Trip.com Review 2026: Is It Worth Booking Flights and Hotels There?
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Trip.com is one of the first sites Singaporeans open for cheap flights and hotels, especially for Japan, Korea and China. New users also get a welcome pack worth S$68.
It is not the cheapest for everything. Agoda often wins for Southeast Asia hotels, and changes made by phone can carry service fees.
I went through the prices against Agoda, the welcome pack, Trip Coins and the cancellation rules. Here is the honest verdict.
→ Get the S$68 welcome pack with the Trip.com referral link
Trip.com at a Glance
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| Flight prices (last minute, Northeast Asia) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4/5 |
| Hotel prices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.8/5 |
| Range of products | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 |
| Refunds and changes | ⭐⭐⭐ 3.2/5 |
| Rewards (Trip Coins) | ⭐⭐⭐ 3.0/5 |
| New user offer | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0/5 |
| Best for | Last-minute flights and hotels in Northeast Asia, and first-time users with the welcome pack |
| Not ideal for | Southeast Asia hotels, or anyone who needs the most flexible changes |
| Sign-up cost | Free |
| Overall rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.9 / 5 |
→ Claim the Trip.com welcome pack through the referral link
What Is Trip.com?
Trip.com is an online travel platform for flights, hotels, car rental, attractions, tours, eSIMs, Japan Rail, China trains and Homes & Apts. In Singapore it is run by Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd. under Travel License No. 02943, per the DLCuration Trip.com page.
You book in the app or on the website and pay through Trip.com’s checkout. Flights follow the airline’s rules, and hotels follow the property’s.
The honest caveat: Trip.com is an agent. Refunds and changes depend on the airline or hotel, and Trip.com may add its own fees.
Trip.com Prices and Costs in 2026
Trip.com is free to join. ShopBack’s July 2026 comparison with Agoda, which is indicative only, found:
| Category | Who is usually cheaper |
|---|---|
| Northeast Asia hotels (Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Taipei) | Trip.com, typically 2% to 5% lower |
| Southeast Asia hotels (Bangkok, KL, Bali) | Agoda, typically 3% to 6% lower |
| Last-minute flights, Northeast Asia | Trip.com, typically 3% to 8% lower |
| Advance long-haul flights | Airlines often match or beat both |
Source: ShopBack blog, 28 July 2026. ShopBack earns cashback on these bookings and the article contradicts itself on some figures, so check your own dates.
Hidden Costs to Know About
Service fees on phone changes. The same comparison reports S$20 to S$60 for phone-mediated flight changes, on top of airline fees.
Taxes shown late. In Southeast Asia, taxes and service charges may only appear at payment.
Trip Coins expire. They only work against future bookings, expire in about 6 to 12 months and have an opaque earn rate.
Core Features: What Trip.com Actually Does
Flights and Hotels in One App
Deep inventory on Chinese carriers and Northeast Asia routes, plus hotels, trains and eSIMs.
The Welcome Pack
New users get a S$68 welcome pack as promo codes, listed under Account then Promo Codes. The values and products vary, and Trip.com does not publish a fixed split. Public new-user offers also run to 31 December 2026, including up to S$20 off a first flight (code TRIPFLIGHT26SG), 10% off a first hotel (capped, app only) and 5% off a second hotel. Check each code’s conditions.
Cancellation and Refunds
Flights follow airline rules, and some include free cancellation within 24 hours of purchase. Hotels often allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before check-in on flexible rates, per Trip.com’s policy guide, while non-refundable rates cannot be refunded. Hotel refunds may take up to 10 working days.
The Honest Assessment: What Holds Up and What Does Not
The Northeast Asia prices hold up. Trip.com is often cheapest for last-minute flights and hotels there.
The welcome pack holds up. A S$68 pack is a strong new user offer, though the value depends on the codes you receive.
Southeast Asia hotels are weaker. Agoda is usually cheaper, especially for independent properties.
Changes cost money. Phone changes can add S$20 to S$60, and cancelling a booking can cancel related promo rewards.
Rewards are modest. Trip Coins are credit for future bookings, not cash.
Trip.com vs Agoda
| Factor | Trip.com | Agoda |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Asia hotels and flights | Usually cheaper | Usually pricier |
| Southeast Asia hotels | Usually pricier | Usually cheaper |
| Chat response | Typically 15 to 45 minutes | Typically 30 to 90 minutes |
| Rewards | Trip Coins | AgodaCash |
Response times are from the ShopBack comparison and may vary.
Choose Trip.com for Northeast Asia trips and last-minute flights.
Choose Agoda for Southeast Asia hotels.
Check both before you book. Our Klook review covers tours and attractions.
Who Should Use Trip.com
Trip.com is a strong fit if:
- You travel to Japan, Korea, Taiwan or China.
- You book flights close to departure.
- You are a new user who can use the welcome pack.
- You compare prices before you pay.
Trip.com is not a strong fit if:
- You mostly book Southeast Asia hotels.
- You need flexible, fee-free changes.
- You want cash rewards.
Is Trip.com Worth It in 2026?
For Northeast Asia trips, yes. The prices and the welcome pack make it worth opening, and you can book without keeping the app. For Southeast Asia hotels, compare with Agoda first.
Sign-up offer: new users who register through the DLCuration referral link, or enter code UABGHT at sign-up, get a S$68 New User Welcome Pack as promo codes. The code cannot be added after registration. Each code has its own product and conditions, one promo code applies per booking, and welcome pack codes cannot be combined with other Trip.com promo codes. Trip.com can change or end the programme at any time. See the Trip.com referral guide.
→ Get your Trip.com welcome pack
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trip.com legit?
Yes. In Singapore it is operated by Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd. under Travel License No. 02943.
Is Trip.com cheaper than Agoda?
Often for Northeast Asia hotels and last-minute flights. Agoda is usually cheaper for Southeast Asia hotels, per ShopBack’s July 2026 comparison.
What is the Trip.com welcome pack?
A S$68 pack of promo codes for new users who register through a referral. Values and products vary by code.
What is Trip.com’s refund policy?
Flights follow the airline’s rules, with free cancellation in some cases within 24 hours of purchase. Hotels follow the property’s terms, and non-refundable rates cannot be refunded.
Do Trip Coins expire?
Yes. ShopBack’s comparison puts the expiry at about 6 to 12 months, and they can only be used on future bookings.
Is there a service fee for changes?
Phone-mediated flight changes can carry a S$20 to S$60 service fee, per the ShopBack comparison, on top of airline fees.
Final Verdict
Trip.com earns 3.9 out of 5 stars.
It earns its marks for Northeast Asia pricing, product range and a strong welcome pack. For last-minute flights and Asia trips, it is worth checking every time.
The deductions come from weaker Southeast Asia hotel prices, service fees on changes and modest rewards.
Use it for Northeast Asia, and always compare with Agoda.
→ Sign up for Trip.com through the referral link
Do you book flights and hotels on Trip.com, Agoda or direct? Tell me in the comments.
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