The convenience of ride-hailing apps like Grab has made exploring new cities easier than ever. With just a few taps, you can get a ride to your hotel, a museum, or a hidden food spot.
Grab, for instance, dominates the ride-hailing market in Southeast Asia, operating in multiple countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The platform is super popular, especially among tourists visiting these Asian countries.
However, while the technology these apps are built on are simple, staying safe while using them in a foreign country takes effort and awareness.
Traveling abroad can be exciting and unpredictable, and when you add unfamiliar transportation systems into the mix, things can get complicated. Your phone might lose service. The app might show a driver who speaks no English.
All that being said, let’s check out a few ways you can stay safe while using a ride-hailing service abroad.
Only Use the Official App in Trusted Locations
Before your trip, download the app from an official source. This prevents issues with fake versions that could steal your information or misuse your data.
If a driver ever asks you to cancel the trip and pay them directly, that’s a red flag. Only stick with the platform’s payment system and decline any rides that don’t match what’s shown on the app.
Be mindful of your pickup location, especially late at night or in less populated areas. Stick to well-lit, public places where you can easily identify the car and license plate before getting in. Don’t hesitate to cancel the ride if anything seems off. Your safety comes before convenience or politeness.
Let Someone Know Where You’re Going
Even though ride-hailing apps have built-in tracking features, it’s still a good idea to share your trip status with a friend or relative. Many apps offer a share-trip function that allows someone to follow your route in real time. Use it, especially if you’re traveling alone.
If you’re in a country where you don’t speak the language, share your destination with a local hotel staff member. If not that, share it with someone who can act as a backup if plans change.
Make sure your phone stays charged. A dead phone means you can’t track your ride, contact help, or get directions if needed.
Be Alert During the Ride
It might be tempting to zone out, scroll on your phone, or take in the sights. But you should keep an eye on the driver’s route. Most ride-hailing apps display the map in real time. If the driver takes a detour or heads in the wrong direction, speak up or ask questions.
If the car makes unexpected stops or picks up another person without warning, that’s a problem. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, ask the driver to stop and get out in a public place. You can report any concerning behavior to the platform later.
Stay Vigilant If You Get into an Accident
Accidents can happen anywhere, even in the safest cities. In certain parts of the world, including several Southeast Asian countries, road safety is a very big issue. Accidents can happen at any time, leading to injuries and even fatalities.
If your ride-hailing trip takes a turn and you find yourself in a car accident, stay calm. Take note of your surroundings, the driver’s information, and the license plate. Don’t leave the scene too quickly. Make sure everyone is okay and that you get any necessary medical attention.
If the situation becomes complex or you’re unsure of what to do next, especially in a foreign country, seek legal help. Car accidents involving tourists can get tricky. You may have to deal with local police reports, insurance paperwork, or even hospital visits.
A car accident lawyer can guide you through the process. In serious cases, car accident attorneys who specialize in personal injury law can help you understand your rights. Don’t try to handle serious matters alone.
Some car accident lawyers also have experience helping travelers. According to TorHoerman Law, local car accident lawyers can be of great help here. They can help protect your legal options even if you yourself are not familiar with the local system.
Avoid Sharing Personal Information with Drivers
You might feel like making small talk with your driver, and that’s fine. But you should avoid sharing details about your hotel, your full name, or your travel plans. The less a stranger knows, the safer you are. You never know how that information might be used.
If the driver becomes too chatty or asks personal questions that feel intrusive, change the topic or go quiet. If you sense anything off about the interaction, report it to the app as soon as you’re safe. Most ride-hailing companies take these complaints seriously and can investigate or even ban problem drivers.
Know Local Laws and Customs About Transportation
Some countries have strict rules about which ride-hailing services are allowed to operate. In places like parts of Southeast Asia, certain apps are illegal or limited. Uber, for instance, is not available in Thailand.
It’s worth researching whether the app you use back home works legally in the country you’re visiting. Sometimes, traditional taxis are the safer bet, depending on local regulations. Don’t assume what works in one country will work everywhere else.
Plan for Language Barriers and Navigation
In many places, your driver may not speak your language. That can lead to confusion, especially if there are changes in the drop-off point or detours.
Have your destination written in the local language on your phone. You can also show a photo of the building, hotel, or landmark you’re trying to reach.
Also, don’t rely solely on GPS. In rural or crowded areas, pinpoints may be inaccurate. Give your driver extra context like “next to the supermarket” or “across from the park.” This can prevent long, frustrating delays and reduce the chance of miscommunication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes ride-hailing services so popular among tourists?
Tourists love ride-hailing services because they’re convenient, easy to access through apps, and eliminate language barriers when navigating a new city. These services often provide fare estimates, driver details, and GPS tracking, which helps travelers feel safer and more in control. They also save time compared to figuring out public transport systems in unfamiliar places.
Are all ride-hailing services shady?
Not all ride-hailing services are shady. Reputable apps like Uber, Bolt, or Grab operate under strict local regulations and have safety features like real-time tracking, driver verification, and customer reviews. However, like any service, experiences can vary by region. Hence, travelers should always research the app’s reputation and stay cautious in unfamiliar areas.
Is it cheaper to rent a car or opt for a ride-hailing service when traveling abroad?
It depends on the location, length of stay, and how often you plan to travel. Renting a car can be cheaper for road trips or rural areas, but it adds costs like insurance, fuel, and parking. Ride-hailing is often more economical for short stays or city travel, where daily rental fees and parking would be a hassle.
Ride-hailing apps can be a lifeline when you’re far from home. They help you move quickly, avoid getting lost, and explore places you might not reach otherwise. But no app is a substitute for common sense and awareness. Staying safe means staying alert, trusting your instincts, and knowing when to step away.
Every traveler deserves to feel secure on the road. By knowing what to watch out for and how to respond, you give yourself the best chance at a smooth journey. Whether you’re in Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, safety comes first, even before the destination.