Paying cab rides with bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC and USDT now possible in Philippines
Grab is the largest ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia. Starting today, users in the Philippines will be able to top up their GrabPay wallets using Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC, and USDT. Their partnership with Triple-A and PDAX, a local crypto exchange, has made this possible.
This feature was already available in Singapore, and today, the Philippines becomes the second nation to let its users travel in cabs with cryptocurrencies. The Philippines is a country with a population of 112 million.
Regulators are watching closely: Singapore’s MAS and the Philippines’ central bank want to foster innovation but with strict compliance, so Grab’s move could become a case study for the rest of SEA fintech.
Seeing crypto top-ups hit e-wallets in SG and PH is a strong signal for real-world adoption, but the real story is in the mix of curiosity and caution. Early adopters are diving in, but mass users want proof it works and is safe—UX and trust will decide the pace.
Here are the steps on how to top up your wallet using crypto.
- Select ‘Cryptocurrencies’ as the cash-in method on the Grab app.
- Choose a token and network from the supported list of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.
- Enter the amount in pesos, and review the conversion rate and transaction details.
- Send the tokens from your preferred crypto wallet to the provided address.
Make sure you have enough ETH/SOL/Polygon to cover the gas fees for USDT and USDC.