The Impulso Podcast E118:Why Grab prices are so different across Southeast Asia?
May 8, 2025
Discover why Grab rides can cost vastly different amounts across Southeast Asia, like $2 in Manila versus $18 in Singapore. Join Denise and Arana as they share their unique ride-hailing habits and preferences in their respective countries. The discussion covers alternatives like Gojek and Foodpanda, and how Grab is used as a super app for food delivery. They also react to new features from GrabX, talk about safety perceptions, and the challenges of driver supply in Singapore.
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Car Ownership Costs Drive Ride-Hail Use
- Singaporean car ownership costs (COE) make owning a car prohibitively expensive for most people.
- That high fixed cost partly explains why some Singaporeans prefer using Grab instead of buying a car.
An $18 Grab To Work
- Arana shared that a Grab ride to work once cost her $18 during peak time in Singapore.
- She contrasted that with much lower ride costs in the Philippines and Indonesia.
Grab For Late Nights Or Long Trips
- Host (Impulso) says they only take Grab late at night or for very long trips because public transport in Singapore is well connected.
- They prefer train/MRT for daily commutes and Grab only when other options close or are impractical.