When traveling abroad, one of the first challenges is getting around locally. If public transportation isn’t an option, you’re left with taxis, but problems with taxis often become a source of worry for travelers. You often hear stories of “rogue taxis” charging exorbitant fees or making people feel unsafe. It’s best to avoid these unlicensed taxis if possible.
Recently, ride-hailing apps have become highly developed, and in Southeast Asian countries in particular, the app “Grab” is widely used. I find it incredibly useful, so I’d like to share the benefits of using Grab and how to use it.
Countries Where Grab Is Available
Grab is a Singapore-based ride-hailing app currently operating in 8 countries:
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Philippines
- Cambodia
- Myanmar
In other Asian countries, Taiwan and India use Uber, while Laos and Nepal use their own unique apps. In Indonesia, Grab is used in conjunction with a local app (Gojek).
Benefits of Using Grab
There are four main benefits to using Grab:
- You can register with your Japanese mobile number.
- You can pay by credit card.
- The fare is known in advance based on distance, vehicle type, and grade.
- The vehicle’s make/model and license plate, as well as the driver’s name and photo, are displayed at the time of booking.
1. Can Register with a Japanese Mobile Number
Being able to register with your regular Japanese mobile number means you can complete the registration process before you even leave Japan. Registering and setting up the app after you arrive in the country can be cumbersome, so it’s best to install and set it up before you depart so it’s ready to use as soon as you arrive.
2. Can Pay by Credit Card
Credit card payment is available, eliminating the need for cash transactions on the spot. Handling cash can lead to demands for extra charges, but with card payment, you can simply exit the vehicle immediately upon arrival, and you’ll be fine.
3. Fares Are Known in Advance by Distance, Vehicle Type, and Grade
When you specify your destination and pickup location in the app, the available vehicle types, grades, and their corresponding fares are displayed. You can then choose your preferred vehicle from these options.
4. Vehicle Model/License Plate, Driver’s Name, and Photo Are Displayed at the Time of Booking
Once a driver is matched, the driver’s name and photo, as well as the car’s make/model and license plate, are displayed. The app also shows how long it will take for the car to arrive and displays its current location on a map, along with the route.
How to Use Grab
The process for using the Grab app is as follows:
- Launch the app after completing the initial setup.
- Specify your destination and pickup location, then choose your preferred option from the displayed choices.
- Once the matched car arrives, confirm with the driver.
- Upon reaching your destination, exit the vehicle immediately.
- Afterward, you will receive a request to rate the trip and select a tip amount. Rate your experience and pay the tip by card according to your satisfaction.
As reiterated, when traveling abroad, always use a ride-hailing app instead of street taxis.
Grab: Taxi & Food Delivery Developed by: Grab.com Free Posted with AppReach
