the code in as it is virtually unavailable in all of Southeast Asia. 

In Thailand, along with almost all of Southeast Asia, it’s the Singapore-originated Grab that dominates the ride-hailing market and the key app you’ll need to install for such services.

As an American, who has been using Uber for nearly as long as he has been using a smartphone, it’s part and parcel for this guy. So, I was a tad thrown off when I first moved to Southeast Asia (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) in mid-2018 and had to acquaint myself with a new ride-hailing phone app. 

But that took all of 15 minutes and my first ride to figure out that every single one of these ride-hailing apps operates with a very similar user interface and M.O., so if you can confidently navigate one, you can confidently navigate the other. 

Using Grab, you’ll find everything from various sizes of cars to SUVs and vans, and motorbikes – the latter being the most popular means of transportation due to Thailand’s notoriously bad traffic. In my humble opinion, there isn’t anything better than starting the night off in Bangkok weaving in and out of traffic on a motorbike, the sweltering heat and humidity engulfing your face while you pass cars and trucks in standstill traffic. 

To be honest, in some Thai cities, I wouldn’t even entertain the idea of taking anything but a motorbike in situations where I need to travel a significant distance at peak traffic hours. 

What I can definitively assure you is that while Uber does not operate in Thailand anymore, you will never be without affordable, safe, and convenient transportation options to traverse this beautiful and vibrant country (which we have a look at in further detail below). 

Is Uber Eats in Thailand?

Just as there is no Uber in Thailand, there is no Uber Eats as well. Like Uber’s exit from Thailand, Uber Eats was also part of the ‘deal’ when selling its Southeast Asia operations and business to Grab. 

As a result, Grab took over the top dog spot as both the premier ride-hailing app and service in Thailand AND food delivery service. 

As of the date of this article’s publication, GrabFood is the overwhelmingly dominant food delivery service and app in Thailand, with FoodPanda and LINE MAN rounding things out as the other formidable local and regional competitors. 

Between Grab’s ride-hailing services and food delivery services, some put their total market share at over 70%, with a nearly 50% increase in foreign user usage in 2022 alone. 

The Benefits of Using Grab in Thailand

There are no downsides to having Grab installed for your trip to Thailand. 

What I especially love about Grab is that it has developed into an ‘all-in-one’ app, where you not only can line up quick, reliable, and affordable rides to wherever you need to go but also order food and groceries, send packages and documents, and even purchase a range of lending and financial products (these being most applicable to those who live in Thailand). 

Convenience 

Thanks to its operation in all major cities in Thailand, including Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Hua Hin, Grab is the go-to ride-hailing service in the country. 

And, it’s available at all hours of the day – unlike public transportation which typically ceases operations anywhere from 11 PM/12 AM to 5:00 AM (more or less). 

Further, Grab is available in 8 languages, including English and Chinese, which allows for a seamless booking. This is definitely a plus for tourists who likely speak as much Thai as I do (hint: that’s zero words of Thai). With GPS tracking and integrated map services, you can easily set your pick-up and drop-off locations and avoid worrying whether you gave the right address or directions. 

Additionally, if you’re like me and sometimes can’t be bothered to go outside and eat at a restaurant like a normal human being then Grab’s food delivery service is going to be your best friend. Mango sticky rice delivered right to my door without having to wear pants? Yes, please. 

Whether you’re beachside and looking for a quick way to get back to your hotel and/or Airbnb to change before dinner or with a group of friends trying to get across the city for dinner, Grab has you covered. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: As someone who does occasionally love the hedonism and spectacle of Khaosan Road but doesn’t want to stay anywhere near it, GrabBike was (and is) a must for traveling from Sukhumvit 11 (or anywhere else in the city center) to this popular party district. It’s just not feasible to take a car from the afternoon onwards and make it there in any reasonable amount of time. Further, the nearest MRT is 5 km from Khaosan Road, so it’s slim pickings on how to get there. 

Price

Who doesn’t love an upfront pricing model? I know this guy does. Knowing the exact amount you’ll pay before you embark on your trip is great for travelers and tourists who aren’t familiar with the area and its routes, and even with the local currency (and how much things should or SHOULDN’T cost). 

Price transparency protects against any uncertainty, negotiating, or potential overcharging which can sometimes occur with local taxis. 

Further, Grab offers different ride options, from GrabCar (a standard sedan) to GrabBike and GrabSUV, to suit all different budgets and travel needs.

Safety 

All Grab drivers are “verified” and required to go through background checks before driving for the app. This reduces the risks associated with taking unregistered or ‘black’ taxis, which may not always be traceable should an incident occur. 

Grab, like Uber, also operates with a rating system where passengers and customers can rate drivers and provide feedback. This establishes a baseline of service standards, as drivers with low ratings may be penalized or banned from the platform altogether. 

