When traveling in Thailand, besides public transportation like the BTS Skytrain and buses,
the most common ways to get around are taxis and Grab. Grab, similar to Uber, is very popular and has been legally operating for years.
Table of Contents
Understanding Thai License Plates
In Thailand, vehicle plates are categorized into three types:
White Plates:Private vehicles for personal transport.
Yellow Plates:Commercial vehicles authorized for passenger transport.
Red Plates:Temporary plates for new cars awaiting official registration. These cars can’t be driven after 5 PM.
Key Features of Thai Taxis
1. Base Fare and Surcharges
The starting fare is 35 THB.
Many drivers prefer not to use the meter and negotiate a fixed fare, often higher.
Also,at night, taxis are scarce, so drivers frequently insist on fixed pricing.
Also,early morning ridesmay have extra charges due to fewer drivers.
2. Speed and Safety Concerns
Taxi drivers often drive fast and aggressively to complete more trips.
This can make rides feel unsafe, especially on busy streets.
3. Fares During Traffic Jams
If stuck in traffic, the meter keeps increasing based on time.
Bangkok traffic can be severe.
A short, 5-minute drive from Central World to Saladaeng can take over 40 minutes during peak hours.
4. Communication and Driver Refusals
Some drivers don’t know certain locations and may wave you away.
Drivers may also refuse if a destination makes their return trip inconvenient.
Of course, the expected empty return cost is passed to the passenger.
5. Legality
Taxis with yellow plates are fully licensed and legal.
6. Convenience
You can hail a taxi anywhere.
However, negotiating or ensuring the meter is used may take time.
Grab app叫車特性
When traveling in Thailand, one of the most commonly used apps is Grab. Grab Taxi, a transportation network company specializing in Southeast Asia, has been a dominant player in the Thai market for years. I’ve been using Grab since its early days when it wasn’t even legal, and now it’s fully authorized and widely accepted.
Before Grab, there were other ride-hailing apps like Uber in Thailand, but Grab has always been the frontrunner. When Uber exited the Thai market, Grab became the undisputed leader!
Using Grab is similar to Uber. Open the app, mark your location on the map, and whether you choose Grab Taxi or Grab Car (private driver), your ride will arrive to pick you up after confirming your request. Once you reach your destination, you can rate your Grab experience.
Here’s a comparison between Grab and traditional taxis:
1. Base Fare and Surcharges
The minimum fare starts at 40-45 THB, with an additional 20 THB booking fee, making the lowest total fare 60 THB.
For the same distance, Grab tends to be slightly more expensive than regular taxis.
However, Grab doesn’t charge extra for nighttime rides—it’s all metered.
2. Speed and Safety Concerns
Grab has a rating system, which encourages drivers to be more cautious, making the ride experience relatively safer.
3. Pricing During Traffic Jams
Grab charges based on standard rates, and the price is confirmed upfront. This means the fare won’t fluctuate due to traffic or other factors.
So, while Grab might seem pricier at first glance, it’s actually quite fair.
4. Communication and Driver Refusals
Since Grab uses an app with map input, language barriers are less of an issue, reducing the chances of being refused a ride.
5. Legality
In the past, when Grab wasn’t yet legal, drivers faced fines of 2,000 THB if caught. To avoid police checks, drivers would sometimes ask passengers to pretend to be friends. Passengers had to play along occasionally.
Now, Grab is fully legal in Thailand, so you can ride with peace of mind.
6. Convenience and Options
After booking, you’ll typically wait around 10 minutes for your ride.
You can choose your vehicle type. If you’re traveling with a group or want a more comfortable ride, you can pay extra for a higher-tier car.
Pro Tip: To use Grab, you’ll need internet access. Ror seamless connectivity, make sure you get aThai eSIM card.
So, What's the Best and Most Affordable Way to Get Around?
Overall Transportation Tips
- At night or in remote areas where it’s hard to hail a taxi, Grab is your best bet.
- During the day in the city, regular taxis are more convenient—just flag one down, and the fares are usually lower. (Pro tip: Check if it’s rush hour to avoid traffic.)
This combination is the most efficient and cost-effective way to get around.
Other Local Transportation Options
Other choices includes: (1)Motorcycle Taxis (Motor Taxi): Quick and nimble, perfect for short distances or beating traffic. (2)MRT Subway: A fast and reliable way to navigate Bangkok. (3)Bangkok City Buses: Affordable but can be confusing for first-timers.(4) Airport Transfers: Convenient services connecting Thailand’s two major airports to the city.、(5)BTS Skytrain One-Day Pass: Great for unlimited travel on Bangkok’s elevated train system.
