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In this article we are going to share a step-by-step guide on how to use the Grab in Bali in 2024. The Grab taxi app is the best way to get around in Bali if you are looking for fast, convenient and affordable transport. However there are some challenges using Grab in Bali. So, if you’re traveling around Bali please read this guide carefully.
We will take you through the whole process from getting a local sim card, registering your account, ordering taxis and meeting your driver. We will share lots of tips and tricks for Grab and also answer your questions about the Grab app.
Grab is the Uber of Asia. This successful taxi app is now used extensively across Asia to book taxis and also for other services like shopping and take away deliveries. Anyone can use the Grab app – all you need is a phone and a local sim with data. Otherwise this app is free and very helpful.
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE to the best ways to get around in Bali
Advantages of using Grab in Bali
Before we get into using Grab step by step we just wanted to share a few things that make Grab an amazing option in Bali:
- Convenience: Getting a Grab taxi in Bali is a very convenient way to get around. Order a taxi anywhere, any time and check the price first.
- Speed: Drivers on Grab are pretty responsive. You can normally be in your taxi within 5 minutes of placing the order (especially in towns)
- Transparency: Check your driver, how long it will take and their reviews. All the relevant info is on the app.
- Accountability: The Grab app creates accountability for drivers and passengers. You can review drivers and check their reviews.
- Fair local prices: Get a fair local price for a taxi. No need to barter. The price is set by the app and you know what you will need to pay before you book your ride.
- Flexibility: The Grab app is a flexible platform allowing you to customize your ride and taxi choice.
- Safety: Ordering a taxi through an official app like Grab is a safer taxi option. Drivers are registered on the app and there is a review platform on Grab.
Challenges of using Grab in Bali
In general Grab is a great way to get around in Bali. However, there are some challenges using Grab in Bali: Many popular tourist spots around Bali have local restrictions on Grab taxis. You often see signs such as “No Grab Drivers allowed”. Some local taxi drivers resent Grab for “stealing their business” and therefore have a strong disdain for Grab taxis. Occasionally local drivers can have confrontations with Grab drivers. We have a few thoughts on this:
- These Grab restrictions are often directed towards Grab pick ups rather than drop offs (although some Grab drivers may not drop off in some areas).
- Grab drivers are also locals who are trying to do business. Any taxi driver in Bali could register for Grab. The “anti-Grab” attitude is more about drivers wanting to charge higher prices to tourists.
- The Grab app sets prices which are generally considered to be “fair prices” for a taxi driver in Bali (based on the cost of running a vehicle and the costs of living). So in our view, using the app is a responsible and ethical way to support locals.
- We do recommend respecting local rules with respect to Grab. Be aware that at some points you may need to walk a little for pick ups and drop offs.
How much do Grab taxis cost in Bali?
The Grab taxi price in Bali is the price for the whole car (it is not charged per person). Once the price is set by the app it is a fixed price. The price should not change, regardless of journey times. Grab drivers in Bali are generally very good at sticking to the prices. Here is a rough guide to Grab taxi prices in Bali:
- A short Grab taxi ride around a town in Bali (1km – 10km) is likely to cost around 20,000IDR – 60,000IDR (roughly £1 – £3 or $1.20 – $4)
- A medium length journey between towns (30 – 40km) is likely to cost 200,000IDR – 300,000IDR (roughly £10 -£15 or $12 – $18 )
- A long journey across the length of Bali (around 90km) is likely to cost around 600,000IDR – 800,000IDR (roughly £30 – £40 or $35 – $50)
The exact prices depend on the taxi options you choose, the demand on taxi services at the time and the time of day that you try to book your taxi. To get prices you can either use the app or use the Grab online price checker.
How do you get cheaper Grab rides in Bali?
The price of a Grab taxi journey in Bali depends on several factors:
- The distance of the journey: Grab has a base fee and then adds a time and distance fee on top to calculate the overall journey price. Once the price is set, it is a fixed price regardless of how long the journey actually takes.
- The price also depends on the type of Grab service that you book (you can select Grab cars with additional benefits and protections). These prices are listed on the app before you book.
- The time that you book Grab: If you book a Grab taxi at night or early morning you may need to pay more for your taxi – you will notice higher prices at these times.
- The availability of Grab drivers: At busy times the app may increase the price a little due to high demands.
- The location: Although most locations offer a fixed price for Grab, there may be an additional fee for pick up or drop off at the airport.
Step by step guide – how to use Grab in Bali
1 Get a local sim card with data
Before you use Grab in Bali you will need to purchase a local sim card with mobile data. There are different companies available selling tourist sim cards. You can buy your sim in the airport on arrival but this is likely to cost a little more. 30 day tourist sim cards in Bali tend to have a fixed amount of data and most companies allow you to top up your sim cards in convenience stores around Bali. You will normally need your passport to register your sim card (they should help you register your sim when you buy it). For a good price local sim card check out iM3. Expect to pay around 250,000IDR for a sim card with 18GB of data, (roughly £14 or $18). There are lots of small simcard dealers in Kuta and Ubud (more on sim cards later)
2 Download Grab & register your account
You can download Grab from the app store (Google Play has Grab on Android). It is free to download Grab and register for an account and your can do this before your travel to Bali. Grab is used in many countries across Asia. Once you have the Grab app on your phone you can register for an account. Register with your email address and local number in Bali. When you register for Grab you need to give the app permissions to access phone services such as location, speakers and microphone. This is required for the app to function.
