Is Solo Travel Not Recommended? Discover 'Grab,' the Essential Ride-Hailing App in Southeast Asia

Ride-Hailing App "Grab"

Before my trip to Malaysia, I received strong advice from an older acquaintance: "Avoid taking taxis as much as possible." This advice was due to the need for haggling over fares, the potential for being overcharged as a tourist, and concerns about being taken to unfamiliar or unsafe places, especially since I'm a woman.

Certainly, even travel guides like "Lonely Planet" suggest opting for fixed-rate tickets if you're taking an airport taxi.

Now, there's an app that can alleviate these concerns to a certain extent and is likely well-known to those who have traveled in Southeast Asia – the handy app called "Grab."

Based in Singapore, Grab is a company similar to Uber in Japan, offering various services such as taxi rides (driven by individual drivers), food delivery, and loyalty cards for partner supermarkets.

According to their website, Grab operates in Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. However, there may be areas within these countries where Grab isn't available, so it's essential to check.

Using Grab (Taxi Booking)

When using Grab for taxi booking, you'll be matched with a registered driver (usually individual drivers). Here's a simple guide on how to use it:

1. Select "Car" from the home screen.
2. Choose your current location (or where you want to be picked up) and your destination. You can either drop a pin on the map or search for your destination by name.
3. Select your preferred type of vehicle. If you have no particular preference, you can choose "Just Grab," and the closest available vehicle at a reasonable price will be assigned to you. The estimated fare will be displayed, so you'll know the cost upfront.
4. Once you've requested a ride, the driver's name, vehicle type, and license plate number will be shown. As the vehicle approaches, you can track its location on the map displayed on your smartphone screen, making it easy to locate.
5. If the driver needs to make minor adjustments, such as picking you up slightly away from the designated point due to traffic or road conditions, they might send you a message. Follow their instructions accordingly. Upon entering the vehicle, the driver may confirm your name and destination. A simple "OK" or "YES" will suffice.
6. Enjoy the ride to your destination. If you've registered a credit card, the fare will be automatically charged. Please note that additional charges may apply for toll roads if used during the trip.

Most likely, Japanese travelers will use Grab with English settings, but don't worry; the app mostly relies on visual icons, making it user-friendly.

Advantages of Grab

The main advantages of using Grab are knowing the fare in advance, eliminating the need for price negotiations, and the safety provided by location tracking.

While regular taxis may leave you helpless in case of trouble, Grab allows your whereabouts to be tracked through the app, adding an extra layer of safety.

Although it's impossible to guarantee that all Grab drivers have good intentions, Grab generally provides a more secure feeling than regular taxis.

Disadvantages of Using Grab for Solo Travelers

Grab is incredibly useful for solo travelers, especially when returning to your accommodation at night.

However, it may not always be the best option for all solo travel purposes. This is because Malaysia, for instance, has an affordable train system, which is usually cheaper than using Grab for travel to most tourist destinations.

Additionally, Grab fares can increase during rainy weather, and Kuala Lumpur is known for its heavy traffic during certain hours. In such cases (although you may not always know when to expect it), waiting for a train might be a more efficient choice.

From conversations with friends at language school, I've learned that Grab is often used when traveling with friends to share the costs, which can be quite economical.

As someone who preferred solo activities and was good at managing my own pace even in Japan, I might be more inclined to use trains. However, there are times, like when I recently traveled from Batu Caves to Zoo Negara, when Grab seemed more efficient than the train. So, it's worth considering Grab for specific situations during solo travel.

Recommended Reading