The first half-hour after landing is the most expensive stretch of any trip if you haven't prepared for it. Southeast Asian airports greet you with a crowd of touts, and the "to your hotel" price quoted at the exit desk is almost always inflated two- or threefold. Here's a calm rundown of which options actually work and how to avoid overpaying for that first ride.
What options are usually available
At most Asian airports you're choosing between an official taxi from the counter, a ride-hailing app (Grab and local equivalents), an airport express train, or a transfer arranged by your hotel. Each has its own logic when it comes to price and convenience.
- Official taxi from the counter (public taxi): a fixed desk inside the terminal issues you a ticket with the car's number — safe, and metered.
- Apps (Grab and local equivalents): the price is shown in the app before you book, and you can pay by card or cash.
- Airport express / metro: the cheapest option if you're heading into the centre without much luggage.
- Hotel transfer: convenient with kids and luggage, but usually pricier than a taxi.
Grab and ride apps: why they're often the better deal
Grab operates in Thailand, Indonesia (Bali), Vietnam and several other countries. Its main advantage is that you see the price before you get in — no haggling, and the route is logged in the app. Many airports have a dedicated Grab/taxi pick-up zone — look for signs or ask at the information desk where the meeting point is.
- Install the app and link a card before you leave home — it's hard to do on roaming without internet.
- Compare the app price with the counter price: the difference is often significant.
- In the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), official metered taxis at the terminal are considered reliable — an app doesn't always work out cheaper there.
Know the price in advance and you won't overpay. Don't know it, and you almost certainly will.
What to avoid
- People holding "Taxi" signs who intercept you before the official counter — their prices are negotiable and inflated.
- Rides "without a meter" at a price quoted on the spot — if the driver claims the meter is "broken", find another car.
- Paying with a large note and no change available — keep small local bills for that first ride.
- Unlicensed private drivers at night when you're alone — an official counter or an app is the safer choice.
A rough guide to choosing (check details before you travel)
| Situation | What's usually most convenient |
|---|---|
| Travelling alone, light luggage, heading into town | Airport express / metro |
| You have internet and a linked card | Grab or a local app |
| Night-time, tired, lots of luggage | Official taxi from the counter |
| Family with children | Pre-booked hotel transfer |
If you're planning a route across several countries, it helps to map out destinations and seasonality in advance — our destination catalogue can help, and you can find a match for your dates here.
* All prices and terms are approximate and subject to change. Check current fares and airport rules before you fly.