3 Open the app and select car
Once you have a local sim card running with data all you need to do is open the app and select “Car” on the main menu. This takes you through the taxi booking process. The user interface is relatively simple. Don’t worry about booking a taxi by mistake, there are several sections to go through before you actually book. You may need to select “allow Grab to use your location” again at this stage.
4 Find your destination (typing or on a map)
Before you get a list of taxi prices you will need to enter your destination. There are two ways to do this. You can either type your destination in the search box and you will see a drop down menu of suggestions. Alternatively you can use the map function to pin a specific drop off point. The map is a small icon (normally located near the search box). The map symbol looks like a small folded paper.
5 Check your location on the map & confirm pick up
Once you have selected a destination Grab asks you to “confirm pick up”. This doesn’t mean you are actually confirming your taxi. Rather this is confirming the pick up location. This location should be set automatically by the app (assuming you allowed access to your location settings). This normally happens by showing your current location on the map. This is generally pretty reliable. However, in some cases your phone’s location may be slightly inaccurate. If you have just turned your location on, it may also still be attached to an old location and your phone may need some time to “catch up”. So we do recommend checking the map carefully at this stage. If the phone is incorrect you can re-pin your correct pick up location on the map.
6 Check the price & journey details
Now you should be given a list of Grab services with prices.The app will also summarize your journey. Check all of the details carefully at this stage because your next step is actually booking the taxi. Remember you can cancel your taxi after it has been booked. Cancellation is free for up to 10 minutes after booking.
7 Pick taxi & select “book with cash”
To book your taxi you need to press the Green button. You can put card details in Grab and pay through the app. However, we generally prefer paying with cash. If you want to pay with cash, just select “pay with cash” at this stage. You will then pay for your ride at the end of the journey (just how you would normally pay for a taxi)
8 Wait for drivers & then track your car on the app
Once you have requested a taxi the app will search for local drivers. It will say “connecting with drivers”. In our experience Grab drivers in Bali are pretty quick to respond to taxi requests. However, if a driver is not available the app will search for a few minutes and then offer the option to keep searching. You may need to return to the list of taxis for your journey and try booking again in a few minutes. Just be patient and keep trying, you can normally get something.
9 Meet your driver & take your ride
The app should give you some details for your taxi. You will normally have the drivers name, the care make, model and color and the car registration plate. Try to wait somewhere with a safe space for your driver to pull in, and close to the pin on the map. You can also communicate with your driver over the app by sending messages or speaking on the Grab app phone service (this is a free in app calling service that enables drivers and customers to talk). Once you have found your driver jump in and enjoy the ride. Officially you need to wear masks in taxis in Bali, however drivers may not be concerned about this.
10 Pay your driver and leave a review
At the end of the journey you can pay your driver, get out at a safe place and even leave a review. Rarely do you need to leave a negative review. We found Grab drivers in Bali to be very friendly, courteous and efficient.
Can you cancel your Grab taxi?
Yes, in Bali you can cancel your Grab ride for free and for any reason up to 10 minutes after your driver accepts your booking. After 10 minutes you may be subject to a cancellation fee of 10,000IDR.
Can you get a motorbike Grab in Bali?
Yes, when you get to the list of taxis and prices selected “show all” and scroll through the menu to find the bike taxi options. Motorbike taxis in Bali are pretty cheap. Although there are obvious disadvantages; e.g. rain, safety, numbers limited to one person and no space for bag storage. If you’re traveling solo and need an affordable option you may be interested in the bike taxi.
Can you communicate directly with your Grab driver?
Yes there are two ways to communicate with your Grab driver on the app. You can either type messenger or you can call your driver on the app. Sometimes drivers will try to call you on the app. The easiest way to spot your driver is to take note of their registration plate on the app. This makes it really easy to identify them.
Can you book a return journey with the same driver?
There is no way to automatically book a return journey on the Grab. So if you are needing a return journey we recommend talking to your driver to see if they are interested in waiting and doing a return journey with you. Many drivers will not be keen to do a return journey because they may lose business in the meantime. So in reality, the best way to organize your return is just to make a new booking on Grab. However, if you have traveled a long way (for example visiting a coffee plantation or rice terrace), your driver may be willing to wait a little while to secure a return booking. You will need to pay at least the same price for your return journey (remember your driver will also have wait time). Agree on the overall price and wait time before you finalize your journey.
Can you add additional stops on one journey?
Yes, when you have added your main destination for the journey there is a plus symbol (+) at the end of the search box. Just click the plus and add additional stops. The price will increase a little for each additional stop.
How do you pay for your Grab taxi in Bali?
