Is there Uber in Singapore in 2024?
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Singapore is known for being an amazing place to visit.
There are so many things to see and do.
But is there Uber in Singapore? How can you get from attraction to attraction?
This is a common question people have, especially in today’s world where Uber operates in most countries.
I’m a full-time traveller and most of my content is focused on Southeast Asia, so I’ve created this guide with everything you need to know about Uber in Singapore.
And the answer to your question might be a different answer than expected…
Is there Uber in Singapore?
If you’re looking for a one-word answer, to put it bluntly: No. Uber does not operate in Singapore.
Uber has operated in Singapore in the past, but as of 2023, it isn’t an option for a ride-hailing app in the country. There’s a bit of a story as to how this came about.
Uber was founded in 2009 and mainly focused their efforts in Western Countries like the US and Canada.
In 2015, Uber realised there was a gap in the market in Southeast Asia and so they began paying more attention to the region. It did become more popular, but a rival company, Grab, grew in popularity exponentially in Southeast Asia.
Long story short, Uber couldn’t keep up with Grab and sold their Southeast Asian operations to them in 2018.
And Uber hasn’t returned to SE Asia since, including Singapore.
So to answer the question, “Is there Uber in Singapore?” No, there is no Uber in Singapore.
What is the equivalent of Uber in Singapore?
Don’t panic, just because Uber doesn’t operate in Singapore, there are some equivalent ride-hailing apps which you can use during a trip to The Garden City.
Most taxi firms in Singapore have their own app nowadays, and it’s pretty uncommon to wave a taxi down in the traditional sense. Singapore is extremely modern after all.
The most popular taxi company in Singapore is called Comfort DelGro and they own most of the taxis in the state.
But taxis are generally more expensive than the main Uber equivalent in Singapore, and the company Uber sold their Southeast Asian operations to, Grab.
Grab is used all throughout Southeast Asia, which is very useful if you are doing the Banana Pancake Trail.
You can easily spot a Grab car, driver, bike, or any of their operations by their green branding. And oh yeah- they also do food delivery like Uber Eats.
If you’re heading on a trip to Singapore, make sure you have Grab downloaded. It’s the best Uber alternative there is!
Transportation Options in Singapore
If you choose not to avail of Grab and/or the local taxi firms in Singapore, fear not, there are other options for getting around the city. The 5 main options are:
- Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
- Buses
- Rental Car
- Bicycles and e-scooters
- Walking
The main public transport system in Singapore is the MRT, which is an extensive network of trains, similar to the Skytrain in Bangkok. It’s the most efficient way to get around Singapore, and you can easily go from A to B using the MRT system. And the public transport in Singapore is so reliable.
Buses are another great option, and most public transport passes will cover the MRT and bus routes, which is a great way to save money if you are backpacking in Singapore. Buses aren’t quite as fast, naturally, but they can get you literally anywhere in Singapore. They’re pretty timely and reliable too.
You may choose to rent a car in Singapore. I personally always use Discover Cars and find them super reliable for renting cars, no matter where you are in the world. Renting a car in Singapore means you can travel as freely as you like, with as much flexibility as possible.
Singapore is also really good for cycling or using scooters. It’s a pretty fun way to get around, but make sure you read up on the laws. Riding a scooter on a pedestrian path has some pretty hefty consequences, but as long as you follow the rules, it’s a fun and quick way to get around.
Lastly, walking is another great option for Singapore. Many of the main attractions are close to each other, making walking a viable option in Singapore. And of course, it has the huge advantage of being completely free.
Any of these 5 options has their advantages for getting around Singapore.
Is there Uber in Singapore: FAQ
Below are some questions related to Uber in Singapore along with my answers.
Uber does not operate in Singapore, but the Southeast Asia equivalent, Grab, does operate in Singapore. And it is usually much cheaper than the ordinary taxi firms.
Singapore, and most of Southeast Asia, use Grab instead of Uber. Uber sold all of their operations in the region to Grab in 2018, confirming its spot as the number one ride-hailing service in Southeast Asia, and Singapore.
Grab is pretty cheap in Singapore. It’s definitely cheaper than normal metered taxis. Grab is also cheaper than Uber is – although Uber doesn’t operate in Singapore. Grab has a lower per-minute fare than Uber does in most of the countries it operates in.
Uber does not operate in Singapore. Instead, Grab is the Singapore equivalent of Uber. Uber sold all of its operations in Southeast Asia to Grab in 2018 as it was the much more popular option in the region.
Uber is not illegal in Singapore, but it simply doesn’t operate there. Grab operates as its equivalent, as Uber sold all of its operations in SE Asia to Grab in 2018, meaning Grab is the main ride-hailing app in Singapore. Uber is not illegal, it just doesn’t exist.
The main ride-hailing app in Singapore is called Grab, and it is the main ride-hailing app throughout all of the countries in Southeast Asia since Uber sold its operations in the region to Grab in 2018. Grab is the best way to get around and is cheaper than the standard taxi firms.
Is there Uber in Singapore: Conclusion
And there you have it, a complete guide to Uber in Singapore.
Remember, there is no Uber in Singapore.
The equivalent is Grab, which is cheaper than metered taxis, and the best option for ride-hailing in Singapore.
And of course, there are other ways to get around too.
However you choose to get around Singapore, enjoy your trip! It’s an extraordinary place…even if there is no Uber in Singapore.
