Vietnam – Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services

How taxis work in Vietnam, and whether they are safe and reliable for expats

Taxi fares across Vietnam are highly affordable by international standards, and every reputable operator runs metered vehicles. The moment you climb in, the meter begins ticking based on distance — a system familiar to anyone who has used taxis in European or Australian cities, though the starting rates are considerably lower relative to local living costs.

Flagging down a cab in Vietnam is simple enough. In busy districts of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you will rarely wait long before spotting a taxi you can wave to the kerb. Shopping centres, hotels, and busy restaurant strips are particularly reliable spots to find one quickly.

At airports and popular visitor destinations, dedicated taxi ranks let you queue in an orderly fashion. Both Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City maintain clearly signposted official taxi bays, so you can step off your flight and be in a legitimate vehicle within minutes.

To verify you are entering an authentic taxi, look for prominent company logos and contact numbers displayed on the bodywork. A clearly visible, operating meter inside the cabin is another reliable sign. Give any unmarked or unbranded vehicle a wide berth, as such cars frequently bypass the meter entirely and demand inflated fares from passengers who don’t know better.

Taxis from the country’s established national operators are generally safe choices. The key is limiting yourself to widely recognised brands whose drivers undergo screening and whose fleets are subject to regular maintenance checks. Mai Linh Group, for instance, has built a leading position in Vietnam’s passenger transport sector and became the first Vietnamese taxi company to earn ISO 39001:2012 certification for its Road Traffic Safety Management System.

Which ride-hailing apps work in Vietnam, and how to use them

Uber withdrew from Southeast Asia in 2018, transferring its regional business to Grab. Today, Grab, Xanh SM, and Be are the three principal ride-hailing platforms active in Vietnam. Gojek also closed its Vietnamese operations in September 2024, leaving these three as the main players.

Grab remains the go-to choice for newly arrived expats. Its app works with international phone numbers, accepts foreign Visa and Mastercard credit cards, and presents a full English-language interface — meaning you can begin using it the day you land without needing any local workarounds. Services range from motorbike rides (GrabBike) and car journeys (GrabCar) through to food delivery (GrabFood). The app is downloadable through the App Store, Google Play, and AppGallery, and further information is available at Grab’s website.

Xanh SM is Vietnam’s rapidly expanding domestic contender. Founded in 2023 and backed by Vingroup, it runs an exclusively electric vehicle fleet, positioning itself around sustainable mobility and rising demand for greener travel options. By Q2 2025, Xanh SM had overtaken Grab to claim the top spot in Vietnam’s app-based transport market, holding a 44.68% share against Grab’s 36.08%, according to Mordor Intelligence. That said, its English-language support and foreign card compatibility are still catching up — App Store reviews confirm that foreign-issued payment cards are not yet accepted within Xanh SM’s system, unlike Grab.

Be is a home-grown platform that earns its place as a secondary app. Active across 28 cities with particularly strong roots in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Be is built primarily for the Vietnamese domestic market, and its English interface is limited. Expats who have developed some Vietnamese language ability or settled in for the long term will find it straightforward; others will primarily use it to compare prices against Grab.

Getting started with Grab takes only a few minutes — download the app, create an account, and you are ready to book. The app shows your driver’s location in real time and presents the full fare before you confirm, so there are no surprises at the end of the ride. Payment options span cash, credit cards, and e-wallets. This upfront pricing model, similar to how Lyft or Bolt work in other markets, effectively eliminates the most common taxi frustrations — you know exactly what you will pay before the car even arrives.

Where to find taxis and book rides in Vietnam’s capital and major expat areas

The three main expat centres in Vietnam are Hanoi in the north, Ho Chi Minh City in the south, and Da Nang along the central coast. Each city has solid taxi and ride-hailing infrastructure, though the dominant operators vary by location.

Hanoi

Taxi Group is a leading provider of taxi services across northern Vietnam, serving Hanoi as well as surrounding provinces including Hai Phong, Nam Dinh, Bac Ninh, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Quang Ninh, and Thanh Hoa. Their vehicles are a common sight throughout the capital. You can make a booking or find further details on their website or by calling 024 38 535353.

Hanoi Taxi, one of the industry’s pioneers since its founding in 1993, is easy to spot thanks to its all-white livery — contact them on 024.38.52.52.52. Mai Linh also maintains an extensive presence in Hanoi, with its distinctive green vehicles widely regarded as a benchmark for safety. All three major ride-hailing apps — Grab, Xanh SM, and Be — are fully operational throughout the city.

