For travelers and expats in Thailand, the ride-hailing landscape has long been dominated by Grab. The Singapore-based app is convenient and reliable, but its pricing often leaves budget-conscious users wincing. What many don’t realize is that locals have been using alternative apps for years—apps that offer the same services at nearly half the price. These platforms aren’t just cheaper; they’re often faster and more widely available outside tourist hubs.

The most notable of these is Bolt, an Estonian app that has quietly become the go-to choice for Thais looking to save money. While Grab charges premiums during peak hours or high-demand areas, Bolt’s pricing remains consistently lower. A typical 10-kilometer ride in Bangkok might cost ฿250 on Grab but only ฿120 on Bolt. The difference isn’t marginal—it’s substantial enough to make tourists question why they’ve been overpaying.

Another hidden gem is inDrive, a lesser-known platform that flips the traditional ride-hailing model on its head. Instead of algorithms setting prices, passengers propose their fare, and drivers can accept or counteroffer. This unique approach often results in fares 30-50% cheaper than Grab, especially for longer trips. While it requires slightly more effort, the savings are undeniable. Locals swear by it for intercity travel, where Grab’s fixed pricing becomes prohibitively expensive.

Then there’s MuvMi, an electric tuk-tuk service that’s revolutionized short-distance travel in Bangkok. Operating like a shared taxi but with app-based booking, it’s not just eco-friendly—it’s laughably cheap. Rides start at ฿20, making it perfect for quick hops between attractions. The catch? It’s primarily Thai-language only, which explains why few foreigners use it. But for those willing to navigate the language barrier, the savings add up quickly.

Why the massive price disparity? Industry insiders point to Grab’s regional monopoly ambitions. Having acquired Uber’s Southeast Asia operations in 2018, Grab operates more like a traditional taxi service with surge pricing and service fees. Bolt and inDrive, by contrast, take smaller commissions from drivers, allowing them to charge less while still being profitable. Drivers often prefer these platforms too, as they keep more of each fare.

The user experience on these apps does differ slightly. Grab’s interface is polished and multilingual, while Bolt’s design feels more utilitarian. inDrive requires getting accustomed to its bidding system. But these are minor trade-offs for what amounts to significant savings. Payment methods also vary—while Grab accepts international credit cards, some alternatives are cash-only or require local bank transfers, which can be a hurdle for short-term visitors.

For those planning extended stays, downloading these apps should be a no-brainer. The combined savings over weeks or months could easily cover extra hotel nights or flights to other Thai destinations. Even for short trips, using Bolt for airport transfers or inDrive for day trips to places like Ayutthaya can cut transportation costs dramatically. The secret is out—Thailand’s ride-hailing market has options beyond Grab, and they’re worth exploring.

As tourism rebounds post-pandemic, more travelers are discovering these alternatives through word of mouth or local recommendations. Social media groups for digital nomads in Thailand frequently feature threads comparing ride-hailing options, with seasoned expats urging newcomers to ditch Grab except when absolutely necessary. The message is clear: in Thailand, riding like a local doesn’t just mean tuk-tuks and songthaews—it means using the apps that give you local prices.