I am planning a trip to BKK next week and have downloaded the GRAB app.   I was hoping to add my credit card which is from the USA but keep being told my card is not accepted.  Is cash only used for Grab?   Also, is Grab like UBER where non taxis give ride or are they taxis?

 

Thanks.

10 hours ago, wornoutcowboy said:

is Grab like UBER where non taxis give ride or are they taxis?

Both, depends what you book.

There are two main options in Bangkok.

 

Grab and Bolt:

 

Grab App covers a lot of things, including food orders etc. 

On the Grab App there is the transport option and you can select the type of Transport from ‘JustGrab’ which is any, including regular taxi or a car

‘GrabTaxi’ which is a taxi.

‘GrabCar premium’....

‘GrabCar for Ladies'

‘GrabBike - win’ (motorcycle)

‘Grab SUV’ and ‘Grab XL’

 

Grab accepts Cash and local credit cards (I’ve never tried with int’l credit cards). 

 

Bolt only accepts Cash and also has a few variable options from Taxi, car, premium, motorcycle etc

 

 

 

IMO: Grab is better than Bolt - but lately, in the awful weather its been difficult to get a Grab. 

Bolt seems more difficult to secure. 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash is a gamble with any of those services. They most of the time will not bring change, or pretend they didn't.

4 minutes ago, Na Fan said:

Cash is a gamble with any of those services. They most of the time will not bring change, or pretend they didn't.

If you’re going to get into a taxi with only 1000 or 500 Baht notes then you’re daft.

If you’re expecting 25 baht change from a 100 Baht note then you’re tight !

 

I use USA credit card for Grab transport in Bangkok. Very convenient and you just hop out, adding a tip later if so desired.

5 minutes ago, Searat7 said:

I use USA credit card for Grab transport in Bangkok. Very convenient and you just hop out, adding a tip later if so desired.

Me too. Also in Vietnam.

 

I use my USA card on Grab without issue.  You have a choice of Grabcar or Grabtaxi. 
Sometimes if a Grabcar is not available.  They will automatically send a taxi instead 

Thanks guys.  I have no idea why the GRAB App will not allow me to put my USA credit card information in the APP.  I prefer having it on the card so I don't have to worry about having the change ready.  

Just in case if anyone is having the same problem as I am I found out you cannot add an overseas credit card until you are in country.  That seems strange but I will arrive Tuesday so will find out.

Good thread ... I use grab when in Thailand.  I did not know I could put a credit card on the account.    I have not had a problem with paying cash before.  But might  put a credit card on it anyway.