Grabtaxi - how to deal with scams?

[wump]

I opened a thread earlier about the mafia pricing that came to Grabtaxi Pattaya (they used to use the meter plus service charge... not anymore!). Most of you guys seemed to be in agreement that "it's a valuable service that beats the Baht buses and 200 Baht to go from Naklua to Jomtien is really a good price". Guess what? Last night I went from Soi VC near Walking St, 2nd Rd to Naklua and the price was 280 Baht. Considering this is more than 5 TIMES more the price of a Bangkok taxi (4.6kms, 50 Baht) you would think the taxi driver would be happy already. Not at all, tried to charge me an extra 100 Baht even though I clearly booked the final destination in the app.

When will these greedy <deleted> ever have enough? I don't know.

[tontraveller]

Grab looks Crap..

[Woody1]

I don't know how you get scammed by GrabTaxi.

I use them frequently (last time was Saturday evening from Mapbrachan to Central Pattaya), always book the taxi via the app on my phone, price is shown prior to hitting the, "book" button.

On the whole the taxis arrive punctually around the time you book them for.

On arriving at your destination pay them the fare as shown on your booking, easy!

I've only ever had one driver try to ask for more than the agreed fare (it was 100 Baht over), I showed him the booking confirmation, end of.

You even receive a payment receipt by e-mail within 5 minutes of arriving at your destination.

I'm certain there isn't a simpler way of getting from A to B without hassle.

Edit; BTW the fare from Mapbrachan to Central was 395 Baht (and you can have up to 4 passengers in the car for that).

[Woody1]

I don't know how you get scammed by GrabTaxi.

I use them frequently (last time was Saturday evening from Mapbrachan to Central Pattaya), always book the taxi via the app on my phone, price is shown prior to hitting the, "book" button.

On the whole the taxis arrive punctually around the time you book them for.

On arriving at your destination pay them the fare as shown on your booking, easy!

I've only ever had one driver try to ask for more than the agreed fare (it was 100 Baht over), I showed him the booking confirmation, end of.

You even receive a payment receipt by e-mail within 5 minutes of arriving at your destination.

I'm certain there isn't a simpler way of getting from A to B without hassle.

Edit; BTW the fare from Mapbrachan to Central was 395 Baht (and you can have up to 4 passengers in the car for that).

Also, there's no point comparing BKK taxis to Pattaya ones, it's obvious that in BKK taxis can pick up return fares far easier than the ones in Pattaya can.

[lostinisaan]

Sell all your empty bottles and cans and you might be able to buy a car.

[wump]

I don't know how you get scammed by GrabTaxi.

I use them frequently (last time was Saturday evening from Mapbrachan to Central Pattaya), always book the taxi via the app on my phone, price is shown prior to hitting the, "book" button.

On the whole the taxis arrive punctually around the time you book them for.

On arriving at your destination pay them the fare as shown on your booking, easy!

I've only ever had one driver try to ask for more than the agreed fare (it was 100 Baht over), I showed him the booking confirmation, end of.

You even receive a payment receipt by e-mail within 5 minutes of arriving at your destination.

I'm certain there isn't a simpler way of getting from A to B without hassle.

Edit; BTW the fare from Mapbrachan to Central was 395 Baht (and you can have up to 4 passengers in the car for that).

Also, there's no point comparing BKK taxis to Pattaya ones, it's obvious that in BKK taxis can pick up return fares far easier than the ones in Pattaya can.

And you ever asked yourself why that is? I'm pretty sure most people wouldn't have a problem paying 2-3 times the Bangkok price if there was a meter. But in 99% per cent of cases I see these scammers driving around empty. No farang wants to get quoted 400 Baht to go from Naklua to Walking Street, they want to either pay the meter or pay a realistic price... not want to be taken advantage of. Same situation in Phuket. When will these people ever learn? Farangs HATE haggling and I always wonder how much more business the roses/giant cigarette lighter/watch/wristband sellers would make if they actually displayed their price.

[wump]

[...]

