GRAB: test, review and promo code of Uber’s competitor in Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia…)
Coupon code GRAB
If you want to discover GRAB, click here or use the promo code GRABTOURDUMONDE . Depending on the country, you should get the equivalent of a free ride
If you don’t have Uber yet, use the code uberUBERTOP to get a 5 € credit
GRAB, more convenient than a cab
When I went to Vietnam for the first time almost 10 years ago, taking a cab was no easy task
- During peak hours, it could be very difficult to find one available.
- Once found, it was necessary to succeed in explaining to him where one wished to go (I had besides a small notebook on me with my usual addresses to show him).
- Once started, it was necessary to make sure that the driver activated the meter.
- Once the counter was activated, one had to hope that it was not tampered with so as not to end up with a bill much higher than the normal price.
With the advent of VTC applications, most of these disadvantages have disappeared
You are all familiar with the Uber application which is present in most major cities around the world
Uber is well established in Asia, and we happened to pass by their premises in Hanoi
However, Uber isn’t necessarily the leader in all Asian countries, as Grab has a strong presence in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma and Cambodia
Note: as of April 2018, Uber is no longer available in Southeast Asia. To avoid fierce competition, Uber has given way to Grab in exchange for a large check.
We have had the opportunity to use Grab in Thailand and Vietnam and are very satisfied with it
It is therefore useful to have both the Uber application and the Grab application.
Depending on the demand and the distance of your trip, the rate may be more interesting for one or the other.
If you are in a hurry, one of them may have a vehicle available right next door.
Grab: How does it work?
If you already use Uber, you won’t be out of pocket, the system is really similar
The application geolocates you, you indicate your destination. You will instantly have an estimate of the rate and waiting time
If you accept, the vehicle goes to meet you
Once a driver is assigned to you, his or her license plate number is displayed, which is handy for identifying the right car in the midst of uncontrolled traffic
Convenient chat functionality allows you to chat with the driver. You can chat in English, the conversation will be translated into the local language! Before the driver tended to call you, not practical because their level of English is often the same as my level of Vietnamese
The GRAB application’s geoloc system tends to be worse than Uber’s, so make sure it has identified your location when you order your ride
What types of vehicles?
As in Europe, you can choose a vehicle with a maximum of 4 or 7 passengers
Another service offered in Asia by both Uber and Grab: the possibility of using a motorcycle! The driver arrives, gives you a helmet and off you go!
Advantage: the race is cheaper and faster
Disadvantage: limited to one passenger and you have to have a good heart
How much does it cost and how to pay?
GRAB’s default method of payment is cash, so a credit card isn’t mandatory unlike Uber. If you have entered a credit card, you can also pay by this payment method
The prices are very cheap and will obviously depend on the country and the distance. In Thailand, I had the impression that the short races were more interesting with Uber and the long races more interesting with Grab
It also varies according to demand, so compare the two at each run, it takes 5 minutes
Promotional code
If you want to discover GRAB, click here or use the promo code GRABTOURDUMONDE . Depending on the country, you should get the equivalent of a free ride
If you don’t have Uber yet, use the code uberUBERTOP to get a 5 € credit.
