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The simple answer is no. In March 2018, Uber made an announcement that they would be transferring their services and operations to Grab. Uber services were closed down completely in Thailand in April 2018.

With Uber no longer in Thailand, your best bet is the Grab app. Grab is available in Phuket. It works the same way as Uber and is reliable. You also have the option of using Grab Car which is basically the same as Uber.

In this post, we will go through whether is there an Uber in Phuket. So let’s get started!


You can download the Grab app from the below links


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Is There Uber In Phuket Thailand? And If There Is An Alternative

Uber no longer operates in Thailand, Grab is the main taxi service app in Thailand, and Grab is available in Phuket. It operates very similarly to Uber and is very easy to use.

The biggest advantage of using these taxi service apps is that they prevent local taxi drivers from scamming tourists by not using their meters or going on detours.

Grab App

Apps like Grab make booking taxis very quick, easy, and safe. The drivers are polite and happy to help tourists. The main advantage of using the Grab app is.

  • Avoid being scammed by regular taxis.
  • Getting the correct destination.
  • The price is set before booking a car.

How To Use The Grab App?

No doubt that the Grab app is a great way to get around Thailand the main reason is it prevents people from being overcharged by regular taxis.

If you have used Uber or similar apps, it will be very similar but here are the basics about how the Grab app works.

Download Grab App & Sign-up

You can download the Grab app from the app store and Play store or you can go to the Grab website and download their app.

Download & Sign-up

Also, you can download the app before arriving in Thailand and sign up for an account. You should sign up with your email address as using your phone number can be problematic.

How Does Grab Work?

It works the same way as Uber does. You open the app on your phone and pin your location and destination on the map. Either a taxi (Grab Taxi) or a private driver (Grab Car) will approve your request and will pick you up soon.

Once a driver has been assigned, you will be sent details of the car, license plate, and driver information. The driver can contact you or you can contact the driver. And you can use GPS to track them along the road.

After you arrive at your destination, you will be able to rate the ride.

Setting Up Payment

By default payment in Grab is cash. This is properly the best option for most visitors to Thailand. You can also add your credit or debit card to make payments as well. There is a small charge for each credit card you store.

Setting Up Payment

Which Countries Use Grab?

Grab is available in 8 countries which are Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

What Is The Difference Between GrabTaxi And GrabCar?

GrabTaxi is a service under the banner of the Grab app and you will get a local taxi. This means the fare is calculated by the taximeter and the user will have to pay the booking fee as well as the toll fees.

Taxi in Bangkok

GrabCar is a service under the Grab app in that the driver is not a taxi but a private driver. The fare is fixed, and the users will have to pay the toll fee. Once your trip is complete, you know in advance how much the cost is.

Is Grab Cheaper Than Taxi?

Grab at certain times is more expensive than a Taxi. Grab app has prime-time pricing. This is a method of pricing that involves raising or lowering prices depending on supply and demand.

So at peak times of demand, the prices increase. This is an annoyance with regular Grab customers.

You Can Earn Grab Rewards

The more you use the Grab app you can earn Grab Rewards across Southeast Asia. The more points you earn will receive offers and discounts on rides, food, entertainment, travel, and more.

Do I Pay For Toll In Grab?

Simply the toll charges are not included in your fare. Either you can pay at the toll booth directly or the driver will add it to your fare.

You will have to decide on this with the driver beforehand.

How Do I Pay For Grab Taxi?

There are multiple options to pay for your Grab Taxi.

  • You can pay in cash.
  • Or can pay via GrabPay on the Grab app. You will need to fill in your debit or credit card information and verify the details.

Do You Tip Grab Drivers In Thailand?

This is entirely voluntary if you want to tip the driver or not. If you decide to tip the driver, the driver keeps 100% of the tip. You have up to 72 hours after taking the trip to give a tip via history.

Tipping drivers is voluntary

Grab operates in 16 provinces and 19 cities in Thailand. Technically in Thailand, it is illegal to pay for a ride from unlicensed drivers and some Grab drivers have faced fines by the police.

Wrapping Up

Finally, it is always amazing to visit Thailand. There is always the challenge of how to get around and not be scammed by the local taxis. With Uber no longer available in Thailand, the Grab app is a good alternative. It provides a convenient, reliable, and professional service.

And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on the is there Uber in Phuket Thailand has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.

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Is There Uber in Phuket
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