Your guide on how to use Grab Malaysia in Thailand - Terms and conditions, restrictions and how to pay

There’s loads to do in Thailand, whether you’re heading over to relax in Chiang Mai, soak up the atmosphere in Bangkok or hit any of the fabulous and world famous beaches. But how about getting around once you’re in Thailand? If you’re a Grab¹ fan already, you may well be wondering: Can I use Grab Malaysia in Thailand?

This guide covers all you need to know about how to use Grab in Thailand, including a look at important restrictions and ways to pay. We’ll also highlight a great way to cut the costs of currency conversion, on Grab and all your other THB spending - with Wise.

Table of contents
How to use the Malaysia Grab app in Thailand Restrictions when using Grab Malaysia in Thailand Payment methods for Grab Malaysia in Thailand Cash Malaysian Debit or Credit Card Wise card

How to use the Malaysia Grab app in Thailand

Generally, you can use the Malaysia Grab app in Thailand just as you would at home. There’s a small restriction to know about when it comes to using a prepaid credit balance - which we’ll look at in a moment - but aside from this, you shouldn’t have any problem.

Grab has loads of features Malaysians love - and it also actively markets itself as a tool for travellers². This means that Grab can be used in many countries in Southeast Asia, with great features available like destination guides and a choice of language for merchant menus. When you arrive in Thailand your Grab app will detect your location and start to show you local merchants and services. Just use your app in the same way as you do in Malaysia, without needing to worry about haggling or bartering over the cost of things.

Using Grab in Thailand has a few clear advantages aside from avoiding losing face in a haggle to the death about the cost of lunch. It also makes getting a ride easier and safer, as you won’t need to try to explain your destination in Thai, helping you stay away from scams. Because prices are fixed in the app, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying in advance - read on for some ideas about how you can optimise your experience by using a payment card from Wise to cut the costs of spending in THB and bring down the price even further.

Restrictions when using Grab Malaysia in Thailand

We mentioned that there’s a restriction on using the Grab Malaysia app in Thailand if you have a prepaid credit balance. So what’s that all about?

If you have a balance in Grab in MYR, you won’t be able to use it directly to pay in Thailand. Instead - if you want to continue using the prepaid option - you’ll need to create a new balance in THB so you can pay in the local currency.

The far easier option is to choose a different payment method instead. We’ll look at your options next - but by adding a low cost international debit card to Grab³ you’ll be able to pay seamlessly in whatever currency you need, with low fees and no foreign transaction charge. Easy.

✈️ Travelling to Thailand soon? Find out how you can use the Wise card abroad to get the most out of your MYR to THB conversions

Payment methods for Grab Malaysia in Thailand

You’ll have pretty much the same options as you do at home, when it comes to paying with Grab Malaysia in Thailand. However, there are a few different considerations that come up because you’re overseas. Let’s have a look.

Cash - Clear your extra notes and coins

If you want to, you can often choose to pay for Grab services in cash. This might not be your preferred option in Malaysia, but if you’re in Thailand and have a wallet stuffed with baht you need to use up, it could be an attractive idea, particularly for ride hailing.

Using Grab to hail a ride, and paying in cash, means you don’t need to find a taxi or negotiate the cost of travelling to your destination. Prices are fixed in the app, so you can avoid scams and inflated tourist costs. The one thing to bear in mind is that drivers won’t necessarily have lots of change on them - so try to have the right notes on you to cover your costs if you can.

Malaysian Debit or Credit Card - Earn extra points on overseas spend

Chances are that you’ve got a Malaysian debit or credit card linked to your Grab Malaysia app already. You can use this to pay when you’re abroad as you would at home - but you will need to take into consideration any foreign transaction fee added by your bank.

Using your normal card has the advantage that it’s easy and you’ll continue to earn any rewards or cash back that you would get at home. However, many banks and card issuers charge a foreign transaction fee which can be 2% or more. This applies whenever you spend in a foreign currency, and pushes up the price you pay in the end.

Want to avoid foreign transaction fees and still pay for things on Grab easily? Keep reading for your solution.

Wise card - Maximise your MYR to THB conversions and use the same card no matter where you are

Cash is clunky and Malaysian debit and credit cards might have extra fees to pay in baht. Check out the international debit card from Wise, which lets you pay anywhere in the world with no foreign transaction fee and mid-market rates.

Open your Wise account online or in the Wise app to order your Wise card for a one time fee. You can add ringgit to your account and switch over to THB if you want to - or just leave your money in MYR and let the card do the conversion for you.

The Wise card’s autoconvert technology will detect the currency needed and switch your balance using the mid-market exchange rate and a low conversion fee from 0.43%. That means no foreign transaction fee, and no need to deal with lots of foreign currency in cash.

Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

💳 Order your very own Wise card

Thailand is a great tourist destination, and with the Malaysia grab app on your phone you’ll be able to get around, order food, and pay in stores just as easily there as you do at home. Use this guide to get set up - and remember to check out Wise to make spending in THB secure, seamless and cheap.

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Sources:

1. Grab
2. Grab press release - traveller features
3. Grab help - add a card to Grab