Ho Chi Minh City

Vinasun is one of the most prominent taxi operators in Ho Chi Minh City, running more than 3,500 vehicles and earning a reputation for reliable service quality. Their cabs are recognisable by a white body with red and green striping. You can reach Vinasun on 028.38.27.27.27 or through vinasun.vn. Both Vinasun and Mai Linh are the most dependable choices at Tan Son Nhat Airport, with fares to District 1 running approximately 150,000–250,000 VND depending on traffic conditions (as of 2025).

Vinasun has grown into one of the city’s largest taxi fleets, with over 5,000 cars and upwards of 14,000 drivers. All three main ride-hailing apps have substantial coverage throughout Ho Chi Minh City’s many districts, with Grab and Xanh SM in particular fielding large numbers of vehicles across the urban area.

Da Nang and Other Cities

Mai Linh extends its network to 63 cities across Vietnam, covering major destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue, Hoi An, Da Lat, and Phu Quoc. Xanh SM’s electric taxis are available in 45 provinces and cities, including Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc. Grab operates nationwide across all major cities and provinces, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Can Tho, Hue, Nha Trang, and Vung Tau.

Away from these urban centres, app coverage grows increasingly inconsistent. Regulatory constraints can limit how far platforms are permitted to extend into smaller cities and rural districts. In such locations, booking a taxi by phone or asking your hotel or guesthouse to arrange transport remains the most practical approach.

How much a taxi or ride-hailing trip costs in Vietnam

Vietnamese taxi fares rank among the most competitive in Southeast Asia, making them a viable option for regular use. Costs shift based on the city, platform, vehicle category, and time of travel. All figures below are indicative — check the relevant app or operator directly for the latest rates before travelling.

As of 2025, the flag fall for reputable metered taxis sits at 12,500–15,000 VND (roughly $0.50–$0.60 USD) for the first 1–2 km, followed by 15,000–17,000 VND per kilometre ($0.60–$0.68/km) thereafter.

Short journeys within a city centre — moving between districts in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, for example — typically cost between VND 50,000 and 100,000. The ride from Noi Bai Airport into central Hanoi runs around VND 300,000–400,000, while the equivalent trip from Tan Son Nhat Airport to central Ho Chi Minh City is approximately VND 150,000–200,000 (as of 2025).

For app-based bookings, Grab fares are consistently reasonable — a 15-minute car ride in either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City generally falls between $3 and $5 USD. Journeys of 5–10 km typically cost in the range of 45,000–85,000 VND ($0.85–$3.50 USD) as of 2024.

Budget for modest additional charges that can appear on top of the base fare. Airport surcharges of around VND 10,000–15,000 are common, and late-night travel may attract a small premium. These extras are not large, but worth factoring in when planning your spending (as of 2025).

Grab pricing can spike during rush hours, which may make competing apps the better value. Xanh SM and Be are frequently worth checking during peak periods. G7 Taxi in Hanoi is one operator known for keeping its fares steady regardless of demand. For the most current pricing, consult the relevant app directly or visit platforms such as grab.com/vn or xanhsm.com.

Common taxi scams and safety issues expats should know about in Vietnam

The overwhelming majority of taxi and ride-hailing drivers in Vietnam are straightforward and honest, but an awareness of recurring schemes will spare you unnecessary expense. Remain particularly alert at airports, railway stations, and tourist hotspots, where opportunistic operators tend to cluster. Some taxis that appear metered are not — and certain drivers claim a technical fault with the meter when it has simply been left off. Even when a meter is visibly running, it may have been tampered with to climb faster than it should.

Taking a deliberately roundabout route is a known tactic used against passengers unfamiliar with a city’s layout, as is using a doctored meter that accelerates the fare at an abnormal rate — both methods serve to extract an inflated payment.

Unofficial taxi operators sometimes copy the colour schemes of trusted companies to lend themselves a veneer of legitimacy. Inside these impostors, the meter rises far more quickly than it would in a genuine vehicle. A well-documented scam involves swapping a 500,000 VND note for a 20,000 VND note, exploiting the similar blue colouring of both denominations. Paying with small bills or the exact amount is the most reliable defence. If you need to break a larger note, do it at a chain convenience store, a restaurant, or another established business rather than in the cab itself.