Edit; BTW the fare from Mapbrachan to Central was 395 Baht (and you can have up to 4 passengers in the car for that).

Are you trying to make it sound like it's cheap? This fare in Bangkok would be about 100 Baht and why should the taxi be entitled to 65% of the average Thai wage for one 30 minute trip? Sure you wouldn't pay $123 (65% of the average US daily wage of 189$) in the US for the same service?

But I'm not really complaining about the prices, I realize that's just the way it is. But why try to squeeze more out of it? These guys are already making a fortune.

[Henryford]

Why did you get a taxi? the baht bus goes from Soi VC to Naklua for 10-20 baht. I would never set foot in a Pattaya taxi.

[inzman]

Greed!

[jeca22]

When the Pattaya casinos are all setup, I wonder if Pattaya taxis will be free shuttles like Macau or the scam meter taxis for the clueless Chinese high rollers or will people walk from casino to casino like Vegas? It's going to happen. Just ask the condo property developers and the owners of Terminal 21.

[bubba1]

When the Pattaya casinos are all setup, I wonder if Pattaya taxis will be free shuttles like Macau or the scam meter taxis for the clueless Chinese high rollers or will people walk from casino to casino like Vegas? It's going to happen. Just ask the condo property developers and the owners of Terminal 21.

The Philippines, Singapore, laos,malaysia, Cambodia and Korea all already have casinos and how many of these places have free taxis for low end gamblers?

[fforest1]

When the Pattaya casinos are all setup, I wonder if Pattaya taxis will be free shuttles like Macau or the scam meter taxis for the clueless Chinese high rollers or will people walk from casino to casino like Vegas? It's going to happen. Just ask the condo property developers and the owners of Terminal 21.

Just what the Thai people dont need....

[OMGImInPattaya]

Maybe you should move to Bangkok...you'll save allot on taxi fares.

[thaitero]

Why is there "scam" word in this topic title ?

You see total price before before booking. You can press o.k or walk, up to you

Driver asks for tip, You can say yes or no, up to you.

Where is the scam?

By asia standars this is no way scam....

[tolsti]

I really don't know how you are getting these prices!... I travel regularly from Wongamat to Pratumnak and the app price is 220 Bht. That is all I am required to pay and I know it in advance as the app tells me whilst giving me the chance to cancel. I have recently moved home to Central Pattaya and the fare from Soi AR to Pratumnak is 170 thb. However I travel during normal daylight hours and all these apps depend on flow pricing.

[wump]

Why is there "scam" word in this topic title ?

You see total price before before booking. You can press o.k or walk, up to you

Driver asks for tip, You can say yes or no, up to you.

Where is the scam?

By asia standars this is no way scam....

I had to walk the last 500 meters cause I wouldn't pay the 100 Baht surcharge he quoted me.

For people who don't believe the pricing, please get a quote for Beverly Plaza Hotel in Soi VC to Garden Cliff in Naklua.

As for why I didn't take the Baht bus, I would have to catch a motorbike taxi twice to get to and from 2nd road which wouldn't be any cheaper in the end for two people.

[OMGImInPattaya]

Why is there "scam" word in this topic title ?

You see total price before before booking. You can press o.k or walk, up to you

Driver asks for tip, You can say yes or no, up to you.

Where is the scam?

By asia standars this is no way scam....

I had to walk the last 500 meters cause I wouldn't pay the 100 Baht surcharge he quoted me.

For people who don't believe the pricing, please get a quote for Beverly Plaza Hotel in Soi VC to Garden Cliff in Naklua.

As for why I didn't take the Baht bus, I would have to catch a motorbike taxi twice to get to and from 2nd road which wouldn't be any cheaper in the end for two people.

I get 260 for the same run but close enough (several Garden Cliffs listed in Naklua). In any case, that's the fare Grab is offering and you're free to accept or decline it. I don't see any "scam" here...you may consider the quote scandalous but that's another issue.

[Bantex]

Why are you complaining. You have other choices, just avail of them.

