Uber in Vietnam : What you need to know & prices

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/uber-in-vietnam/

Your definitive guide to mastering Vietnam’s ride-hailing ecosystem — from a traveler who spent three weeks testing every feature

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Uber in Vietnam: What you need to know & prices

The Death of Uber Created Vietnam’s Super App

Let’s start with the plot twist: Uber’s 2018 exit from Vietnam didn’t create a transportation vacuum—it catalyzed the evolution of Southeast Asia’s most comprehensive lifestyle app. But we’ll get to that story in a moment.

First, the burning question in every traveler’s mind:

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/uber-in-vietnam/

Is There Uber in Vietnam?

Short Answer: No, Uber ceased operations in Vietnam in 2018. 

Better Answer: What replaced it works so much better for Vietnam’s unique ecosystem that you’ll forget Uber was ever here.

Here’s what actually happened: Instead of leaving a void, this merger created something better. Enter Grab – the super-app that’s revolutionized how both locals and tourists navigate Vietnam’s bustling cities.

Enter Grab: Your Vietnamese Uber Alternative grab ride sharing 

What is grab?

Think of Grab not just as a grab a taxi app, but as your personal concierge in Vietnam. After testing every feature across 1,200km of Vietnamese terrain, here’s your insider’s guide to mastering it all.

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Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/uber-in-vietnam/

Does Grab work in Vietnam?

Yes, it’s the Vietnam uber alternative. Think of Grab as Uber’s cooler cousin who knows all the local shortcuts. During my recent trip from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter, I paid just 350,000 VND (about $13) – a steal considering the convenience and reliability.

Core Uber Vietnam Services Breakdown

  1. Transportation Grab Vietnam Options
    • Grab Car: Standard sedans and SUVs
    • Grab Bike: Motorcycle taxis (perfect for solo travelers)
    • Just Grab: Matches you with the nearest car or taxi
    • Grab Taxi: Traditional taxis through the app
  2. Food & Delivery Grab Vietnam Services
    • Grab Food: Restaurant delivery
    • Grab Mart: Grocery and convenience store delivery
    • Grab Express: Package delivery service
hanoi weather best time to visit hanoi
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Pricing of Grab: How much does Grab cost in Vietnam

Here’s the real-world breakdown of what I paid:

Transportation:

  • Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter: 350,000 VND ($13)
  • District 1 to Saigon Airport: 280,000 VND ($11)
  • Short city rides: 15,000-40,000 VND ($0.60-1.50)
  • Cross-city journeys: 80,000-150,000 VND ($3-6)

GrabFood:

  • Local restaurant delivery: 15,000-30,000 VND ($0.60-1.20)
  • Western restaurant delivery: 20,000-40,000 VND ($0.80-1.60)
  • Minimum order: Usually around 50,000 VND ($2)

Payment Options on Grab vietnam

You’ve got choices:

  • Cash (most popular)
  • Credit/debit cards (in app)
  • Grab Pay wallet (in app)
  • Moca e-wallet (in app)

Money-Saving Tip: Keep an eye on the app for promotional codes – they’re surprisingly frequent and can save you 20-30% on rides.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/uber-in-vietnam/

How to use grab in Vietnam for foreigners

It’s super simple and efficient to use grab in Vietnam. Here’s the step by step details you need to know:

Essential Grab Setup Steps uber in vietnam

  1. Before Leaving Home:
    • Download the Grab app (available on Android and Iphone)
    • Create an account with your home phone number (if you don’t have phone service or forget to download before leaving your country you can use WhatsApp) 
    • Add an international credit card such as a travel credit card like the Capitol One Venture X (recommended)
    • you can also use cash and pay the driver directly
  2. Upon Arrival:
    • Get a local SIM card or Get an Esim ahead of time (recommended: Viettel or Mobifone for Sim and Airalo or Ubigi for Esim)
    • Enable location services
    • Add your hotel address to saved places
    • enter your address
    • enter pick up address 
    • select the car type
    • go to pick up location

Pro Tip: Get a local SIM card or ESIM immediately upon arrival. While airport kiosks work, I found better deals at Viettel stores in the city centers—30-day unlimited data plans for around $10.

Pro Tips for Using Grab/uber in Vietnam

For Rides:

  • Schedule airport pickups in advance
  • pick a 7 seater for luggage transportation
  • Use GrabBike for short trips (half the price of cars)
  • Enable “Share My Ride” for night journeys
  • Save frequent destinations in the app

Booking Times

  • Airport pickup: At least 24 hours advance
  • Hotel to airport: Book day before
  • Inter-hotel: 2 hours notice

Insider Hack: While cars are great for airport runs and rainy days, GrabBike is your secret weapon for zipping through Vietnam’s notorious traffic – and it’s usually half the price. Just be mindful of the midday heat and always wear the safety helmet!

