Is There Uber in Vietnam? How to Use Grab Taxi in Vietnam?

Ride-hailing apps solve a number of problems for people traveling in Vietnam. Language differences can make communication difficult, paying in cash can be inconvenient, and being confident in choosing a good taxi is not always easy. Apps make all of these easier, so you can travel securely in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Is There an Uber in Vietnam? No, We Use the Grab Taxi App in Vietnam

Uber is the most well-known ride-hailing app worldwide, but it's not available in Vietnam.

In 2018, Uber's Vietnam operations were acquired by the Singaporean company GrabTaxi. Since then, it has become the most widely used mobile app for booking rides all over Southeast Asia.

Grab Taxi quickly became the most popular ride-hailing service in Vietnam. Among taxi app users, almost 70% choose Grab Taxi over other services. It has convenient options for tourists as well, making it the convenient choice for people arriving in the country. 

The Grab Taxi of Vietnam

How to Use Grab? Download the App and Create an Account

Anyone familiar with mobile apps will have no problem using Grab.

You can download it before traveling and set everything up so it's ready when you arrive. Simply create an account after installing the app.

Accounts can be linked to your phone number or through Facebook. Then, choose a payment method. Options include linking a credit or debit card, using the GrabPay digital wallet, or opting for cash payment.

After arriving in Vietnam, check your location to ensure the app knows where you are. Set your destination or select it on the map. The app will give you price options so you can make your choice and book the ride.

It may be helpful to have a local SIM card to ensure you have good mobile service.

The Grab App of Vietnam

What Kind of Services Can Grab App Provide? Covering Rides to Food

Grab has expanded their services to include a full range of options.

In addition to booking a taxi, you can use GrabCar to hire a private car. For some trips, added comfort can be worth the extra expense.

GrabBike allows you to book a motorcycle taxi. These are often the best choices for getting through peak traffic at rush hour. Rent is a private car with a driver service that you can book by the hour. It is great for excursions to visit multiple locations throughout the day.

GrabFood and GrabMart are available to feed your hunger when you just want to rest.

GrabFood lets you choose from nearby restaurants with a wide selection of available cuisines. GrabMart is an on-demand grocery service great for packaged food, toiletries, beauty, and healthcare products.

GrabFood service in Vietnam

Is Grab Safe to Use?

Ultimately, Grab is a bridge between customers and drivers.

They are not directly responsible for the safety or quality of your ride but do have an interest in making sure users have a good experience.

The app has features such as real-time GPS tracking, ride-sharing details with trusted contacts, and a driver rating system to support riders' safety. It is considered safe to use in Vietnam.

Payment safety is one of its biggest features. Prices are estimated in advance, so you won't be overcharged after arriving, and payment can be made online through the app for transaction security.

It is still recommended to exercise caution at night. Check to ensure that the driver picking you up is the same one you booked. Some drivers dress like Grab drivers but have no affiliation with the app who sometimes try to scam tourists.

8 Days Best of Vietnam Tour Package

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Saigon - Mekong Delta – Saigon

Are Traditional Taxis Still Available in Vietnam? Is It Cheaper or More Expensive than Grab Taxi?

Grab uses dynamic pricing that varies by time of day and how busy the system is. Overall, the price is similar to traditional taxis. Grab frequently has promotions and discounts that can make it a cheaper option, but it charges more for waiting in traffic.

Traditional taxis are still widely available and can sometimes be a better choice. Grab charges 450 VND for each minute of waiting time, so it can cost more when there is a lot of traffic congestion.

Do I Need to Tip the Grab Drivers in Vietnam?

Vietnam does not have a tipping culture, but it can still be a good way of showing appreciation when you are happy with a driver's service.

A small tip of 10,000-20,000 VND (0.5-1 USD) is a nice gesture that will be appreciated. You can tip the driver in cash or through the app.

Another way to show your appreciation is to leave a good review for good drivers. The app uses a simple 5-star rating system. Rating your driver can not only help them but also help the next rider choose a good driver.

Call motorcycle service via the Grab APP in Vietnam

More FAQs about the Grab App in Vietnam

1. Live and automated customer support is available through the app for any problems or inquiries.
2. You can use Grab to book rides in advance. This can be very useful for getting to the airport or other time-sensitive locations.
3. Alternative apps such as Gojek, Be, and Mai Linh are also convenient options for ride-hailing.
4. Check the car's license plate to ensure it matches the app before getting in the vehicle.
5. Sometimes, drivers may deviate from the route to account for local conditions. It does not change the cost of the ride if the driver takes a different route.
6. The app has a translation function that can help you communicate with drivers who don't speak English. 

Conclusion

Grab is a convenient solution for finding and paying for taxis, as well as communicating with drivers. It's similar to ride-hailing apps in other countries, so you should find it easy to use.

Being able to link a debit or credit card is helpful for tourists, and the app encourages safe conditions for riders and drivers.

Plan your tour of Vietnam knowing that it will be easy to get around once you get there. Contact us for free. We have a full range of tours to meet the needs and interests of any traveler.