Ride-share apps — download before you land
Forget hailing street taxis. Asia's ride-share apps are mature, transparent on price and almost always cheaper than metered cabs. Install before boarding your flight — many require SMS verification that can be slow on arrival.
- Grab — Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore)
- GoJek — Indonesia's local champion, often cheaper than Grab in Bali and Java
- DiDi — China, plus growing presence in Japan
- Uber — India, parts of Japan and South Korea
- Bolt — emerging in Thailand and Vietnam
Always pay in-app, not cash. It locks the price, eliminates the 'no change' excuse, and gives you a record if something goes wrong.
Trains & long-distance
Train travel in Asia ranges from sublime (Japan, Taiwan) to atmospheric (Vietnam's Reunification Express, Sri Lanka's hill country line). It's almost always more comfortable, scenic and less exhausting than a budget flight when you factor in airport time.
- Japan: book the JR Pass before you arrive (foreigners only)
- Vietnam: book sleepers via Baolau or 12Go.asia, never at the station
- Thailand: overnight Bangkok → Chiang Mai is iconic, book 7+ days ahead
- India: IRCTC is the only legitimate booking site, use Cleartrip for the UI
- Sri Lanka: Kandy → Ella is one of the world's great rail journeys
Boats & ferries
For island travel, always book through 12Go.asia or Bookaway rather than at the pier. You'll get a printed ticket, a real schedule and clear cancellation terms — all of which port-side touts will not provide.
In rough-sea months (Thailand's east coast May–October, Philippines June–October), accept that schedules slip. Always have a buffer day before any international flight after an island stay.
Scooters & motorbikes
A scooter unlocks Bali, the Thai islands, Vietnam and the Philippines. It also causes more tourist injuries than any other single thing in Asia. Rent only if you have ridden before, and only with:
- A real motorcycle license — your travel insurance requires one
- Travel insurance that covers motorbike accidents (most don't, by default)
- A proper helmet (bring or buy a quality one, not the rental's shell)
- Photos of the bike's existing damage before you ride off
What to actively avoid
- Unmarked airport taxis — fixed-price counters or apps only
- 'Special price' tuk-tuks that stop at gem stores or tailors
- Overnight buses on mountain roads in Laos, Nepal or northern Vietnam (road safety record)
- Cheapest-class ferries in rough seas — pay the small premium for the larger boat
- Renting a scooter without a license — your insurance is void
If the price seems too low or the route too convenient, there's a shop or a commission at the end of it. Pay 30% more for transport you booked yourself.