For Food Delivery:

  • Add your hotel’s phone number to the delivery instructions
  • Specify “Leave with reception” for contactless delivery
  • Use the “Schedule Order” feature for breakfast delivery
  • Enable notifications for driver updates

Hidden GRAB uBER IN viETNAM Features Most Tourists Miss

  1. GrabRewards
    • Earn points on every ride/order
    • Redeem for ride discounts
    • Use points for food delivery
    • Stack rewards with credit card points
  2. Moca E-wallet Integration
    • Digital payment solution
    • Better promotion access
    • Cashless transactions
    • Bill payments
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Safety & Best Practices grab vietnam

“Is Grab safe in Vietnam?”

I heard this question countless times, and after numerous rides across multiple cities, I can confidently say: yes, it’s very safe. Every driver is registered, your ride is tracked, and prices are fixed upfront.

Ride Safety

  • Verify driver’s identity and vehicle details
  • Share your ride location
  • Track journey in real-time
  • Use in-app emergency button if needed

Payment Security

  • Link international cards
  • Keep small bills for cash payments
  • Screenshot completed rides
  • Save transaction records

Common Transportation Scams & How to Avoid Them

Taxi Scams

  1. The “Broken Meter” Classic
    • Scam: Driver claims meter is broken and quotes inflated price
    • Solution: Use ride-hailing apps or insist on meter activation
  2. The Long Route Special
    • Scam: Driver takes unnecessary detours
    • Solution: Follow your route on Google Maps
  3. The Currency Confusion
    • Scam: Driver pretends to mistake 100,000 VND for 10,000 VND
    • Solution: State denomination clearly, use small bills

Ride-Hailing App Scams

  1. The Cancel and Cash
    • Scam: Driver cancels trip but offers to complete it for cash
    • Solution: Decline and book new ride through app
  2. The “Extra Fee” Ploy
    • Scam: Driver demands additional fees for luggage/distance
    • Solution: All fees should be shown in app – refuse extra charges

Service Coverage & Dead Zones: Know Before You Go

Where Grab & Other Apps Operate

Major Cities (Full Service)

Limited Service Areas

  • Sapa (mainly local taxis)
  • Halong Bay (hotel services preferred)
  • Mui Ne (limited ride-hailing)
  • Phu Quoc (spotty coverage)

Common Dead Zones

  1. Hanoi
    • Parts of Ba Vi National Park
    • Outer districts after 11 PM
    • Some areas of the Old Quarter during walking-only hours
  2. Ho Chi Minh City
    • Parts of Can Gio district
    • Certain areas of Cu Chi
    • Some gated communities
  3. Tourist Areas
    • Remote beaches
    • Mountain regions
    • National parks
    • Some temple complexes
Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/uber-in-vietnam/

City-Specific grab vietnam uber Tip

Hanoi Uber /grab

  • Old Quarter rides may require short walks due to traffic restrictions
  • Airport route has fixed pricing
  • Heavy surge pricing during rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm)
  • An extra airport fee applies and have to be paid to the driver in cash (about 45K VND)

Ho Chi Minh City Grab

  • District 1 has dedicated GrabBike pickup points
  • Airport rides might have toll fees
  • Avoid booking during heavy rain

Hoi An grab

  • Limited car availability in Ancient Town
  • Fixed prices to/from Da Nang
  • Higher rates during festival periods

Things Nobody Tells You About Grab

  1. Dynamic Pricing Secrets
    • Prices surge during rain
    • Early morning (4-6am) has lowest rates
    • Airport rides have fixed base rates
    • Holiday surges can reach 2-3x normal prices
  2. Service Availability
    • Available in 34 Vietnamese cities
    • Better coverage in tourist areas
    • Limited service in remote regions
    • 24/7 operation in major cities

When Your Ride Cancels: Emergency Protocol

Immediate Steps

  1. Screenshot the cancellation (for potential refund)
  2. Check other ride-hailing apps
  3. Look for nearby taxi stands
  4. Contact your hotel for assistance

Alternatives When Grab Isn’t Available

  1. Gojek
    • Similar to Grab
    • Sometimes cheaper
    • Limited to major cities
    • Cash payments only
  2. Green SM (Xanh SM)
    • The new kid on the block that’s turning heads — and for good reason.
    • All-electric vehicle fleet
    • Professional drivers
    • Higher-end service
    • Premium pricing (20-30% above Grab)
    • Pro Tip: Green SM is perfect for business travelers or anyone wanting to reduce their carbon footprint while traveling in style.
  3. Be
    • Local alternative
    • Often fewer drivers
    • Competitive pricing
    • Vietnamese interface

 Think of Be as Vietnam’s scrappy startup that’s giving Grab a run for its money.

