When traveling to another country, ride-hailing apps are easily the most efficient way to get around. For one, there’s no need to be able to speak the local language, and you don’t have haggle with over prices, either. In this article, we’ll discuss whether or not Uber is available in Thailand, what right-hailing apps are popular there, and other transportation options within the country.
So, is Uber Available in Thailand?
No, there is no longer any Uber in Thailand, as of 2018. There are many other ride-hailing applications, however, that offer similar services, such as Grab and Bolt. These alternatives function similarly to it and are easy to use.
Alternative Ride-Hailing Apps in Thailand
Despite Uber being no longer operational in Thailand, there are several other popular apps that you can use to get around. Here are a few of the most popular.
Grab
The most convenient ride-hailing application in Thailand is Grab. It is the most common by far, and it’s used by locals, tourists, and expats alike.
With Grab, just like other ridesharing apps, you’ll know the price before you get picked up. This is a boon because sometimes taxi drivers, especially in major tourists areas, don’t want to use their meter, and they may try to haggle with you for a flat rate.
Technically, Grab is slightly more expensive than taking a metered taxi, but it’s much more convenient and efficient.
It has a few different types of rides. You can pick a taxi with a meter through GrabTaxi or a private car with GrabCar. If you’re in a hurry, JustGrab finds the nearest taxis/cars.
You can also try GrabBike, which finds you a motorcycle taxi, but it may be less safe than other options.
Bolt
Bolt is the second most popular ride-hailing app after Grab. And it’s usually slightly cheaper than it.
Bolt is also reliable, but often I find that it has fewer drivers, which makes it hard to find rides at times. As a result, I almost never use it. However, I know many people who use Bolt when Grab’s prices increase due to high demand.
Also, Bolt isn’t available everywhere. It’s only in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya.
Other Transportation Options
If you’re feeling more adventurous, or if you don’t have cell phone data or WiFi, there are plenty of other transportation methods. Let’s go through some of the most common.
Taxis
Taxis are easy to spot on the road. They’re usually painted with bright and neon-looking colors such as green, yellow, blue, and pink. They are common in all major cities (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, etc.), and they can be hailed directly from the street.
Before you get in, you should check with the cab driver that the meter will be used, or else agree on a fare beforehand.
Most taxi drivers have a basic understanding of English, especially in tourist areas. If you run into trouble, you can always use Google Translate. I’ve never had any serious issues with communication, though.
Motorcycle Taxis
What can be said about motorcycle taxis? They look and feel dangerous (and probably are), but they are undeniably convenient.
But proceed with caution. Thailand is infamous for traffic-related fatalities, so I wouldn’t recommend taking them unless you’re really aching for an adventure and understand the risks.
The cost will depend on your destination, but generally, they are almost half the price of a normal taxi per kilometer.
Tuk-Tuks
Of course, there’s also the iconic tuk-tuks. I wouldn’t call them convenient, but they are fun and you won’t forget the ride. It’s very windy, and the whole experience is an adrenaline rush. Ask the tuk-tuk driver if you can connect your phone through Bluetooth, and they’ll let you blast your favorite music through the streets.
Songthaews
Songthaews are a bit more local. They are a cheap way to travel short distances, and you rarely see tourists in them in places like Bangkok, but if you visit the countryside, or a smaller town, songthaews might be the only choice available.
Scooter Rental
Scooters are another popular transportation option for tourists, especially outside of cities. Exploring the countryside or islands on a motorbike is one of the most enjoyable activities you can do as a tourist (in my opinion).
That being said, riding a scooter without a license in Thailand is illegal. You’re supposed to have an international driver’s permit that covers motorcycles, or else a local license.
In practice, however, tourists rarely get one. (I am not, however, recommending you ride without one.) The rental places will not ask you whether you have a license, but if you’re caught by the police, you will pay a fine.
Car Rental
Similarly, you could try renting a car, especially if you want to see “untouched” places in the countryside. You don’t see many tourists doing it, which is why it might be a good idea. There are many beautiful places in the countryside that most travelers simply never get to see.
I’ve seen car rentals for as cheap as about 550 baht (~$15 USD) per day. This, of course, does not include insurance, which can raise the price by double in some cases. I won’t go into details here, as the cost can vary widely depending on the vehicle and the type of insurance selected.
Similar to scooters, you will need an international driver’s permit or local license to drive legally.