Finally, there’s the tuk-tuk, a fun and iconic way to explore as a tourist. However, tuk-tuks are significantly more expensive than taxis (usually 2-3 times the price). Always negotiate the fare before hopping in. Note: In Bangkok, tuk-tuks are more of a tourist experience than a practical transport option.
#In smaller tourist cities like Chiang Mai: Traffic is lighter, and public buses are rarely used. Taxis are scarce, while tuk-tuks are everywhere. If you can speak Thai and bargain, you’re good to go. Otherwise, I recommend renting a motorcycle if you’re comfortable riding one. Alternatively, opt for a songthaew (shared pickup truck taxi) or hire a private car for groups. If all else fails, try using Grab to avoid overpaying for tuk-tuks.
Take an Authentic Thai Cooking Class While in Thailand
If you’re reading this, you must love Thai food—sweet, sour, spicy, and packed with that signature fish sauce flavor. Why not learn to cook it yourself? That way, you can enjoy it even after returning home! Plus, it’s a fun and interactive experience. Thai cuisine is absolutely delicious, and taking a cooking class is a great way to make friends and dive into the culture.
(I’ve taken friends to Thai cooking classes before—cozy environment, English-speaking instructors, and a lively atmosphere filled with laughter throughout the session.)
Learning to cook Thai dishes means you can whip them up anytime back home. It’s a hands-on, enjoyable experience! This KKDay Thai cooking class is highly rated and popular for good reason. Just pick the class that features the dishes you’re most excited to try. The instructors are passionate, skilled, and clear in their instructions—just check the reviews to see for yourself!
【泰國怎麼叫車? 計程車 vs. Grab哪個比較優惠？】重點影片，歡迎分享
Other Thailand Travel & Vacation Tips：
⛱️ Skip the Planning! Join a Local Day Tour & See More Attractions.
【Complete Thailand Golf Guide】A Full Overview of Thailand’s Golf Courses
【Bangkok Golf】Best Golf Courses in Bangkok: Prices, Rankings & Booking
【Pattaya Golf】Top Golf Courses in Pattaya: Reviews & Prices
【Must-See for 1st-Timers】Floating Market Day Tour from Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak, Maeklong Market & Amphawa Fireflies Cruise
【Thai Costume Experience】One Day - SENSE OF THAI Costume Rental Experience
【20K+ Rave Reviews】Let’s Relax Spa – Bangkok’s Award-Winning Massage & Spa
🍜 Bangkok Food
【Unique Thai Snacks】Exotic Thai Street Food Experience
【Top Buffet】Copper Beyond Buffet at Gaysorn Amarin – A World-Class Culinary Experience
【Classic Thai Seafood】Great Harbour International Buffet Dining Experience at ICONSIAM
【Beachfront Thai Seafood】Discover Thailand’s Best Coastal Eateries
【Michelin Thai Buffet】Market Café by Khao at Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit – Enjoy $90 Worth of Dishes for $24
【Thai Local Delicacies】Experience Thailand's street food stalls! How to say "not spicy" in Thai?
🚆 Bangkok Transportation Tickets and Passes
【Getting Around】Common ways to navigate Bangkok’s city traffic.
【Airport Transfers】Private car transfers from BKK/DMK airports to Bangkok city hotels.
【Bangkok Ride-Hailing】Comparing Thai taxis vs. Grab—which is more cost-effective?
【First-Time Visiting Thailand?】Get One-day Bangkok sightseeing passes
【Taking the Train in Bangkok】Experiencing Thailand’s railways—waiting for trains on the tracks!
⚙️Useful Tools for Travelers in Thailand
【Unlimited Internet in Thailand】The most popular eSIM and SIM card options among travelers.
【Luggage Delivery】Luggage Concierge | Same-day delivery from BKK Airport to hotels in Bangkok.
🛏️ Accommodation in Bangkok
【Bangkok Hotels】Recommendations for 20 high-value hotels in Bangkok (including low and high season prices).
😎 About Me
I have been stationed in Thailand for many years (seeAbout me), speak Thai, and serve as your local insider guide. Feel free to join my Facebook Page:LiangYu in Thailand - Eight Years as an Expat in Thailand, Firsthand Insights into Thai Life, where we can share experiences about work, life, travel, and business in Thailand.
☎ Reservation Services for Thai Restaurants, Hotels, and Golf
Most reservations for Thai restaurants, itineraries, and vacation apartments in Thailand require a local Thai bank account for booking. (Popular cafes in Thailand like the Maldives-themed Bubble in the Forest Cafe and many unique accommodations outside major cities, such as those in the Pilok area of Kanchanaburi, often do not have online booking and payment mechanisms.) If you needassistance on booking or order thai goods, please reach out on :Facebook