Criminals posing as taxi drivers have targeted foreign arrivals at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, in some cases coercing victims into withdrawing money at ATMs. Incidents have also involved drivers who met passengers with a personalised name card, only to rob them. Arrange airport collection through your hotel before you land, use authorised taxi ranks, and always cross-check the driver’s identity and licence plate against what your app shows before getting in.

The most straightforward protective steps: Vinasun (white livery) and Mai Linh (green livery) are the most dependable metered taxi brands. For the clearest pricing and greatest safety, book through Grab, Be, or Xanh SM. Use metered or pre-booked taxis at airports rather than accepting offers from drivers who approach you. Once seated, photographing the driver’s licence, the meter display, and any posted contact information gives you a record should you need to raise a formal complaint.

How to pay for taxis and ride-hailing in Vietnam — cash, card, or app

While major credit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and chain retailers, cash continues to dominate everyday transactions. Small cafés, street markets, and most taxis do not accept cards, making Vietnamese Dong in small denominations an essential item to carry. Having notes in the ₫10,000–₫50,000 range on hand covers taxis, street food, and tips without the complications that come with larger bills.

The payment landscape for ride-hailing apps is considerably more flexible. Grab supports a range of methods including cash, credit cards, and e-wallets, and you can link a bank account or card through GrabPay for seamless in-app settlement. Crucially, Grab accepts foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard cards, so you can pay electronically from day one, even before you hold a local bank account. Xanh SM, by contrast, does not yet support foreign-issued cards as of early 2026, meaning cash or a local payment method is required when using that platform.

Vietnamese e-wallets — MoMo, ZaloPay, VNPay, and ShopeePay among them — are widely used by residents. Most require a local bank account to set up fully, though many restaurants and transport operators display QR codes that can be scanned for payment. Long-term expats who open a local account often find that linking one of these wallets to their Grab or Be profile adds a convenient layer of flexibility.

Whenever you have the option, pay in Vietnamese Dong rather than accepting dynamic currency conversion — the exchange rate you receive in local currency will almost always be more favourable. When paying cash in a street taxi, have the right change ready to reduce the risk of falling victim to the note-switching scam.

Alternatives to taxis and ride-hailing for getting around Vietnam as an expat

Vietnam’s transport ecosystem extends well beyond taxis and apps, encompassing everything from ancient cyclos to expanding metro lines. The following options are worth understanding for expat daily life.

• Motorbike taxis (xe ôm): Known locally as xe ôm, motorbike taxis are among the most nimble and budget-friendly ways to move through congested city streets. They suit short hops and are particularly handy when traffic is gridlocked. However, some government travel advisories caution against using them unless you are satisfied that the provided helmet meets adequate safety standards. Booking a GrabBike through the app is a safer alternative, as drivers are rated, verified, and tracked throughout the journey.
• Public buses: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City both run extensive city bus networks at very low fares. Navigating the route system without Vietnamese can be challenging, though apps such as BusMap — which is integrated with Be — substantially reduce that difficulty.
• Metro: Vietnam’s urban transit infrastructure is evolving steadily. Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line 1 and the existing lines in Hanoi serve specific corridors effectively, though neither system yet provides comprehensive city-wide coverage. Electric bus services and further metro expansion are progressing across both cities.
• Intercity trains: Rail travel between major cities such as Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City is reliable and comfortable for longer distances. The national operator is Vietnam Railways (DSVN).
• Rental motorbikes and cars: A significant number of long-term expats rent motorbikes for their daily commute. A driving licence recognised in Vietnam is required. Hiring a car with a dedicated driver is also a widely available option for day trips and travel between provinces.
• Cyclos: The traditional three-wheeled cyclo is largely a tourist novelty in the Old Quarter of Hanoi or around Hoi An, rather than a practical daily commuting tool. Nevertheless, a cyclo ride through a pedestrian-friendly historic district offers a distinctive way to take in the surroundings at a leisurely pace.

What expats say about using taxis and ride-hailing day-to-day in Vietnam

Among the expatriate community, Grab has become synonymous with getting around for foreigners — its coverage spans all major cities and provinces, a ride can be confirmed in under two minutes, the fare is locked in before you accept, and the in-app interface handles all communication so no Vietnamese is necessary.

