Bolt v Grab

[Butch]

Just out of interest, in the PI we use Grab all the time , it's an easy, useful and cheap method of getting around.

I've read that in LOS the grab app is full of ads and a pain in the arse to use, is this true?.

Also, can you pay cash only with Grab or does it need to be linked to google pay?

The Bolt app seems fairly easy to use and is my preferred method as there's the cash option on it. I do prefer to use the local MC Taxi's even if they're a bit more expensive, as most bolt riders are total nutters in my experience, but sometimes getting a bolt to / from Jomtien or Soi Boncoch is a much easier option.

[Lemondropkid]

1 hour ago, Butch said:

I've read that in LOS the grab app is full of ads and a pain in the arse to use, is this true?.

Also, can you pay cash only with Grab or does it need to be linked to google pay?

Don't think Grab is full of ads or difficult to use. You can link a debit card to Grab, doesn't need  to use Google pay.  I rarely use Grab now, maybe loads of adverts have been added???

Where are you reading these comments?

Also many drivers operate on both Grab and Bolt. So don't feel there's a hard distinction between one or the other.

My experience of the past year is that Bolt has become more reliable (Bangkok, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai) and Grab less so. 

 

Edited May 18 by Lemondropkid

[boydeste]

1 hour ago, Butch said:

I've read that in LOS the grab app is full of ads and a pain in the arse to use, is this true?.

Also, can you pay cash only with Grab or does it need to be linked to google pay?

I use Grab and Bolt in Thailand and only pay cash with them both.

Interestingly in some areas Bolt tends to be cheaper and in others Grab is.

I find them both easy to use and also order food sometimes through Grab.

[Yesitisdakid]

2 hours ago, Butch said:

Just out of interest, in the PI we use Grab all the time , it's an easy, useful and cheap method of getting around.

When I was in Makati I used Grab more than 15 times and as you have said It was great. Friendly English speaking drivers and the wait time was always very little and not one cancelled ride by the driver.

[Glasseye]

On 5/18/2026 at 4:42 PM, Lemondropkid said:

Don't think Grab is full of ads or difficult to use. You can link a debit card to Grab, doesn't need  to use Google pay.  I rarely use Grab now, maybe loads of adverts have been added???

Where are you reading these comments?

Also many drivers operate on both Grab and Bolt. So don't feel there's a hard distinction between one or the other.

My experience of the past year is that Bolt has become more reliable (Bangkok, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai) and Grab less so. 

 

 

Have you used it lately (ref. ads) ?

[Lemondropkid]

7 hours ago, Glasseye said:

 

Have you used it lately (ref. ads) ?

I opened it as a test yesterday, selected a pick up and departure point and didn't get any ads

Prefer Bolt over Grab so until I have to use Grab again I won't know.

The original comment sounded  like exaggerated online bullshit, which is why I was queried the OP as to source. Grab may be wall to wall adds while you are waiting for your taxi- give it a go for the team😁

Edited May 20 by Lemondropkid

[Glasseye]

16 hours ago, Lemondropkid said:

I opened it as a test yesterday, selected a pick up and departure point and didn't get any ads

Prefer Bolt over Grab so until I have to use Grab again I won't know.

The original comment sounded  like exaggerated online bullshit, which is why I was queried the OP as to source. Grab may be wall to wall adds while you are waiting for your taxi- give it a go for the team😁

 

I prefer Bolt... But there are occasions when I will use Grab for reasons I won't get into.

 

Just my experiences.... When I open the app it throws up a window asking about some location thing that I don't need (I have to cancel that out), Then an ad that I have to skip before getting to the nitty gritty. Then when I finally get to the where/from and a driver.... they attach a little ad thingy to the car which distorts the path the driver is taking. Then while waiting for the car they throw up another ad which you have to cancel out....  When out in sunlight it is extremely annoying for an old man like me who some vision issues. 

Bolt has none of that.

[Lemondropkid]

5 hours ago, Glasseye said:

ust my experiences.... When I open the app it throws up a window asking about some location thing that I don't need (I have to cancel that out), Then an ad that I have to skip before getting to the nitty gritty. Then when I finally get to the where/from and a driver.... they attach a little ad thingy to the car which distorts the path the driver is taking. Then while waiting for the car they throw up another ad which you have to cancel out....  When out in sunlight it is extremely annoying for an old man like me who some vision issues.

Thanks things seem to have changed then since I was a regular Grab user in LOS, I use Bolt now like yourself. Feels like what the OP was originally reading about the adverts  on Grab was correct- apologies @Butch

Last time I used Grab was at the Grab airport pick up point at BKK in March when I went to meet a pal travelling with far too much luggage for the rail link. 

There the problems are nothing to do with app, more spotting your number plate through the scrum of people, and dozens of very, very similair cars. There was an airport member of staff calling out plate numbers on a loud hailer that worked for me,but left most confused!

Might have been ads then but had no need to look at the app, had a plate number memorised and knew the driver was somewhere amongst a line  of taxis slowing manoevring

Edited May 21 by Lemondropkid

[KWA]

17 hours ago, Lemondropkid said:

Feels like what the OP was originally reading about the adverts  on Grab was correct

Just done a dummy booking, took it all the way through to the last stage and never got a single ad.  One pop-up offering a food discount code and that was it.

[Glasseye]

18 hours ago, Lemondropkid said:

Thanks things seem to have changed then since I was a regular Grab user in LOS, I use Bolt now like yourself. Feels like what the OP was originally reading about the adverts  on Grab was correct- apologies @Butch

Last time I used Grab was at the Grab airport pick up point at BKK in March when I went to meet a pal travelling with far too much luggage for the rail link. 

There the problems are nothing to do with app, more spotting your number plate through the scrum of people, and dozens of very, very similair cars. There was an airport member of staff calling out plate numbers on a loud hailer that worked for me,but left most confused!

Might have been ads then but had no need to look at the app, had a plate number memorised and knew the driver was somewhere amongst a line  of taxis slowing manoevring

 

Yes.... that mess at Swampy to pick up an ordered Grab is a total disaster IMO.