Ordering Grab in Phuket is a nightmare
I recently visited Phuket and relied on Grab for transportation, expecting a smooth experience similar to other cities in Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, what should have been a simple process turned into a frustrating ordeal that took seven attempts before I could finally secure a ride.
Each time I requested a Grab taxi, the app found a driver, only for them to either cancel or not move at all. Some drivers accepted the ride and then stopped responding, leaving me waiting for long periods. Others seemed to be heading in my direction but suddenly canceled the trip without explanation. This cycle repeated six times, and with each failed attempt, I became more frustrated.
The biggest issue was the complete lack of accountability. There was no clear reason why drivers kept canceling, and there was no way to contact them directly to confirm if they were actually coming. Unlike other locations where Grab drivers are more reliable, Phuket seems to have a serious problem with drivers cherry-picking rides or canceling for unknown reasons.
By the seventh attempt, I was beginning to lose hope. I had already wasted a significant amount of time standing in the heat, watching the app as drivers accepted and then canceled one after another. When I finally secured a ride, the driver showed up promptly, but by then, I had spent nearly an hour just trying to get a car.
This experience was incredibly disappointing. I understand that some drivers might have legitimate reasons for canceling, but such frequent and consecutive cancellations point to a larger issue—either poor regulation of drivers on the platform or a lack of incentives for them to complete their rides.
If you’re traveling in Phuket, I’d advise preparing for long wait times and multiple cancellations if you’re using Grab. Consider alternative transportation options like Bolt, local taxis (though be wary of scams), or renting a scooter if you’re comfortable driving.
Grab needs to address this issue by enforcing stricter penalties for frequent cancellations and improving driver reliability. Until then, travelers in Phuket should expect a frustrating ride-hailing experience.