Grab’s app also boasts several in-app safety features like being able to share your trip details with friends or family in real-time and accessible customer service, should you encounter any issues during the trip itself. 

Other Alternatives to Uber & Grab in Thailand

It’s always best to have a failsafe or two should you find yourself in a situation where Grab cars are unavailable or surge pricing is just a little too far outside of your budget. 

That’s why I don’t always tether myself too dogmatically to Grab when I’m in Thailand. Sometimes, you gotta improvise. 

Bolt

Bolt is number two when it comes to the overall Thailand ride-hailing app market share, growing from a humble 12% in 2021 to just under 35% in early 2022. 

Bolt’s launch of emission-free options (‘Bolt Green’) over the last several years has also contributed to a significant increase in its market share and is a great option to keep in mind for riders who want to reduce their environmental impact. 

It’s also a fantastic alternative when there’s a lack of Grab’s available in the area. 

Further, a general rule of thumb is that Grab tends to be the priciest of all ride-hailing options in Thailand. Bolt, on the other hand, typically clocks in at a more affordable price due to a smaller commission that’s charged to drivers (on top of driver incentives and a leaner operation model). 

There are also substantial new sign-up discounts for customers, which makes it an attractive alternative for a one or two-week trip to Thailand.

Local Taxis

Sometimes you have to just rock the O.G. way of getting around, minus all the apps and screen time, and taking a taxi. Traditional taxis are widely available across Thailand, especially in all major cities like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. 

To locate a legitimate taxi, keep an eye out for a brightly colored vehicle with a ‘Taxi Meter’ sign on its roof. For added security, when stepping into the car keep an eye out for a visible meter along with the taxi driver’s license clearly displayed.

Base rates start around 35 baht, or roughly USD 1, with rates incrementally increasing commensurate with distance and time spent in Thailand’s notoriously horrific traffic. While available 24/7 and easily hailed on the streets, you may run into issues with taxi drivers refusing to use their meter, quoting you an exorbitant (and extortionate) rate – especially in popular tourist and nightlife areas, and late at night. 

I recommend either (a) insisting on using the meter, (b) negotiating the price down, or (c) simply waiting it out until there are available cars or motorbikes on Grab or Bolt. I only recommend negotiating in situations where you really have to get home and/or are in a bind. 

No article about Thailand is complete without a picture of pad thai.

Sometimes, even if it “goes against principle” to pay extra while being extorted, there’s something to be said about getting home. But if any red flags or safety concerns arise, trust your gut and avoid taking the taxi. 

My pro tip is that you can hail taxis via both the Grab and Bolt apps – GrabTaxi on Grab and Taxi on Bolt – so if you’re looking for an even more affordably priced ride (the lowest starting fares other than motorbikes), consider booking a taxi via the app.

Doing so also eliminates any pricing confusion and the chances of being scammed or taken advantage of. Certainty and reliability at affordable prices are what I’m all about when traveling in Thailand (and Southeast Asia) – especially when I have zero idea of the most efficient route to get from Point A to Point B. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Bangkok is hands down one of my favorite cities to eat in. Having spent a combined several months in ‘The Big Mango’, I’ve worked my way through more restaurants than you can shake a stick at. One of my absolute favorites for northern Thai food is Northeast, right below Lumphini Park, which serves up an unforgettable curry crab (that I’m still dreaming of to this day). 

How to Get Around Thailand Without Uber

Part of the fun in Thailand is departing from tradition when it comes to almost everything in your life – including transportation. 

Here are a few recommended transportation options that are popular amongst locals and tourists and are generally my preferred ways to make my way through (and across) Thailand. 

Tuk-Tuks & Songthaews (Baht Buses) 

Tuk-tuks have to be Thailand’s most iconic form of transportation, particularly in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. These three-wheeled motorized rickshaws are ‘al fresco’ (open-air) and able to weave in and out of traffic faster than standard sedans, vans, and trucks. 

The downside is that they do not have meters, are typically more expensive than metered taxis, and prices can greatly vary. It’s all up to the driver, the location, and your negotiating/haggling skills. 

I’d recommend against hailing tuk-tuks for longer rides as they are far from being the most cost-efficient option. They are, however, a fantastic way to go a kilometer or two and listen to some pirated thumping EDM music in a cabin decorated with Christmas lights. 

Songthaews are modified pick-up trucks that have been turned into ‘buses’ thanks to several rows of seating in the back. It’s an incredibly popular form of shared transport across Thailand, especially in smaller towns and cities. 

Like buses, songthaews operate set routes. However, passengers can hop on and off at any point they like. Fares are typically fixed and very reasonable, making them not only a practical option for travelers but an affordable one as well. 

