TOP 4 Thai Taxi Test | Only 1 winner 🏆 Is it your favourite?

If you are visiting Thailand or live here, you're going to want to take a taxi to get around. In the past, there was no choice but to take the regular, sometimes overpriced, taxis from the streets.
But now, there are a group of ride-hailing apps available, similar to Uber in other countries.
The biggest is Grab, but in some areas, Bolt is more popular. And there's new companies entering the market all the time; such as In Drive and Maxim.
Here, we test each of the apps for a couple of journeys, and make some observations about their strengths and weaknesses. It's not a scientific test, and your comments are always welcome sharing your own experiences.
This is NOT a sponsored video. I'm a user of all 4 apps described here, and I paid for all the rides.
#grab
#bolt
#indriver

[@WalkingmanPattaya]

Was fun to be a part of this BC. You are always coming up with ideas to share useful information on traveling and where to stay or grab a coffee for people visiting here in the Land of Smiles . Good on ya mate!

[@balloonchaser]

Yes, Ric. That was a fun video to make. Thanks again to you and AJ for coming along. Shame I came last in both rounds, but such is life!

[@gmm5550]

for shorter trips here in bangkok i still take the extremely cheap win scooter taxi often under 20-30 baht .for longer trips in a car i switch between grab and bolt but will check out the other 2 a really fun video

[@balloonchaser]

Many thanks. I should say when I worked in Bangkok I found the win motorcycle orange jacket guys to be very reasonable priced in most areas. But in the tourist areas, or where they spotted a tourist, sometimes they weren't. I might do a review of win motorcy v app bikes. Could be fun! Cheers.

[@jeffrussell488]

Brilliant idea on how to deliver (pardon the pun) travel App comparisons to the viewer 😊 10/10 again

[@balloonchaser]

Many thanks for the positive feedback. I genuinely appreciate it. It was actually fun to make with my 2 buddies!

[@LePubPattaya]

Great video. I never use taxi apps unless going to a very far flung place or there’s a group of us. I prefer motorcycle taxis. Immediate and quickest.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Phil. I do remember that you were a secret fan of Bolt, especially when waiting 10 minutes for a taxi that was due in 2 😀!

[@sandgroper1980]

Earth minutes 😆 Classic ! I love it ! I'm doing some catch up on your vids mate , the Mrs is still asleep so I'm having a lie in too before the AFL this arvo. As we are on holidays we just stick to GRAB , it's always been reliable for us. Cheers BC 👍🏼🍻🇦🇺

[@balloonchaser]

Enjoy your relaxation, SG! You might want to try Bolt as well in Pattaya as they are often a bit cheaper and a bit quicker to arrive. They seem to have the most drivers in these parts!

[@sandgroper1980]

@@balloonchaser Thanks for the tip mate. I shall update the app now. Do you go to Le Pub on certain days or just randomly when you feel like it ?

[@balloonchaser]

@sandgroper1980 yes, totally random these days. But if you tell me when you'll be there I can pop down if I'm not travelling!

[@jimmyboysmovies1972]

This vlog reminded me of the Italian Job Thai style BC for some reason 😂😂😂 Iv still not used the taxi apps I got grab but didn’t arrange a taxi but I still like the yellow or pink taxis . Like black cabs in London . You did get some good prices on your trip. It was fun seeing your friends in the vlog too . Nice one enjoy the coffee ☕️ 👌👌👌

[@balloonchaser]

You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off! Actually, the other guys did give a good impression of the synchronised minis, departing and arriving together. Sadly, I was officially placed in my customary last place again! Regular taxis are (mainly) ok in Bangkok, but in places like Pattaya you'll save a lot using an app! Thanks for your comment, Jimmy.

[@jimmyboysmovies1972]

@@balloonchaser guess what movie I will watch later 😂😂😂 next time I’m outside BKK I will use the app BC . Enjoy your evening my Mann 🍻

[@balloonchaser]

@jimmyboysmovies1972 Classic movie, mate. Apparently, they destroyed 16 Mini Coopers making it! Have a good one!

[@scottcarter3392]

Love the TEXAS RANGERS hat !!!

[@balloonchaser]

Must be AJ !

[@ViewTalay]

I used indrive a few times from BKK to Pattaya and it was very good. In Pattaya city I used bolt and grab but sometimes drivers cancel but overall they have been good

[@balloonchaser]

In drive is a bit different with their pricing agreements. I used it a lot on samui or phuket because it was popular there. Maxim was a pleasant surprise in pattaya. Seems very cheap. Thanks for your input!