The simplest way to pay for your Grab in Bali is to select “Pay with cash” when you initially book your taxi. Alternatively you can enter a bank card for payment. If you have opted to pay with cash you pay at the end of the journey.
Can you use Grab at the airport in Bali?
Yes, you can use Grab taxis at the airport in Bali. The local taxi drivers at the airport can be very intense and scammy. We found drivers trying to charge extortionate prices for very short journeys. They were very forceful, intense and even lied about the exchange rate to charge ridiculous prices. So we either recommend using the airport’s official taxi service or using Grab. It is slightly more expensive to use Grab at the airport. There is a grab lounge at Bali Airport: This is located in the International & Domestic arrival terminal Pick Up Zone. The staff in the Grab lounge can help you organize taxis.
Can you pre-book a Grab taxi?
Yes, you can now pre-book a Grab taxi in advance in Bali. This is a game changer if you’re relying on Grab for an early ride somewhere. This is very useful especially if you’re catching a flight for example. You can prebook up to 7 days in advance for an additional fee of 20,000IDR (roughly £1 or $1.20). Just go through the normal booking process and then select “now” this allows you to add a future booking time and pick up location. Also you can check your scheduled future rides by selecting the ‘Scheduled’ tab under ‘Account’.
Can Grab drivers see your phone number?
No, Grab drivers cannot see your phone number on the app. They can only see your name, profile picture and booking details on the app. So don’t worry, your other details are secure.
Safety tips for using the Grab taxi app in Bali
One of the advantages of Grab is the safety. Drivers are registered on the app and customers can review drivers. This creates a level of safety and accountability for Grab taxi services in Bali. Always follow normal safety precautions using Grab taxis. Where possible travel with someone else. Try to stay in light and busier locations at night for pick ups and drop offs.
What are the best sim cards in Bali?
In order to use Grab in Bali you will need to buy a local sim card with mobile data. There are lots of small simcard dealers in Kuta and Ubud. Most tourist sim cards in Bali last for 30 days and have a fixed amount of data. Here are a few sim companies in Bali with a rough idea of data prices:
- Check iM3. Expect to pay around 150,000IDR for 6GB (around £8 or $10) or 250,000IDR for 18GB (around £14 or $18).
- XL Axiata: Expect to pay around 170,000IDR (around £9 or $12) for 8GB or 320,000IDR (around £17 or $20) for 32GB of data.
- Telkomsel: Expect to pay around 200,000IDR (around £10 or $12) for 11GB or 350,000IDR (around £20 or $24) for 35GB of data.
TOP TIP: Make sure you bring your passport when you buy your sim card. Your sim dealer should help you set up and register your new sim card. If you run out of mobile data you can generally top up sim cards in convenience stores around Bali.
What else can you do on the Grab app in Bali?
The Grab app in Bali also has a very reasonable takeaway delivery service. Just open the app and click food on the homescreen. Search for restaurants and place your order. The Grab delivery service is fast, reliable and reasonably priced. They also have a great range of food options available. Always remember to check your location on the app carefully.
Are there other taxi apps in Bali?
Uber does not operate in Bali. However, there are a couple of other taxi apps. You can use several apps simultaneously to get the fastest response times or the cheapest journeys. We also recommend using the Gojek taxi app in Bali.
Other ways to get around in Bali
1 Rent a bike
Renting a motorbike in Bali is an affordable and enjoyable way to travel around. There are numerous rental places throughout Bali, such as small shops, tour operators, and guest houses. Typically, the cost ranges from 100,000IDR to 200,000IDR per day (£5 – £10 or $6 – $12), but longer rentals may be more affordable.
Prior to renting a motorbike, it’s important to conduct a thorough check of the bike, including examining for damage, inspecting the brakes, lights, and tires, and verifying the contract and fuel level. Always carry your rental dealer’s contact information with you. Remember that the size and number of bags you can carry will be limited, so if you plan on carrying heavy luggage, it may not be the best option for a road trip.
While renting a motorbike in Bali can be an excellent means of transportation, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks. Always wear a helmet, and keep in mind that potholes or other road hazards can cause motorbike accidents in Bali. If you’re not an experienced rider, consider using an alternative form of transportation such as a taxi. It’s essential to ride carefully due to the high volume of traffic on Bali’s roads.
2 Rent a car
Renting a car in Bali is a cheap, convenient, and fun way to travel. The cheapest way to get a rental car is to book your car with a local rental company. The cost is typically around 200,000IDR – 400,000IDR (£10 – £20) per day. Make sure you are qualified and insured to drive in Bali, and use an international license. Watch out for one-way systems in Kuta and Ubud. Also note that parking in Ubud is restricted.
3 Take a shared minibus
Taking a shared minibus is another great way to travel around in Bali. You can book these online in advance, and the Perama tour is a good option. Minibus prices vary from 100,000IDR – 250,000IDR (£5 – £14 or $6 – $16) depending on the distance. Mini buses in Bali are reasonably comfortable and can normally take larger bags. If you experience travel sickness we recommend sitting towards the front of the mini bus. If you’re traveling with others, sharing a Grab taxi may be more convenient and cheaper than mini buses.
