How do I set up and fund a GRAB taxi account in Thailand?

[connda]

The title says is all:  How do I set up and fund a GRAB taxi account in Thailand?

I don't even know where to start with this.  From what I understand you need to set up a phone app and fund a wallet.  Not sure how to do that especially here in Thailand.  Any help would be appreciated.

Mods:  Put this wherever it's the most relevant.  Thanks.

[KhunLA]

First download GRAB app, follow the instructions.

https://help.grab.com/passenger/en-id/360001960908-How-to-create-Grab-account

[richard_smith237]

As above….

 

it’s incredibly simple…. I‘m quite surprised the question needs to be asked.

 

If you are particularly tech-unsavvy, perhaps get a friend to help.

 

or… just download the App & give it a go… its not as if you‘ll blow something up if a small mistake I made…

[DezLez]

5 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

If you are particularly tech-unsavvy, perhaps get a friend to help.

I believe the OP is trying to use this forum as a "Friend"!

 

Maybe you could help since you know so much about the subject and become the OP's "friend"

 

PS;  I do not use such services so cannot help in this instance!

[connda]

22 hours ago, KhunLA said:

First download GRAB app, follow the instructions.

https://help.grab.com/passenger/en-id/360001960908-How-to-create-Grab-account

Setting up an account is one thing.  Funding a wallet is another.  To fund you need to provide Thai identification.  From GRAB's site:

_______________________________________________

How do I complete my identity verification

To ensure successful verification of your identity, please ensure that:

    The image of your ID card is clear and readable, with all corners visible. It should be an image of the original card and not an image of a scanned copy.
    Your entire face is visible when capturing the selfie, with you looking directly to the camera. Remove masks or any other accessories such as glasses from your face.
    The name and ID number must match exactly as the uploaded images of the ID card.

Note: The above feature is available only for Thai citizens.
____________________________________________

So back to my original question.  How do you fund a GRAB account so you can paid for a GRAB ride?  The question is directed to Non-Thais (fellow farangs) who have done this before.

[connda]

22 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

As above….

 

it’s incredibly simple…. I‘m quite surprised the question needs to be asked.

 

If you are particularly tech-unsavvy, perhaps get a friend to help.

 

or… just download the App & give it a go… its not as if you‘ll blow something up if a small mistake I made…

1) It doesn't seem simple at all to fund a GRAB account;
2) I live out in the middle of the sticks in rural Thailand and my English speaking, fellow farang "friends" are pretty much limited to this forum.

So?  I'm asking here from those who are willing to assist.

[redwood1]

Cash is king...

[lexxy]

Grab is a rip off, bolt is less than half price..  try that too

[connda]

Ok Tech Saavy Grab-Car users.  Get me over this hump.


I've downloaded the app.  Easy.

Now, from what I can tell you need to put money into a Grab Wallet in order to pay your driver.
In order to activate a Grab Wallet - You Need To Be A Thai Citizen.
That's Problem 1.  I'm Khun Farang...US Citizen.

Next is funding.  It seems the only method of funding is via Credit or Debit Card.  I have no desire to link my US credit and debit cards to a Thai application.  I prefer to transfer funds directly from my Thai bank account to a wallet, or........ use cash.
But?
Problem 2: I can't create a wallet.  See Problem 1.

Suggestions from those who have found a way to successfully use Grab?

 

[connda]

10 minutes ago, redwood1 said:

Cash is king...

I agree 100%.  I detest these digital solutions.  Cash works great when the electricity goes out. 

[connda]

Just now, connda said:

I agree 100%.  I detest these digital solutions.  Cash works great when the electricity goes out. 

However, I don't believe Grab Car drivers accept cash.  Correct me if I'm wrong on that folks.

[connda]

8 minutes ago, lextsy said:

Grab is a rip off, bolt is less than half price..  try that too

1.  WIll I run into the same problems attempting to fund a Bolt account;
2. Are there Bolt drivers in Chiang Mai.

[richard_smith237]

34 minutes ago, connda said:

1) It doesn't seem simple at all to fund a GRAB account;
2) I live out in the middle of the sticks in rural Thailand and my English speaking, fellow farang "friends" are pretty much limited to this forum.

So?  I'm asking here from those who are willing to assist.

in the ‘payment’ tab (bottom of screen, middle one of 5 options) select the ‘gear / cog’ At top right, you can add your card. 

 

Do you have a Thai credit card ? 
My Grab payment is just linked to that. 
 

Or, you can add your ATM / Debit card from your local Bank account.

 

 

With grab as a foreigner you have one option for payment & can’t use the ‘grab wallet’ function. 
 

 

[richard_smith237]

12 minutes ago, connda said:

Ok Tech Saavy Grab-Car users.  Get me over this hump.


I've downloaded the app.  Easy.

Now, from what I can tell you need to put money into a Grab Wallet in order to pay your driver.
In order to activate a Grab Wallet - You Need To Be A Thai Citizen.
That's Problem 1.  I'm Khun Farang...US Citizen.

