If you have decided to travel to Southeast Asia, you should definitely know about the ride-hailing app Grab. It is widely used in Southeast Asian countries and is a must-have app that will definitely make your travels safe and comfortable. We will introduce everything from how to register for Grab to tips on how to use it.
INDEX
- What is Grab, the taxi-hailing app that can be used in Southeast Asia?
- [2024 Update] Countries and cities where Grab can be used
- How to use Grab
- Be sure to register in Japan before you leave. How to register for the Grab app
- Things to note when using Grab
- Benefits of using Grab
- The difference between Grab and Uber in Southeast Asia
What is Grab, the taxi-hailing app that can be used in Southeast Asia?
iStock/FilippoBacci
Grab is a ride-hailing app that operates in over 700 cities in eight Southeast Asian countries. It has a driver rating system and no need to negotiate fares, making it a stress-free way to travel. In addition to ride-hailing services, Grab also offers a variety of other features, including food delivery, various home delivery services, payment services, and hotel reservations, and functions as a part of the local infrastructure.
[2024 Update] Countries and cities where Grab can be used
As of June 2024, Grab is available in eight Southeast Asian countries: Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Although the available features vary depending on the country or region, the ride-hailing service that is most useful for travelers is available in all eight countries. Although it is called a ride-hailing service, the types of vehicles and services differ, and there are various plans for each country.
The main ride-hailing service plans in each country are as follows:
*We are introducing plans that can be widely used in each country. Some plans may not be available in some areas. Please see below for available areas.
Web: Available areas (Grab official website) (foreign language site)
Singapore: Available throughout the country
| GrabCar | This is the most common method for hailing a Grab ride. |
|---|---|
| Just Grab | Whether it is a regular driver's car or a taxi, The fastest car available. |
| Standard Taxi | Metered taxi. |
| GrabShare | Ride sharing with other passengers, driven by a professional driver. It's cheaper than Just Grab or Grab Car. |
| GrabFamily | A car with a child seat. |
| GrabAssist | Cars for elderly people and wheelchair users. |
Malaysia: Available in various cities and regions, including major cities such as Kuala Lumpur
| GrabCar | This is the most common method for hailing a Grab ride. |
|---|---|
| Just Grab | Whether it is a regular driver's car or a taxi, The fastest car available. |
| GrabTaxi Metered | Metered taxi. |
| GrabShare | Ride sharing with other passengers, driven by a professional driver. It's cheaper than Just Grab or Grab Car. |
Indonesia: Available in various cities and regions, including major cities such as Jakarta
| GrabCar | This is the most common method for hailing a Grab ride. |
|---|---|
| GrabCar XL | GrabCar's large vehicles can accommodate up to six people. |
| GrabBike | Motorbike taxi. |
| GrabGerak | Special services for people who need assistance getting on and off the train. |
Thailand: Available in various cities and regions, including major cities such as Bangkok
| GrabCar | This is the most common method for hailing a Grab ride. |
|---|---|
| Just Grab | Whether it is a regular driver's car or a taxi, The fastest car available. |
| GrabTaxi | Metered taxi. |
| GrabBike | Motorbike taxi. |
| GrabCar for Ladies | Driven by a female driver (service for women). |
Vietnam: Available in various cities and regions, including major cities such as Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi
| GrabCar | This is the most common method for hailing a Grab ride. |
|---|---|
| Just Grab | Whether it is a regular driver's car or a taxi, The fastest car available. |
| GrabTaxi | Metered taxi. |
| GrabBike | Motorbike taxi. |
| GrabCar Tiết Kiệm | Depending on the distance traveled, it may be cheaper than GrabCar. |
| GrabBike Tiết Kiệm | Depending on the distance traveled, it may be cheaper than GrabBike. |
Philippines: Available in various cities and regions, including major cities such as Manila and Cebu
| GrabCar | This is the most common method for hailing a Grab ride. |
|---|---|
| GrabTaxi | Metered taxi. |
| GrabFamily | A car with a child seat. |
Cambodia: Available in various cities and regions, including major cities such as Phnom Penh
| GrabCar | This is the most common method for hailing a Grab ride. |
|---|---|
| GrabSUV | A medium-sized vehicle that can carry large luggage. |
| GrabTukTuk | Small auto rickshaw (three-wheeled taxi). |
| GrabRemorques | Traditional tuk tuk. |
Myanmar: Available in various cities and regions, including major cities such as Yangon
| GrabTaxi | Metered taxi. |
|---|---|
| Grab Thone Bane | Small auto rickshaw (three-wheeled taxi). |
How to use Grab
To use Grab, you will need an internet connection (Wi-Fi or smartphone data connection).
Vehicle allocation method
First, launch the Grab app and select the ride-hailing service icon such as "Car" or "Bike" (the home screen will vary depending on the country).
Next, enter your destination and pick-up location. If you enter an address or store name, it will automatically search and display several options, so select the one that applies. Your current location will be displayed on a map, so you can select your pick-up location from the map.
Once your destination and pick-up location are confirmed, a list of currently available plans (vehicle types and services) will be displayed along with the fare, number of passengers allowed, and waiting time until boarding. Select the plan you want to use and confirm your car reservation. At this time, you can also select your payment method from "Cash" at the bottom left of the screen.
