Getting around: songthaew, taxis, and Grab reality

Public transport is informal. Songthaews (shared pickup trucks with bench seats) run fixed loops along the ring road in daylight; you flag one down, ride, and pay on exit — cheap for locals' routes but tourists are often overcharged, so confirm the fare before boarding and carry small notes. Metered taxis exist but frequently refuse the meter and quote inflated flat rates; agree the price firmly in advance. Grab operates on Samui but coverage and driver availability are patchier and pricier than in Bangkok, especially late at night or in remote areas; Bolt is sometimes available too. Many visitors rely on hotel transfers or pre-booked private cars.