[@Indy500-Racefan]

I've used Bolt several times. Reasonable pickup times, fair price, courteous drivers. Have not used the others though Grab will get a test run when next in town. Thanx on a great vid!

[@balloonchaser]

Glad you liked the video. I've found grab to be pretty reliable. They seem to have the most drivers in Bangkok including many yellow and green regular taxis. Probably bolt is usually a but cheaper in pattaya though

[@maggietse7973]

thanks for your info. Great great video. i have used Bolt (as your suggestion before) in bangkok & pattaya. really useful. thanks again.

[@balloonchaser]

Always as pleasure! And I'm glad you've found the information provided before useful. Love to get feedback like this!

[@Kiianu]

I used Bolt in Phuket Patong it was the best experience. For so many years the Taxi Mafia in Phuket they have been ripping off tourists 💀☠️ in BKK are good too but pay attention to rush hour and traffic congestion if you are heading to Airport, leave early.

[@balloonchaser]

Many thanks for your tips! Phuket the taxi apps offer a much better deal than the tuktuks on the street. Although even on the apps I've seen minimum fares of 100 or sometimes 200 baht. Even so, way better than the taxi "mafia". I like the apps when in Bangkok because the price is fixed, so you don't have the worry of a meter increasing every few seconds when you are sitting in a traffic jam!

[@Goldfinger555]

Always use Bolt. Grab I use for food. I need to start using an alternative as a back up because I will get delays on Bolt (switching drivers). I have also been picked up in a Pickup several times. The first time it surprised me. I figure since it is a pickup truck, they are less expensive to buy and pay taxes versus a car. Wouldn’t work for 3 or more people.

[@balloonchaser]

I was told once that they aren't allowed to use pick up trucks as taxis. Something to do with licensing or insurance, but that's a whole different can of worms! I don't mind the ones with 4 proper doors, but the 2+ door versions are a pain! Thanks for your comment!

[@PREPFORIT]

Thanks B.C I do not drive so all transport options are a good thing to know.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, PFI. All these apps seem to offer good services depending on what part of the country you are in. Certainly saved me a couple of times already!

[@user-kz3rw2ol3s]

When I visit pattaya I use bolt. Found it to be reliable. Although when I got 1 to bkk the driver wouldn't do trip for the 1100 I was quoted. Had to pay 1500.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Tony. That mirrors my own experiences. For local trips Bolt appears to work pretty well. If trying to book to the airport or downtown Bangkok a good number of drivers want to renegotiate the stated price. Thanks for your input!

[@waynea8020]

I always use bolt for taxis and grab for food

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks for your input, Wayne. And a lot of people share your views!

[@WanderlustReports]

Hi BC! As you know I've traveled extensively around Bangkok the pas 3 weeks, and clearly Bolt is my preferred app, as it is consistently cheaper than Grab. In fact, a lot of times, Bolt Comfort, which provides very comfortable cars, was cheaper than the average Grab.My main concern about Bolt, is that when they say your car will come in x minutes, you can most of the time expect this to be way longer... except with Bolt Comfort!

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Alain. I'm a fan of both Bolt and Grab. As you say they offer different classes of car and some are decidedly better. Overall Bolt seems to be cheaper, but sometimes they definitely don't count earth minutes! Thanks for your comment!

[@davidmcquaid2557]

Grab all the way. If you're in Thailand and then going to other Asian countries your app works for all.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, David. That's interesting. I didn't know you could use the one app in several countries. Good tip!

[@davidmcquaid2557]

@@balloonchaser Used it in Thailand and then Vietnam. Your vids are great. Next time I am in Pattaya there's a beer with your name on it!

[@balloonchaser]

@davidmcquaid2557 Thanks, David. I'll look forward to that!

[@thecryptostrategist2433]

Bolt worked for me, when I was in Pattaya. it was very cheap and on the whole quite reliable. Only once or twice did I meet scary drivers or guys who accepted the ride and then cancelled after several minutes. Bolt (and I expect most of the APPs) allow payment via QR code which just removes all hassles associated with tips and change. I never tip. What a cheap Charlie I am.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, David. It's probably fair to say that Bolt is the most popular in Pattaya, even though there's good coverage by Grab as well. QR code payment via promptpay definitely makes life easier. Grab actually just take money directly from my linked bank account. I do normally give a small tip. After all, they might be my driver next time! 😀

[@robertashley5186]

I used Bolt regularly on my last two trips to Pattaya. Excellent service, at a good price. Occasional cancellation by them on route to me, but could reorder. Only one minor problem driver, who asked for a 5 star review, for a combination of being on the phone, and making sexual comments about women. Overall very good service and will be using Bolt on upcoming trips.