Due to their size and the fact that you’ll share space with other passengers, they can be slower than other forms of transportation (like GrabBike) and less comfortable. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: One of my favorite nights from my most recent one-month stint in Bangkok was taking a tuk-tuk with one of my best friends to a popular, local mookrata joint for a night of endless BBQ meat and makgeolli. If you’re in Thailand, you owe it to yourself to do as the locals do and mookrata until you can’t mookrata anymore. One of my favorite spots to do this is at Everyday Mookrata. 

Public Transport (BTS, MRT, Buses, & Ferries)

I’ll speak to Bangkok, which is the city I’m most familiar with, and have spent the bulk of my 3 months in Thailand. Bangkok is also the only Thai city with an operational urban rail system.

In Bangkok, you’ll find both the BTS Skytrain, a modern, elevated rail system that serves most of central Bangkok and the quickest way to move around some of the more congested areas of the city (ex. Sukhumvit and Silom), and the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system for above and underground transport (it connects to the BTS at several interchange stations). 

You can purchase individual tickets for rides or through a stored-value card (ex. Rabbit Card) to navigate the BTS and via vending machines or preloaded cards for the MRT. Both offer clean, comfortable, and affordable ways to navigate Bangkok, avoiding traffic jams all while enjoying air conditioning. 

On top of the BTS and MRT, Thailand boasts an extensive bus network, which is also one of the cheapest ways to get around. Unfortunately, it’s far less reliable than the metro due to unpredictable schedules and inevitable (daily) traffic jams. 

Buses are available in Bangkok and other popular cities, with both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned vehicles. On top of unpredictable schedules, routes are typically listed in Thai, which can be difficult for tourists like myself to navigate. 

However, online tools, like Google Maps, can help clarify and shed light on upcoming buses and their respective routes. 

Finally, most Thai cities near the water, including Bangkok, will have ferries that run frequently (or semi-frequently). 

For example, the Chao Phraya Express Boat in Bangkok is commonly used for getting to riverside attractions like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace and up to Nonthaburi (to the north). 

Thai coastal towns also commonly have ferries connecting mainland ports to islands and surrounding areas (ex. Koh Phi Phi). These are inexpensive, scenic, and sometimes the only way to travel on your island-hopping adventure.

Bicycle & Scooter Rentals

Bicycles and scooter rentals are a great way to explore smaller cities, towns, and islands, the latter being extremely popular for tourists – especially on tourist-heavy islands and areas like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai. 

Both are flexible, affordable, and efficient ways to get around and explore off-the-beaten-path areas and local neighborhoods at your own pace. I recommend renting one if you’re traveling to an area without any reliable public transport. 

However, keep in mind that renting a scooter may also be one of the more dangerous things you can do in Thailand, as road conditions are often poor and traffic can be extremely chaotic and challenging. 

Always wear your helmet (these are mandatory in Thailand) and carry your international driving permit with you, as it isn’t uncommon to be stopped by the police to check on such.

Tips For Tourists Using Transportation in Thailand

Below are several tips I’ve gathered in my back pocket after three months in Thailand that (I think) should provide you with a safe and practical starting point for getting around. 

Situations I Commonly Use Grab (& Ride-Hailing Apps) in Thailand

Use Grab at Select Times

First, this is specific to Bangkok but I’m going to lead with a situation that I don’t recommend using Grab or a ride-hailing app in Thailand – getting into the city center from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Taking the Airport Rail Link is the quickest way, taking just 30 minutes to get into downtown Bangkok. 

I’ve previously made the mistake of taking both Grab and a taxi from the airport to my hotel on Sukhumvit 11. And let me tell you, it was incredibly painful and I lost a lot of precious time. 

The Airport Link fare also costs anywhere from 15 baht to 45 baht, making it one of the most affordable ways to get into the city from a major international airport. 

However, I use Grab and Bolt when the Airport Rail Link isn’t in operation, which is from 12 AM to 5:30 AM. So, a ride-hailing app will undoubtedly come in handy in situations where your flight to and/or from Suvarnabhumi Airport lands or departs at a time that requires you to get to the airport between 12 AM and 5:30 AM. 

If You’re Drowning in Luggage

The second key situation I use Grab or Bolt in Thailand is when I’m moving from one apartment or hotel to the other and need to transport luggage. While it’s not a problem transporting luggage from the airport into the city center (and vice versa), things get a tad more painful once you need to use the BTS/MRT during the day or at peak hours. 

In those situations, I hail a GrabPlus or GrabSUV so that I can fit all my luggage and spread out with some extra room. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: I’ve narrowed down a hotel that I use for extended stays every time I’m in Bangkok (these days) – the Solitaire Hotel on Sukhumvit 11. It’s an affordable luxury hotel that’s in the hustle and bustle of things yet somehow allows you room to breathe thanks to its spacious and modern rooms (and fantastic pool). If you’re staying longer than a week, consider only booking one week online and then speaking to them at the front desk for a better rate!

