Taking transit to BKK for a 4 AM flight out of Bangkok?
Jan 11, 2024 | 7:30 am
#76
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: EVA Air , * G, QR Privilege Club S
Posts: 6,114
I don't want you to keep your experiences to yourself. FT is all about sharing experience and learning.
I'm just trying to save you money (if you want to save money). If you hail a waiting taxi at the upstairs arrival level 2nd curb, and the driver wants 500b to your destination in Bangkok, then for sure a meter will be less (and probably by about 200b).
I'm just trying to save you money (if you want to save money). If you hail a waiting taxi at the upstairs arrival level 2nd curb, and the driver wants 500b to your destination in Bangkok, then for sure a meter will be less (and probably by about 200b).
Jan 11, 2024 | 7:36 am
#77
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BKK
Programs: Mucci Chevalier de la Brosse a Cheveux Dore, SK GfL, BA GGL, TG *G, HH DIA, IHG Plat Amb., Hertz PC
Posts: 4,856
They are not half the price but comparatively cheaper. But how many times a metered taxi on its own with a foreigner would not quote a fixed price? How many times they have refused to take a passenger on? Plenty and especially if it is rush hour and the destination is out of the normal taxi routes. They do the same thing from the airport too unless you know the route. Would try to take a longer route or pretend to miss a turn off or a U turn. With Grab at least you know up front how much you are going to pay even before you book it. Plus the non taxi Grab(slightly more expensive) are much cleaner and are private cars.
Jan 11, 2024 | 8:19 am
#78
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: EVA Air , * G, QR Privilege Club S
Posts: 6,114
They have done the same thing to me and now I am very vigilant when I get into a metered taxi. With Grab I do not need to concentrate on where is driving but with the metered taxis they still try to pull that on me. I know my way about at least where I am going mostly.
Jan 11, 2024 | 1:54 pm
#79
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 9,184
well this can also happen with Grab or taxi (whether the driver uses a navigation system or not)...
that's why usually on a long trip or in areas, where I am not familar with (even after 28 years in town there are still areas I am not familar with...
) i check on google maps myself, where we are driving and talk to the driver, if direction does not fit...but if my wife takes the lead....that's another story
Jan 11, 2024 | 5:54 pm
#81
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BKK
Programs: Mucci Chevalier de la Brosse a Cheveux Dore, SK GfL, BA GGL, TG *G, HH DIA, IHG Plat Amb., Hertz PC
Posts: 4,856
that's why usually on a long trip or in areas, where I am not familar with (even after 28 years in town there are still areas I am not familar with...) i check on google maps myself, where we are driving and talk to the driver, if direction does not fit...
but if my wife takes the lead....that's another story
) i check on google maps myself, where we are driving and talk to the driver, if direction does not fit...but if my wife takes the lead....that's another story
Jan 12, 2024 | 1:25 am
#82
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,986
I usually know where I am going too - or do like yourself. The problem is mostly at pick-up time - for instance, at our condo, Bolt always leads the driver into a small dead-end alley where only motorbikes can pass, whereas it really is very simple taking the right way. And then they are stuck there not knowing what to do and unable to figure out the simple task of getting out. The result - add at lot of wait time.
Alternatively, add an accurate entry on openstreetmaps for your condo. Bolt appears to use Google APIs with openstreetmaps behind them.
Jan 12, 2024 | 2:46 am
#83
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BKK
Programs: Mucci Chevalier de la Brosse a Cheveux Dore, SK GfL, BA GGL, TG *G, HH DIA, IHG Plat Amb., Hertz PC
Posts: 4,856
Add a "Note to driver" with the info required. Once you've done it once it'll come up automatically if you're booking from the same location again. Can't guarantee they'll all read it but at least it gives you a chance.
Alternatively, add an accurate entry on openstreetmaps for your condo. Bolt appears to use Google APIs with openstreetmaps behind them.
Alternatively, add an accurate entry on openstreetmaps for your condo. Bolt appears to use Google APIs with openstreetmaps behind them.
Grab, for all its flaws, at least almost never gets the location wrong. Although, that said, I pre-booked for 4pm yesterday as I was in a rush from finishing one call to going to another meeting, and was confirmed hours prior to pickup.. At 4pm the driver was still somewhere in Thonburi 
Taxi 1 - Grab 0
Jan 12, 2024 | 3:05 am
#84
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 9,184
I have resorted to just not using Bolt Grab, for all its flaws, at least almost never gets the location wrong. Although, that said, I pre-booked for 4pm yesterday as I was in a rush from finishing one call to going to another meeting, and was confirmed hours prior to pickup.. At 4pm the driver was still somewhere in Thonburi Taxi 1 - Grab 0
Grab, for all its flaws, at least almost never gets the location wrong. Although, that said, I pre-booked for 4pm yesterday as I was in a rush from finishing one call to going to another meeting, and was confirmed hours prior to pickup.. At 4pm the driver was still somewhere in Thonburi Taxi 1 - Grab 0in 90% taxi is faster and cheaper....
Feb 25, 2024 | 8:42 pm
#85
Join Date: Mar 2023
Posts: 276
Trying to get both grab/bolt apps ready before going to thailand. does bolt only work with local phone numbers from certain countries? I can't seem to receive the SMS verification or call back
didn't have a problem with grab. planning to use it in Bangkok and Phuket.
didn't have a problem with grab. planning to use it in Bangkok and Phuket.