Travelling through Southeast Asia can feel overwhelming without a reliable way to get from place to place. Ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek make it simple to arrange a car or motorbike directly from your phone, often at a fair and transparent price. You can use these apps as the most practical answer to how to get around Southeast Asia without relying on expensive taxis or complicated public transport.
Tip: Both Grab and Gojek work through mobile apps, so having a stable internet connection is essential. Without mobile data for Grab or Gojek, you can’t book rides, track drivers, or confirm payments. A prepaid SIM or eSIM from Prepaid SIMs ensures you stay connected as soon as you land, making it easy to open the app and get moving.
When comparing Grab vs Gojek, you’ll notice they share many features, but each has its own strengths in different parts of Asia. Beyond rides, both apps also offer food delivery and other services that can make travel more convenient. With a reliable data plan in place, you’ll be ready to explore the core services of each app and decide which one fits your trip best.
Getting Started with Grab and Gojek
Grab and Gojek are the two most widely used ride-sharing apps in Southeast Asia, offering car, motorbike, and delivery services. To use them effectively, you need a stable internet connection, a registered account, and a working payment method, all of which are straightforward to set up with the right preparation.
How to Download and Register
You can download the Grab app and Gojek app directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Both apps are free and lightweight, so they won’t take up much space on your device.
After installation, you’ll be asked to register using your mobile number. A verification code will be sent by SMS, which you must enter to activate your account. This step requires internet connection, so make sure you have reliable Wi-Fi or purchased and activated a SIM or eSIM with mobile data ready when you land in Asia.
Once verified, you can add your name, email, and profile photo. These details help drivers identify you and ensure smoother pick-ups.
Setting Up Payment Methods
Grab and Gojek allow you to pay in cash or link a digital payment option. For Grab, you can add a credit or debit card, while Gojek supports both cards and its in-app wallet called GoPay.
Using GoPay or a saved card is more convenient than cash because you don’t need to carry small notes or worry about change. It also speeds up the process since the fare is charged automatically once the trip ends.
To set up a card, simply go into the payment section of the app and enter your details. Both apps use encryption to protect your information.
Navigating the App Interfaces
The Grab vs Gojek interfaces are similar, so once you learn one, the other feels familiar. Both display a map where you enter your pick-up and drop-off points. The app calculates the fare, estimated time, and vehicle options such as car, motorbike, or larger vehicles for groups.
Grab’s interface places more emphasis on additional services like food delivery and parcel drop-offs, while Gojek highlights GoPay and promotions. Despite these differences, booking a ride follows the same steps: confirm location, select service, and request a driver.
Each ride request shows the driver’s name, vehicle details, and estimated arrival time. You can also contact the driver directly through in-app chat or call, which requires an active data connection.
Because ride-sharing apps in Asia rely on GPS and live updates, a stable connection is critical. Using a prepaid SIM or eSIM from Prepaid SIMs ensures you always have access to maps, driver updates, and trip tracking, making it easier to get around Asia safely and efficiently.
Core Services and Features
Grab and Gojek both started with ride-hailing but now cover transport, food, groceries, and parcel delivery. Here’s a breakdown of the different things that you can do on each app:
Booking Rides: GoCar, GoRide, and Grab Options
Ride-hailing is the foundation of both platforms. GoCar offers private car rides similar to taxis, while GoRide connects you with motorbike drivers for faster, lower-cost trips through heavy traffic. Grab provides comparable services with private cars, motorbikes, and larger vehicles for groups.
Motorbike rides are especially useful in cities like Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bangkok, where congestion is common. They are cheaper than cars and often the quickest way to get across town. Cars, however, provide more comfort and suit longer trips or when travelling with luggage.
Food and Grocery Delivery: GoFood and GoMart
Food delivery plays a major role in both apps. GoFood and GrabFood let you order from thousands of restaurants, ranging from street food stalls to international chains. Delivery times are usually short, and you can track your driver in real time.
For groceries, GoMart and Grab’s grocery options connect you to supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty shops. This is practical if you’re staying in serviced apartments or need essentials delivered late at night. Pricing is transparent, and you can pay directly in the app.
Sending Packages: GoSend and GrabExpress
If you need to send documents, parcels, or small items, GoSend and GrabExpress provide on-demand courier services. Motorbike couriers usually handle short-distance deliveries quickly, while car couriers are available for larger packages.
Delivery is straightforward: you enter the pick-up and drop-off locations, confirm the fare, and hand over the item to the driver. Both platforms offer real-time tracking so you and the recipient can follow the delivery progress.
These services are widely used by locals and travellers who need fast, reliable delivery without visiting a post office. Since booking and tracking depend on mobile data, you’ll want to consider purchasing a travel SIM from Prepaid SIMs to ensure smooth communication with the driver and accurate updates.