Your First Ride in Vietnam: Getting Around Like a Local (Made Easy!)
If it’s your first trip to Vietnam, one of the first hurdles you’ll face is figuring out how to get around. You’ll quickly see that traditional taxis are still everywhere, but the real game-changer?
Ride-booking apps.
With just a few taps on your phone, you can hop on a motorbike, order a comfy car, or even an electric taxi that hums quietly through city streets.
The two most popular apps locals use daily are
- Grab,
- Xanh SM
Each with its own benefits and perks. They’re reliable, quick, and surprisingly affordable, especially compared to what you’d pay for rides back home. The only tricky part for first-timers is getting everything set up properly. So before you start booking rides like a local, let’s go over what you’ll need.
🧳 Before Downloading These Apps, You’ll Need...
1. A Phone That Works in Vietnam
Simple but essential, you’ll need a smartphone (Android or iPhone) with internet access. Every app relies on GPS and data to find your location and match you with a driver. That means Wi-Fi alone won’t always cut it when you’re out exploring temples or grabbing late-night snacks.
2. A Local SIM Card or eSIM
The easiest way to stay connected is by grabbing a Vietnamese SIM card right at the airport. Major networks are:
- Viettel
- MobiFone
- Vinaphone
They offer short-term tourist packages that include both calls and mobile data. It’s inexpensive (around 100–200k VND) and works instantly.
You can also try an eSIM if your phone supports it, no swapping cards, just scan a QR code and you’re online. Plus, most ride-hailing apps send an OTP (one-time password) for login, so having a Vietnamese number makes sign-up much smoother.
Here’s a detailed guide on where and how to grab your first Vietnamese SIM card as you arrive at the airport
3. Download the Apps Before You Go
Before your trip (or while you’re still on airport Wi-Fi), download Grab, or Xanh SM from the App Store or Google Play. Stick with the official apps only; there are a few look-alikes out there.
💡 As you fire up these apps, each one will ask for your phone number and basic details like name and email, and will request location access so your pickup point is spot-on.
💡 To save you the trouble, click and download the apps using these links with your mobile devices:
Grab:
- Apple Appstore: https://apps.apple.com/vn/app/grab-taxi-ride-food-delivery/id647268330
- Android Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.grabtaxi.passenger&hl=vi&pli=1
Xanh SM
- Apple Appstore: https://apps.apple.com/vn/app/xanh-sm-book-ev-rides/id6446425595
- Android Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gsm.customer&hl=vi
4. Have a Way to Pay
Most travellers stick with cash, which works fine in Vietnam and is widely accepted on all three apps. But if you prefer contactless payments, you can link a Visa, Mastercard, or local e-wallet once you’re in the country. Just double-check that your card allows foreign transactions.
5. Get Familiar With the Basics
Before your first ride, take a moment to explore the app layout, including where to enter pickup and drop-off points, how to choose between a bike or a car, and how to view driver information. Each app displays the driver’s name, photo, and license plate
💡Always verify those details before getting in.
How to Use Grab, Xanh SM, and BE in Vietnam Like a Local
1. Download & Set Up the App
Head to the App Store or Google Play and search for “Grab” or “Xanh SM.”
Once installed, open it and sign up using your phone number.
💡Don’t know your number? Check it out on the SIM’s pop-out card or ask the seller to write them down for you.
You’ll get a quick OTP text to verify. The app might also ask for permission to access your location; say yes, because it uses GPS to find your exact pickup point.
2. Set Your Pickup & Destination
On the home screen, tap the “vehicle” icon (labelled Bike and Car, respectively), then enter where you are and where you want to go.
💡All apps can suggest several locations based on your address (Just like Google Maps!), so be as detailed as possible
Your chosen app will then instantly show you several ride options and their estimated prices. If your GPS looks a bit off (which happens near narrow lanes or busy areas), you can drag the pin on the map to where you actually stand, super handy in old quarters or market streets.