Language gaps between expats and drivers are routine but rarely insurmountable. Many drivers will attempt basic exchanges — a gesture toward the air conditioning, a confirming nod at the drop-off point — and the app’s map and address system means that the entire journey can typically be completed without any spoken words at all.

Having both Grab and Xanh SM installed is a strategy many expats adopt. Xanh SM becomes particularly useful during peak hours when Grab’s wait times lengthen or its surge pricing kicks in, and Xanh SM fares are often a touch lower at those moments. A good number of long-term residents also keep Be as a third option for price comparison, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

For airport journeys, experienced expats strongly favour pre-booking through an app over hailing a vehicle at the kerbside. Using official airport taxi ranks staffed by attendants, arranging a hotel transfer in advance, or opening an app to book the moment you have a Wi-Fi connection are the approaches most consistently recommended by those who have been through it.

Vietnam’s overall safety record — violent crime rates are among the lowest in the region — means that transport-related risks are more likely to involve financial inconvenience than personal danger. The broader expat experience is that defaulting to app-based booking largely resolves the two most common grievances: overcharging and unnecessary detours. Once settled into that habit, navigating Vietnamese cities feels both efficient and genuinely affordable compared with the equivalent cost of getting around in Western Europe or North America.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Uber operate in Vietnam?

No. Uber withdrew from Southeast Asia in 2018 and transferred its regional operations to Grab. The platforms currently serving Vietnam in its place are Grab, Xanh SM, and Be. For newcomers, Grab is the most practical starting point given its English interface and support for foreign payment cards.

How do I get from the airport into the city by taxi or app in Vietnam?

Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City both have clearly designated official taxi bays where you can board a legitimate metered cab as soon as you exit arrivals. Look for Mai Linh or Vinasun branding at the rank. Alternatively, connect to airport Wi-Fi or activate your local SIM, open Grab, and book a GrabCar — the fare will be displayed in full before you confirm the trip. From Tan Son Nhat to District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, expect to pay approximately 150,000–250,000 VND (as of 2025).

Is it safe to take a taxi alone at night in Vietnam?

Taxis from established operators are generally safe regardless of the hour. The same principles that apply during the day hold true after dark: use a trusted branded company or pre-book through an app, verify that the driver and vehicle match what your app displays, and use the app’s live trip-sharing feature to send your journey details to someone you trust. Decline any approach from an unmarked vehicle or a driver soliciting passengers outside bars and clubs.

How do I avoid being overcharged in a Vietnamese taxi?

The surest protection is booking through a ride-hailing app such as Grab, where the full price is shown before you commit to the ride. If you prefer a street taxi, limit your choices to Vinasun (white) or Mai Linh (green), confirm the meter is engaged the moment you enter, and pay with small-denomination notes to sidestep disputes over change. Taking a photo of the driver’s licence and the meter reading as soon as you board gives you documented evidence if a complaint becomes necessary.

What should I do if a driver refuses to use the meter?

Any legitimate taxi should have a functioning meter. If a driver insists that theirs is broken and demands a flat rate considerably above what a metered fare would cost, decline politely, get out of the vehicle, and either book through a ride-hailing app or locate a different taxi. Do not agree to travel without a running meter unless you have already arranged a fixed price in advance through a reputable pre-booked transfer service.

Do I need a Vietnamese phone number to use Grab in Vietnam?

Grab is compatible with international phone numbers and accepts foreign Visa and Mastercard credit cards, so you can register and begin booking without owning a local SIM. That said, a Vietnamese 3G/4G SIM is advisable to guarantee a reliable mobile data connection while booking rides and tracking your driver. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and sold at airports and convenience stores throughout the country.

Are ride-hailing apps available outside major cities in Vietnam?

Grab covers all major cities and provinces nationwide, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Can Tho, Hue, Nha Trang, and Vung Tau. Coverage becomes noticeably thinner in rural areas and highland regions, where regulatory restrictions can limit platform expansion. In those locations, organising a private transfer in advance or asking your accommodation to call a local taxi on your behalf is the most reliable solution.

Can I pay for taxis and ride-hailing in Vietnam using a foreign credit card?

Foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted within the Grab app, making cashless payment straightforward from the start. For traditional street taxis, however, cash remains the standard form of payment — most do not have card terminals. Keep a supply of Vietnamese Dong in small denominations with you at all times as a backup, whatever your primary payment preference.