  • Pros:
    • Often 10-15% cheaper than Grab
    • Excellent coverage in major cities
    • Clean, modern vehicles
  • Cons:
    • Limited English support
    • Smaller driver network
    • No international payment options

Beyond Grab: Vietnam’s Complete Transportation Ecosystem

Traditional Taxis in Vietnam: The Good, the Bad, and the Scammy

Let’s address the elephant in the room: traditional taxis in Vietnam can be… interesting. Here’s the unvarnished truth:

Reputable Companies:

  • Mai Linh (Green taxis)
  • Vinasun (White taxis)
  • Group Taxi (Orange taxis)

Warning Signs:

  • Drivers refusing to use the meter
  • “Broken” meters that start at high rates
  • Unnecessarily long routes
  • Claims that your hotel/destination is “closed”

The Taxi Rule: If you must take a traditional taxi, insist on the meter or agree on a price beforehand. Better yet, stick to ride-hailing apps as scams are common.

Airport Transfer Solutions: Your First & Last Impression of Vietnam

Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport)

  1. Premium Private Transfer
  2. Budget Private Transfer

Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport)

  1. Premium Private Transfer
    • [Book Here: HCMC Premium Airport Service]
    • Fixed price: $22
    • Meet & greet service
    • Flight tracking
    • 30-45 minutes to District 1
  2. Budget Private Transfer
    • [Book Here: HCMC Standard Airport Transfer]
    • Fixed price: $15
    • Standard service
    • 30-45 minutes to District 1

Da Nang International Airport

  1. Premium Transfer (Da Nang or Hoi An)

Insider Tip: While ride-hailing apps work at airports, pre-booked transfers are worth the slight premium for peace of mind after a long flight.

Long-Distance Transportation: Beyond the City Limits

The unsung hero of Vietnamese transportation

Train Travel in Vietnam

Popular Routes & Prices:

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Classes:

  • Hard Seat (Skip it)
  • Soft Seat (Fine for day trips)
  • Hard Sleeper (Better than it sounds)
  • Soft Sleeper (Worth the upgrade)
  • [ Book Here ]

Booking Tips:

  • Book through 12Go Asia or your hotel
  • Reserve 3-4 days ahead for sleeper cars
  • Choose middle berths for best value
  • Ask for “group cabin” if traveling with family

Long-Distance Overnight Buses in Vietnam

When budget matters more than comfort

Recommended Companies:

  • Futa Bus Lines (Phuong Trang)
  • The Sinh Tourist
  • Hanh Cafe

Popular Routes & Prices:

Pro Tip: Spring for VIP buses on routes over 4 hours. The extra $5-10 buys significantly more comfort.

Private Car Hire in Vietnam

The luxury option that’s surprisingly affordable

Daily Rates:

  • Standard Car (4 seats): $60-80/day
  • SUV/Van (7-9 seats): $90-120/day
  • Luxury Vehicle: $150-200/day

Recommended Booking Platforms:

The Ultimate Transportation In Vietnam Strategy

After three weeks traversing Vietnam, here’s my battle-tested strategy:

  1. City Transportation:
    • Primary: Grab
    • Backup: Be or Xanh SM
    • Last Resort: Traditional taxis
  2. Airport Transfers:
  3. Long Distance:

The Future of Ride-Hailing in Vietnam

As Vietnam’s transportation infrastructure evolves, new players and services are entering the market. Electric vehicles are becoming more common, and integration with upcoming metro systems is on the horizon.

Coming Soon:

  • Electric GrabBikes
  • Enhanced airport services
  • Metro system integration
  • Expanded rural coverage

Common Questions Answered

Q: How do I use Grab as a foreigner? A: Download the app, sign up with your regular phone number (you’ll need what’s app or working phone number to get the verification code) , add payment method (cash or card), and you’re set. The app works in English.

Q: Is Grab safe in Vietnam? A: Yes, with proper precautions. All drivers are registered, rides are tracked, and the app has built-in safety features.

Q: How do I pay with Grab? A: Multiple options:

  • Cash (most common)
  • International credit cards
  • Grab Pay wallet
  • Moca e-wallet

Q: What about tipping? A: Optional but appreciated. For rides, 10,000-20,000 VND ($0.40-0.80) is standard. For food delivery, similar amounts are welcome.

Q: Can I schedule rides in advance? A: Yes, especially useful for airport transfers. Book up to 7 days ahead.

Final Thoughts

Grab’s dominance in Vietnam isn’t just about transportation—it’s about understanding the unique rhythm of Vietnamese cities. While Uber’s global approach struggled, Grab’s localized solution thrived.

Whether you’re navigating Hanoi’s labyrinthine Old Quarter or seeking late-night pho in Saigon, mastering Grab is your key to unlocking Vietnam’s modern urban landscape.

Remember: The best transportation app is the one that works where you are. In Vietnam, that’s undoubtedly Grab.

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