When There’s No Other Transportation Options

A third situation I use ride-hailing apps in Thailand is when I’m in an area that doesn’t have any taxis or public transport. 

I remember, on one Phuket trip, I somehow ended up with a buddy at a random bar on a hill, far outside the main strip of Patong, and was out of options to get back to my hotel. Grab was a lifesaver in this situation. 

Cashless Transactions

Fourth, if you’re someone, like me, who doesn’t often have cash on hand, installing Grab or Bolt before your trip to Thailand (or during) can enable you to seamlessly navigate whatever area you’re in without having to hit the ATM before. 

Link your credit card and boom, no messy cash transactions. 

To Eliminate Any Misunderstandings

Finally, if you just want to make sure you ‘cross your t’s and dot your i’s’ when getting from one place to another by cutting down on any potential language barriers or misunderstandings (or potential worries of scams), then I recommend using a ride-hailing app like Grab. 

Make the Most of Public Transport

I firmly believe that one of the biggest pitfalls tourists commit when traveling not just to Thailand but to a new city or country is not taking advantage of affordable and efficient public transportation.

For me, I’ve found it’s one of the best ways to explore the city, get a sense of if I could feasibly live in a particular place, and get from Point A to Point B the quickest. 

Bangkok is one of the best cities in not just Southeast Asia but Asia when it comes to comprehensive and affordable public transportation, so I think it’s a complete disservice to yourself not to mix it into your transportation repertoire. 

Negotiate With Local Drivers

Should you take a tuk-tuk or taxi that has turned off the meter, then you’ll inevitably have to negotiate. Don’t feel bad. It’s just part of the ecosystem. 

It’s a free market and you can set a price that works (or doesn’t work) for you.

Avoid These Common Scams

• Non-Metered Taxis
  • As I mentioned above, in particular tourist areas and late at night, it isn’t uncommon for taxi drivers to refuse to use their meter and request a flat rate (which is exorbitantly higher than what the meter would charge). 
  • Always insist on using a meter or avoid taking said taxi, opting to hail a ride with Grab or Bolt instead. 
• Tuk-Tuk Commission Scams
  • Tuk-tuk drivers will typically try and lure you in with the promise of a cheap or even free ride. This isn’t without a catch and was the MOST COMMON scam related to transportation/rides that I have encountered (and personally fell victim to). 
  • Oftentimes, they will bring you to jewelry shops, tailors, and other businesses, where you may be pressured into buying items that they actually receive a commission on. If a deal seems too good to be true, avoid going with said tuk-tuk driver.
• Quick-Change Scams
  • Another scam that I always warn about and have encountered several times in Thailand is the ‘quick-change’ scam, where you will go to pay for a ride with a larger bill, hand it to the driver, they will use sleight of hand to change it for a smaller denomination bill, and then claim that you paid with the smaller bill. 
  • Always pay close attention when handing over money and announce the amount you are giving them out loud. You can also take a picture of larger denomination notes and their serial numbers so that should this occur with one, you have proof that you were the original holder of the bill. 

Safety Considerations

Ranked as one of the most lethal countries in the world for motor fatalities, Thailand isn’t this fairytale destination where you can rent a motorbike and throw all caution to the wind. 

One study estimates that roughly 62 persons are killed in traffic accidents each day, with motorbike riders and pedestrians at the highest risk. That results in over 20,000 fatalities per year. 

I don’t want to fear-monger but this is the major concern and safety consideration to keep in mind when traveling to Thailand. 

So, while renting a scooter and tossing back a few beverages at the beach club before ripping the backroads home may seem like a great idea, it’s playing with fire. 

Don’t expect that just because you follow traffic rules and proper driving safety precautions others will. 

Big Body’s Final Thoughts on Navigating Thailand

Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok was a highlight of my most recent stint in Thailand.

In my combined three-plus months in Thailand, I’ve never run into any critical situations where I was without a way to get where I needed (both affordably and efficiently). 

In fact, I often found myself taking the ‘less comfortable’ means of transportation and opting for one of the more local ways to get around, primarily by BTS/MRT (metro), Grab motorbike, and even tuk-tuk – as these were usually the most direct way to get from Point A to B. 

I consider both Grab and Bolt indispensable parts and must-haves on your phone when traveling in Thailand and Southeast Asia but I wouldn’t lean so heavily on them that you miss out on getting outside of your comfort zone (granted, Grab motorbike is the definition of “getting out of your comfort zone”). 

A healthy balance of all modes of transport will allow you to get a great feel for the country and everything it has to offer. 

If you have any questions about traveling to Thailand (specifically Bangkok or Phuket), please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email at info@palealetravel.com. 

Also, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you felt the first time riding on the back of a Grab motorbike. 

Travel well everyone,

Big Body