[SantiSuk]

Referring to cheap taxis in Bangkok (which they clearly are) is out of date as it implies that Bangkok is somehow special. That is no longer the case - several cities in Thailand now have cheap (usually call-up) metered taxi services that are regulated by local councils. Ubon Ratchatani introduced them about 4 years ago and I believe other places like Korat and Khon Kaen now also have. The type of journey referred to here would be about say 100 baht. Not quite as cheap as Bangkok but not far off and highly valued by locals and expats - has grown to a very significant fleet in a few short years. The baht bus routes don't seem to have been cut either though the cyclos regrettably seem to be dying out at the rate of their owner's deaths.

'Fraid you still have a long way to go in Pattaya to catch up with the real world - though clearly if you live on a baht bus route travel is extremely cheap.

[OMGImInPattaya]

Referring to cheap taxis in Bangkok (which they clearly are) is out of date as it implies that Bangkok is somehow special. That is no longer the case - several cities in Thailand now have cheap (usually call-up) metered taxi services that are regulated by local councils. Ubon Ratchatani introduced them about 4 years ago and I believe other places like Korat and Khon Kaen now also have. The type of journey referred to here would be about say 100 baht. Not quite as cheap as Bangkok but not far off and highly valued by locals and expats - has grown to a very significant fleet in a few short years. The baht bus routes don't seem to have been cut either though the cyclos regrettably seem to be dying out at the rate of their owner's deaths.

'Fraid you still have a long way to go in Pattaya to catch up with the real world - though clearly if you live on a baht bus route travel is extremely cheap.

Sounds like an Uber type service...are drivers using their own cars or leased and painted taxis like in Bangkok? The weakness with the Grab models they use the local taxi fleet already in place. It works well in places like Bangkok, with large fleets of regulated taxis but not so much in place like Pattaya.

[1BADDAT]

[...]

Edit; BTW the fare from Mapbrachan to Central was 395 Baht (and you can have up to 4 passengers in the car for that).

Are you trying to make it sound like it's cheap? This fare in Bangkok would be about 100 Baht and why should the taxi be entitled to 65% of the average Thai wage for one 30 minute trip? Sure you wouldn't pay $123 (65% of the average US daily wage of 189$) in the US for the same service?

But I'm not really complaining about the prices, I realize that's just the way it is. But why try to squeeze more out of it? These guys are already making a fortune.

of course you didn't calculate what the driver actually receives. Do you think grab gives the driver the car and fuel for free?

[lostinisaan]

When the Pattaya casinos are all setup, I wonder if Pattaya taxis will be free shuttles like Macau or the scam meter taxis for the clueless Chinese high rollers or will people walk from casino to casino like Vegas? It's going to happen. Just ask the condo property developers and the owners of Terminal 21.

The Philippines, Singapore, laos,malaysia, Cambodia and Korea all already have casinos and how many of these places have free taxis for low end gamblers?

Arrai Wa? Low End Gamblers? What about High End Losers?

[lostinisaan]

Referring to cheap taxis in Bangkok (which they clearly are) is out of date as it implies that Bangkok is somehow special. That is no longer the case - several cities in Thailand now have cheap (usually call-up) metered taxi services that are regulated by local councils. Ubon Ratchatani introduced them about 4 years ago and I believe other places like Korat and Khon Kaen now also have. The type of journey referred to here would be about say 100 baht. Not quite as cheap as Bangkok but not far off and highly valued by locals and expats - has grown to a very significant fleet in a few short years. The baht bus routes don't seem to have been cut either though the cyclos regrettably seem to be dying out at the rate of their owner's deaths.

'Fraid you still have a long way to go in Pattaya to catch up with the real world - though clearly if you live on a baht bus route travel is extremely cheap.

Even Sisaket has metered taxis since two years.

Of course are they trying to rip you off by asking for a "service charge." Understandable, when too many just pay, without thinking.

That's only possible to add 20 baht when you call a cab, but.................

[wump]

Why is there "scam" word in this topic title ?

You see total price before before booking. You can press o.k or walk, up to you

Driver asks for tip, You can say yes or no, up to you.

Where is the scam?

