Getting around: Uber vs Lyft vs Grab

Rideshare pricing and availability shift by city, so it's worth having the right app ready before you land.

App	Availability	Good to know
Uber	Available in 70+ countries	Usually the safer default outside the US — bigger global footprint, works in most major international airports.
Lyft	US & select Canada only	Worth comparing against Uber's price in cities where both operate — one is often cheaper depending on demand.
Grab	Southeast Asia	The go-to in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines — Uber sold its Southeast Asia business to Grab in 2018, so Grab is dominant there.
Kiwitaxi	150+ countries	Pre-booked, fixed-price transfers rather than an on-demand app — the reliable fallback anywhere Uber/Lyft/Grab don't reach.

Global

Uber

Download the app and set up payment before you land — it saves time exiting the airport.

Get Uber

US & Canada

Lyft

Worth having as a second option to compare fares if you're travelling within the US.

Get Lyft

Southeast Asia

Grab

The default app the moment you land in Singapore, KL, Jakarta, Bangkok, or Manila — also covers food delivery and payments.

Get Grab

Pre-booked

Kiwitaxi

No Uber, Lyft, or Grab where you're landing? Book a fixed-price airport transfer in advance instead — works almost everywhere.

Book with Kiwitaxi

Tip: at busy airports, rideshare pickup is often a separate zone from taxis — check the app's pickup instructions before you land rather than searching for the sign in person. Prices also surge heavily right after international flights land in bulk, so waiting 15–20 minutes in the terminal sometimes drops the fare noticeably.

Getting from the airport: what to know

Your main options on arrival are usually a rideshare app, a licensed taxi, a pre-booked transfer or public transport. Each has trade-offs:

Option	Good for	Watch out for
Rideshare app	Upfront price, tracking, no cash needed	Surge pricing and separate pickup zones at some airports
Licensed taxi	Reliable availability at the rank	Make sure you use the official queue, and check whether the meter or a fixed fare applies
Pre-booked transfer	Late arrivals, families, big luggage	Confirm the meeting point and what happens if your flight is delayed
Train, metro or bus	Low cost, predictable timing	Last-service times and carrying luggage

Safety basics

Check the driver's name, photo, car and licence plate in the app before you get in.
Share your trip with a friend if the app allows it.
Sit in the back and use the in-app navigation to check the route.
Avoid unofficial drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a local SIM or eSIM to use these apps? You need mobile data or wifi to book. See our travel eSIM page.

Can I pay with my home card? Usually yes, but check the app's payment settings before you travel. Some apps let you pay cash in certain countries.

Are these apps legal everywhere? Not in every country or city. Rules and availability vary and can change, so check local information before relying on them.

App availability, pricing and local rules change over time, so confirm in the app for your destination.