Vans
Vans are one of my favorite options when traveling on a budget. They are usually for traveling moderate distances, and they can often be found in transportation hubs (bus stations, airports, BTS stations, etc.).
They won’t take you across the street, but they’ll take you to a new city, or else across a big one.
The vans usually seat about eight people. The price will depend on the distance, but going from one place to another in Bangkok usually costs around a dollar. They often take highways, so it’s both fast and comfortable.
Local Buses
In Thailand, there are generally two kinds of buses. There are the iconic red buses (which don’t have AC) and the larger, modern-looking buses with AC. As you might expect, the red buses are cheaper, but only marginally so.
Urban Rail Transit Networks (Bangkok Only)
If you’re in Bangkok, there are a lot of urban rail systems available. Locals call the separate rail systems by each of their names, such as the BTS, MRT, or Airport Link. Each one signifies a different line in the network. They all service different parts of the city, but there is overlap in many central places if you need to transfer. They are similar to any other subway system in a major city.
Additionally, the signs are in English, so it’s pretty easy to navigate. There are also information desks at every station where you can ask questions or buy tickets.
The prices depend on where you’re going, but it is usually not more than a dollar or two.
Boat (Bangkok Only)
Finally, there are boats. This method of transportation probably isn’t necessary, but it’s still fun to try.
These boats run every 30 minutes or so along the San Saeb canal in Bangkok. Locals use these to commute home or to work. It’s a great way to beat the rush hour traffic of the city, if you know where you’re going.
A few of the most famous stations are at Asoke, Pratunam, and Phanfa Bridge, but there are many more throughout the canal. Keep a look out on the water to see the boats and where you can hop on one.
This type of boat costs less than a dollar, usually around 10 or 20 baht. If you’re looking for a quick adventure, you should give it a shot.
Tips for Using Transportation Services in Thailand
Safety should always be a priority when traveling in Thailand. Familiarize yourself with the currency to handle cash payments confidently (I have many friends who accidentally gave a taxi driver a 1,000 baht note), and consider using apps like Google Maps to have a rough idea of routes and distances. Communication apps, such as Google Translate, can also help bridge the language gap.
We mentioned the high rate of traffic deaths in Thailand earlier, but it’s worth highlighting that again here. Driving can be chaotic in Thailand, so you should not take any rides that you aren’t comfortable with.
The Bottom Line
While Uber is no longer available in Thailand, there are still many transportation options. If you’re looking for a ride-hailing app, Grab and Bolt are the best alternatives. For more local experiences, taxis, motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks, and songthaews are great on-the-go alternatives. However you choose to get around, you’ll have plenty of options.
FAQs
1. Why is Uber not in Thailand?
It merged with Grab in Southeast Asia, which ended its independent operations. This move was made because of fierce competition with Grab, and they decided to focus their attention on other locations. (It was also declared illegal.)
2. How do tourists typically get around?
Tourists rely on a mix of Grab, local taxis, and tuk-tuks. Tourists rarely take motorcycle taxis or songthaews.
3. Are there any safety concerns with using local taxis or ride-hailing apps?
While taxis are generally safe, it’s recommended to use ride-hailing apps because the details can be tracked and shared; also, with the apps, prices are agreed upon automatically.
You may also want to consider the fact that many local women will not take a taxi alone after a certain hour. Personally, as a man, I’ve always felt safe, but it’s still something to take a mental note of. To address this concern, Grab has an option called GrabCar for Ladies that allows women to get a female driver.
Also, you may get a bad driver, or one who is under the influence. Be on the lookout to see if your driver is acting strangely, and as always, use your best judgment.
4. Can you pre-book transportation services like Grab?
Yes, Grab allows users to book rides in advance.
5. What is the most cost-effective way to travel around Thailand?
Songthaews and public buses are the cheapest options for short distances, while vans, trains, and air travel are recommended for longer distances. Air travel is surprisingly cheap. The time of the year that you come to Thailand will also affect prices.
6. How do language barriers affect using transportation services?
There may be some situations where language barriers will cause confusion. As we mentioned before, taxis in tourist areas will speak some English, as they will have a lot of experience in dealing with them. The “less touristy” the transportation option, the more likely you will have communication issues. For example, on the red buses (the ones without AC) in Bangkok, there is an attendant who walks around and collects money for tickets. They usually do not speak any English, and you are supposed to tell them where you’re going so that they can charge you the correct fare. In situations like these, you may need to have Google Translate or another translation app ready.