By asia standars this is no way scam....

I had to walk the last 500 meters cause I wouldn't pay the 100 Baht surcharge he quoted me.

For people who don't believe the pricing, please get a quote for Beverly Plaza Hotel in Soi VC to Garden Cliff in Naklua.

As for why I didn't take the Baht bus, I would have to catch a motorbike taxi twice to get to and from 2nd road which wouldn't be any cheaper in the end for two people.

I get 260 for the same run but close enough (several Garden Cliffs listed in Naklua). In any case, that's the fare Grab is offering and you're free to accept or decline it. I don't see any "scam" here...you may consider the quote scandalous but that's another issue.

I am not complaining about the price, I can just take it or leave. I complained about the driver having the nerve to ask for another 100 Baht when he is already making a fortune. The "scam" is that I didn't get taken to my final destination as I wouldn't pay any extra and had to walk the last bit even though I clearly booked it in the app. And yes, I reported it already.

[lostinisaan]

TVf members should ( and always did/do) of course help each other.

Tell them something very nasty when they freaking misspell something in the teaching section, give some good advice to buy a new car in the car and technique forum, when the OP's only asking how to change engine oil and of course spreading all available viruses and Trojans in the computer/tech forum.

Explain that they should run their CPU with 380 volts and problems will be solved. ( At least for that PC..)

Post the photographs of your "best friend's wives on Thai Love me too much and other websites, together with their real phone numbers. That's what friends are for, right?

Just do what many others do and don't help the OP. Just complain about people who do answer the post. It's easy to find a reason, maybe a funny username, or the member is just lost and insane.

Germans would only take a Grabtaxi once. ( Grab means grave in German) But I found the right solution for you.

A Rikscha with a license plate from Kirghistan, blinking lights underneath will attract all the eye candies on your way home. I apologize for using a Germish word in an English only webpage

I can buy it for 3.5 K and sell it to you for 10 K, also called doing a friend a good favor.

Please page me for contact information, the thingy is in Yasothon, if you want me to pick it up for you, another 5 K will be added.

P.S. It's the one in the golden middle. Should your gf'/wife have some extra pounds, a great way to lose weight. while you enjoy the nice view.

[wump]

A bit early on the Chang today, are we?

[lostinisaan]

A bit early on the Chang today, are we?

Who? Where" Why Chang?

[lostinisaan]

Yep, could definitely be the vehicle for my last ride. The Grabtaxi. ( The Gravetaxi )

[billd766]

Yep, could definitely be the vehicle for my last ride. The Grabtaxi. ( The Gravetaxi )

I showed that to my wife and told her that when I die my son can drive me to the temple (1 km away) in that.

She said that a motorcycle taxi was cheaper.

[siam2007]

Why is there "scam" word in this topic title ?

You see total price before before booking. You can press o.k or walk, up to you

Driver asks for tip, You can say yes or no, up to you.

Where is the scam?

By asia standars this is no way scam....

I had to walk the last 500 meters cause I wouldn't pay the 100 Baht surcharge he quoted me.

For people who don't believe the pricing, please get a quote for Beverly Plaza Hotel in Soi VC to Garden Cliff in Naklua.

As for why I didn't take the Baht bus, I would have to catch a motorbike taxi twice to get to and from 2nd road which wouldn't be any cheaper in the end for two people.

you can give him a very low rating of just 1 star after you finished the journey and leave a comment, though not sure if the Pattaya Grab Team will read it or care much. It is a fact that Grab is only working properly in big cities. the drivers have too much power and can cancel any trip whenever they like after they initially accepted the ride. In Pattaya, GRAB succumbed to local Mafia and charges exorbitant prices.

I found that GRAB works perfectly fine where there is a lot of competition and mostly locals using the Taxis, such as in KL (where I was one of the very first users when the app became available as MYTEKSI some years ago), BKK, Manila or HCMC. Even in Bali recently I had very mixed experiences using GRAB, though it certainly helped me to save a lot of money there (128K from Kuta to Ubud, and not the 250K a metered BLUEBIRD Cab would cost