3. Choose Your Ride Type
This is where each app shines differently. You’ve got plenty of choices depending on your comfort, luggage, and budget:
For Grab:
| 🏍 GrabBike |
The quickest and cheapest way to zip through traffic. Ideal for solo travelers or quick city hops. Your driver will hand you a helmet Just hang on tight and enjoy the breeze! |
| 🚗 GrabCar |
A private car option (4-seater or 7-seater). Great for airport transfers, sightseeing, or when you’ve got bags in tow. |
| 🚐 GrabCar Plus: |
A slightly upgraded version: newer vehicles, sometimes roomier, and with air-conditioning cranked just right. |
|
🚕 GrabTaxi |
Let's you hail a traditional taxi through the app, so you still get a metered fare but with Grab’s convenience and digital payment options. |
For Xanh SM:
| ✈️ Airport Taxi |
Fixed-rate transfers between airports and the city. Clean, quiet, and hassle-free (no price haggling, ever). Since there is only the airport, you won’t need to select your location on a map; you can instead select which gate (international or domestic) on a checklist |
| 🚗 Car |
Your standard, comfortable 4-seater electric vehicle (usually VinFast VF e34). Great for city rides or hotel-to-hotel transfers. |
| 🏞️ Tour |
Pre-arranged sightseeing trips or scenic drives. Ideal for travelers who prefer a flexible, private tour with a professional driver. After confirming your pickup point, you will be introduced to a list of available tours. Simply click on the “!” icon to read the full itinerary. For Example: Historical Site Tour 💡No guides are provided, though, so better grab your local friend |
| 🏍 Bike |
Fast, fun, and 100% electric. Perfect for short hops or navigating busy urban centers |
4. Check the Price
You’ll see the fare estimate next to each option before booking, and it usually doesn’t change unless you make route changes later.
5. Pick a Payment Method
You can pay in cash at the end of the ride; most travellers do. If you’d rather go cashless, you can add a credit/debit card or link a local e-wallet. Grab automatically issues e-receipts, which are nice if you’re tracking travel expenses.
6. Confirm & Track Your Driver
Once you tap “Book,” Grab will match you with a nearby driver. You’ll see their name, profile photo, vehicle type, and license plate number. Check that information carefully when your ride arrives; it’s a simple but crucial safety step.
You can also track their approach on the map or call/text through the app if you’re having trouble finding each other.
7. Enjoy the Ride
Grab drivers are generally polite, punctual, and happy to chat a little, though not all speak fluent English. If you want to keep it simple, just greet them with a smile and a friendly “Xin chào!” or “Cảm ơn” when you arrive.
Tips & Best Practices
-
Stay Visible: In crowded pickup spots (like airports or malls), stand somewhere easy to spot, and drop a message in the app chat if you can’t find each other.
-
Check Before You Hop In: Always double-check the driver’s name and plate, especially at airports where multiple cars wait in the same lane.
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Avoid Peak Time Surges: Grab prices rise during rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM). If you’re not in a rush, wait a few minutes; fares often drop quickly.
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Use Grab for Short Adventures: Grab isn’t just for commuting; you can book round trips to tourist attractions, short transfers between hotels, or even a GrabBike to explore back alleys where cars can’t go.
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Language Tip: The in-app chat has auto-translate built in - super useful if you need to say, “I’m by the gate near Circle K.”
- Tipping Is Optional: You can tip through the app after your ride (even a small amount is appreciated).
💡 Not Tech-Savvy? Ask Your Locals!
What’s nice about these ride apps is that they’re quite tamper-proof: your money is always safe. Payments are only made through passwords or fingerprints, and they go directly to the driver. Or you can simply choose to pay in cash if that’s more comfortable.
So don’t hesitate to ask a friendly local, like your hotel concierge, tour guide, or café staff, to help you book your ride if you’re struggling. Vietnamese people are incredibly helpful, and most are happy to assist, especially when it comes to showing you how things work here.
Bottom Line
Most rides are fast, safe, and reliable, but remember, this is Vietnam. Traffic can get wild, especially in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. If your driver zigzags through scooters or squeezes through narrow alleys, don’t panic; that’s just normal traffic ballet here.
Most importantly, ride-booking apps give you freedom. You can explore temples, cafés, or hidden corners of town without worrying about directions or bargaining.
