Grab users who have been enjoying the app’s services via cashless payments might need to take note of this new update.
On September 11, Grab announced via a press release that it had established a major relationship with MOCA Technology and Service Joint Stock Company (Moca), a Vietnam-based digital payment service, which will handle cashless payment across the ride-hailing app’s services in Vietnam, from GrabBike and GrabCar to GrabFood.
According to its website, Moca was founded in 2013 with a focus on mobile payment via QR codes. Users create a Moca account, which comes with an e-wallet that allows topping up from credit and debit cards like Visa, MasterCard and JCB.
While this partnership seems harmless enough, its implications could create inconveniences for a number of users. In a message sent to all users on September 24, Grab explains that from October 1, it will cease all cashless payments on its own app. Users will need to pay for their ride or food by cash or through Moca, with the money coming from the app's e-wallet or their own cards.
Screenshots of Grab's in-app message to its users.
Moreover, to register for a Moca account, users are required to have a Vietnamese phone number (starting with +84). Riders without one need to spend all their GrabPay balance before October begins or update their account with a local number to continue the service.
Grab adds in the in-app message that more details about the changes will be available in October.
Update (October 2, 2018):
A representative from Grab confirmed with Saigoneer via email that in October, users who already attached a credit or debit card to their account will still be able to use it to pay for services without Moca. This includes those with a foreign phone number. However, users might need to activate their new Grab e-wallet, powered by Moca, to access their existing GrabPay credits.
[Photo via Grab]
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Update (October 2, 2018):
A representative from Grab confirmed with Saigoneer via email that in October, users who already attached a credit or debit card to their account will still be able to use it to pay for services without Moca. This includes those with a foreign phone number.