Next is funding.  It seems the only method of funding is via Credit or Debit Card.  I have no desire to link my US credit and debit cards to a Thai application.  I prefer to transfer funds directly from my Thai bank account to a wallet, or........ use cash.
But?
Problem 2: I can't create a wallet.  See Problem 1.

Suggestions from those who have found a way to successfully use Grab?

 

Add your local bank card… 

 

Does your ATM card have a 16 digit number on the front (like a credit card) ???

 

I just added my Bangkok Bank account (ATM master Debit card) - no issues adding that. 

[connda]

Well I've found an answer to one question.  If I can create a wallet, you can top up using a bank account.  However, my guess is it isn't that easy.
But seeing I can't create a wallet, there is no way to get to the screens where I could see how to "top-up" using a bank account.

See -  So simple! 

[richard_smith237]

12 minutes ago, connda said:

1.  WIll I run into the same problems attempting to fund a Bolt account;
2. Are there Bolt drivers in Chiang Mai.

Bolt is cash only. 

[connda]

Just now, richard_smith237 said:

Add your local bank card… 

 

Does your ATM card have a 16 digit number on the front (like a credit card) ???

 

I just added my Bangkok Bank account (ATM master Debit card) - no issues adding that. 

Legitimate question:  Can you add a card without creating a wallet, i.e., are they going to want to verify my identity with a Thai ID?

 

[connda]

Just now, richard_smith237 said:

Bolt is cash only. 

Does Bolt operate in Chiang Mai.  Personally I prefer "cash only" services.  If they are in Chiang Mai that solves me issues.

[richard_smith237]

4 minutes ago, connda said:

Legitimate question:  Can you add a card without creating a wallet, i.e., are they going to want to verify my identity with a Thai ID?

 

Yes… you simply add your Card.

Verification is via OTP to your phone.,

[richard_smith237]

3 minutes ago, connda said:

Does Bolt operate in Chiang Mai.  Personally I prefer "cash only" services.  If they are in Chiang Mai that solves me issues.

Download the App & try it out - that’s the only true test. 

 

I’ve found Bolt to be very ‘hit n miss’ in Bangkok - some areas of town seem better than others for Bolt…

[richard_smith237]

32 minutes ago, connda said:

However, I don't believe Grab Car drivers accept cash.  Correct me if I'm wrong on that folks.

Grab accepts cash, or you can use your cashless payment option.

[connda]

Just now, richard_smith237 said:

Grab accepts cash, or you can use your cashless payment option.

Really - like pay the driver when he shows up?

[connda]

Just now, connda said:

Really - like pay the driver when he shows up?

I've just downloaded Bolt.  They are in Chiang Mai and accept cash.
If I can pay a Grab Car driver cash too, that gives me additional options.

[richard_smith237]

18 hours ago, DezLez said:

I believe the OP is trying to use this forum as a "Friend"!

 

Maybe you could help since you know so much about the subject and become the OP's "friend"

 

PS;  I do not use such services so cannot help in this instance!

Fair enough…. My comment may have appeared as if I was being a d!ck… not my intention…. 

I meant for the Op to just give it a go - though trial & error is the easiest way to learn & work it out.

 

It does seem the Ops only option is to add his local card details if he wants cashless payment on Grab. 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

3 minutes ago, connda said:

Really - like pay the driver when he shows up?

Pay ‘cash’ when you get to your destination, yes. 
 

(unless something has changed on the App in the last month or so). 

[connda]

Just now, richard_smith237 said:

Pay when you get to your destination, yes. 

Thanks for the help RS237.  It's appreciated!  That answers all my questions. 

[pomchop]

46 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Bolt is cash only. 

bolt is about as simple as it gets no funding no credit card...gives u the price and u pay cash..i don;t know how they do it as fares are generally dirt cheap at least in pattaya area...

[lexxy]

Do not pre pay ever here.. no recourse if they dont show up.

Just compare bolt and grab now and tell me whats the difference in price? In pattaya its more than 50% cheaper to use bolt.

[connda]

27 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Fair enough…. My comment may have appeared as if I was being a d!ck… not my intention…. 

It's not like I've never come across that way even though it wasn't my intention.  Not a problem.  Again...thanks for the help!

[richard_smith237]

2 hours ago, lextsy said:

Do not pre pay ever here.. no recourse if they dont show up.

Just compare bolt and grab now and tell me whats the difference in price? In pattaya its more than 50% cheaper to use bolt.

There is no ‘pre-pay’ with Grab… it’s just cashless payment once arrived at destination. 
 

There is more recourse than with a regular taxi - both your details & the drivers are logged… thus complaints can be made & are acted upon. 
 

Bolt price is nearly always cheaper…

But, I’ve hardly ever found their drivers available…. Bolt are more hit n miss with availability IMO.