[@thecryptostrategist2433]

@@robertashley5186 I had one that asked me to get out of the car and buy him a coffee while we were stuck in traffic. I had another that tried to charge the fare x3 because there were 3 people and he said it was the price per passenger. Neither got what they wanted or good reviews. The Bolt complaints process is not fit for purpose, so this type of thing basically goes unpunished.

[@balloonchaser]

@robertashley5186 Thanks, Robert. Missed the comment earlier, but seen it now!

[@herrmeistermann2426]

I have never used any apps in Pattaya. I prefer walking or the baht bus.

[@balloonchaser]

That's fair enough. And walking is obviously the healthy option. I do think the taxi apps are good for slightly longer distances or where the Baht bus doesn't run easily.

[@marksaunders5877]

In genral In Pattaya I like to walk I enjoy it but if need a taxi say from jomtein I'd take a bolt very good service

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Mark. Walking is definitely the healthy option. I should do that more often. Obviously, the baht bus service is great round Central Pattaya or from Jomtien. But bolt, I use about 5 times a week!

[@bigbopper6311]

really great video, super idea. so the answer is....how long is a bit of string.

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, BB. Think the answer is they are all OK, but grab and bolt seem to have more drivers and therefore pick you up quicker. Based on this limited test, anyway!

[@TriggLu]

Only used bolt in Pattaya 😊 , great servicefrom le pub . Also used it to go to the football was quoted 120 bht i think but took nearly 30 mins to get there as was stuck in a traffic jam , so gave the lovely lady driver 150 bht .

[@balloonchaser]

Thanks, Paul. Looks like mist people choose Bolt around Pattaya. Do you follow Pattaya Dolphins or football on TV? I went to Chonburi Sharks a couple of times by bolt, but that took over an hour! Still more exciting than watching England recently 😬

[@TriggLu]

@@balloonchaser went to watch them live been 3 or 4 times now . Oh I watch England home and away as well next stop cologne on Tuesday .

[@balloonchaser]

@TriggLu That's great! Give me a shout next time you go to watch Pattaya play! Meanwhile need a better performance from England next time out. Nuff said about last game. Need Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa to start. Not that I'm biased towards my club! Hahaha.

[@Russ12189]

Yes, as you say some areas support specific apps Samui was Grab? And Pattaya seems to have more Bolt drivers? And Phuket was InDrive? February 24 I booked a Bolt from Pattaya to a Hotel near the airport and taxi stopped and put me in the other car, the driver didn’t speak English and took me to the airport ? But normally good service and 1/4 the price of the UK. No Uber in Thailand yet BC? UTV and down with Southgate.

[@balloonchaser]

Grab took over Uber, I think, so it won't be back here. Yes, when we went to samui and Phuket Bolt and Grab didn't seem to be as big players. Strange how some regions have favoured a certain app. But any app provides good competition and is better than the taxis parked on the street! UTV

[@johnwalk123]

I try to add my credit card number to bolt app when I was in thialand last month using my Thailand sim number but it can't be done

[@balloonchaser]

That's an interesting point. I managed to add my bank to the grab app successfully for both food and transport. But I've never managed it with Bolt. It's much less hassle if the money can be taken directly from the bank and presumably safer for the drivers as well. I have noticed a lot of drivers now allow you to pay by scanning a QR code for promptpay. Unfortunately, it's not all of them, yet. Hopefully, coming soon!

[@PATThaiA]

ความชอบซิ์..

[@balloonchaser]

Many thanks! Glad you liked it 👍

[@farangtravels3956]

🎈🏃🏼👍

[@balloonchaser]

Is that walking man in the middle and AJ is the thumbs up 👍?

[@BangkokBurbs]

All the Taxi apps are far more expensive than the regular Taxis, 50% more expensive in some cases, but usually 25/30% more expensive, A 100 bath ride in a regular Taxi costs 130 baht in an app taxi.

[@balloonchaser]

That's a very interesting point. Have to say it doesn't really match my experience over the years. I was in Bangkok for a few days last week, and every time I got a taxi, the traffic meant that the meter kept on going up, whereas an app fare is fixed. Also, outside Bangkok, and in some places inside, it's not easy to get a taxi to turn the meter on in the first place. Anyway, it is always useful to get another perspective on the topic, so many thanks for the comment 👍