If the driver accepts, their information will be displayed, including their name, photo, license plate number, model and rating (out of 5, 5 being the best).
When boarding from locations with multiple boarding points, such as airports, large shopping malls, and popular tourist destinations, photos of each boarding point will be displayed on the map in the app, so you can choose your boarding location after looking at the images.
Also, if you are boarding from a busy location where the driver may have difficulty finding you, it may be a good idea to send the driver a photo or other landmark to help them find you.
The driver's current location is displayed on a map in real time, and the estimated time of arrival is displayed. When the driver arrives, confirm the car number and get in.
method of payment
You can pay by cash or credit card (or debit card). If you pay by card, you can get off the bus when you arrive at your destination.
*In some cases, you can also use GrabPay (Grab's own electronic money).
When you arrive at your destination, pay the driver the amount displayed at the time of booking directly, except for GrabTaxi, which uses a meter. If you pay by card, there is no transaction on the spot, so check the amount displayed on the app, and if there are no problems, get off.
Please note that depending on the country or city, there may be gate fees or vehicle entrance fees to the airport, which must be paid in addition to the fare.
How to issue a receipt
Every time you use Grab, a receipt will be sent to the registered email address. You can view your ride history from "Activity" at the bottom of the app, but it will disappear after a while after you return to Japan, so if you need a receipt, it's a good idea to register your email address in advance in the Grab app so that you can receive receipts.
Be sure to register in Japan before you leave. How to register for the Grab app
When you arrive at the local airport, you want to travel smoothly to your hotel. We will show you how to register so that you can use Grab as soon as you arrive.
When you click "New Registration", a screen for entering your phone number will appear. Select the country code +81 and enter the number of the mobile phone you currently use in Japan, omitting the leading zero.
You will receive a verification number via SMS, so enter it into the app and register your name and email address. Location information must be turned on when you are in the area, otherwise you will not be able to use the service, so make sure it is turned on.
Next, register your credit card or debit card information. Open "Account" in the bottom right of the app and select "Payment Methods." Or open "Payment," tap the gear icon in the top right, and select "All Payment Methods."
Click "Add Credit/Debit Card" and enter the card details you want to use. Next, enter the one-time password that will be sent to you via SMS.
*If you are registering these overseas and are using a communications plan that does not allow you to receive SMS, please change your settings to receive them by email.
Things to note when using Grab
Here are five things to keep in mind when using it.
Cancellation fees will apply if you cancel the car.
If you cancel after the dispatch is confirmed, you may be charged a cancellation fee. It varies by country, but in Singapore, for example, GrabCar, etc., is free of charge if you cancel within 3 minutes after the dispatch is confirmed, and after that, it will cost 4 SGD (about 470 yen in Japanese yen).
In some cases, the fees may be higher
Grab's fees are adjusted based on the balance between supply and demand. Therefore, the price changes depending on the availability of rides around the area, so the fee may be higher than usual during rush hour, such as when people are heading home, or when it is raining and there are many users.
There may be a separate fee in addition to the ride fare.
Fees that are not included in the fare, such as toll gates, highways, and airport entrance fees, are paid separately. Although it varies by country, luxury car plans may include toll gates and highway fees, so you will need to take action depending on the plan you are using.
It may take longer than expected for the driver to arrive.
Depending on traffic conditions, the driver may arrive later than scheduled. We recommend that you allow plenty of time during rush hour.
The driver may cancel
Even if a trip is confirmed, the driver may cancel it. If the driver cancels, there is no cancellation fee.
Benefits of using Grab
Although we have introduced some points to be aware of, Grab is an essential tool for traveling in Southeast Asia. Here are some of its major advantages.
You will know the fare in advance
For all taxis except GrabTaxi, which uses a meter, you will know the fare when you book the ride, so you don't have to worry about being overcharged.
High quality drivers
Grab has a rating system in place, which means that the quality of drivers is generally high. Users can rate the quality of the driver's service on a 5-star scale and leave a comment.
Cashless payment possible
If you register your credit card or debit card before use, you can ride cashlessly.
No language worries
You can complete the entire process from booking to payment online, so there's no need to worry about language barriers. Even if you do need to contact the driver, messages can be translated automatically, so you can communicate in Japanese.
Privacy and safety measures are also in place
The phone numbers of both the user and the driver will not be displayed to the other party. If there is any trouble during the trip, you can press the emergency button to notify the local police or emergency contacts. In addition, we have begun trial introduction of a function that prioritizes matching female drivers with female customers.
The difference between Grab and Uber in Southeast Asia
In 2018, Grab acquired Uber, which had expanded into Southeast Asia. Therefore, you will be using Grab in Southeast Asia. Grab has a large number of vehicles in operation, covers regional cities outside of major cities, and has almost the same functions and usage as Uber, so even first-time users can use it relatively easily.
Once you have decided to travel to Southeast Asia, install Grab while preparing for your trip. Learn how to hail a ride and how to use it locally to enjoy a comfortable trip to Southeast Asia.
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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
