Getting around Vietnam is relatively easy thanks to the wide range of transportation services available in major cities and popular tourist destinations. Traditional taxis, Grab, and Green SM (formerly Xanh SM) are convenient options for airport transfers, sightseeing, shopping, and everyday travel.
For international visitors, understanding how to book a ride, check fares, choose payment methods, and communicate with drivers can make traveling in Vietnam more comfortable and safer.
This guide explains how to use taxis, Grab, and Green SM in Vietnam, including practical tips for first-time visitors.
1. Popular Taxi and Ride-Hailing Services in Vietnam
Traditional Taxis
Traditional taxis are widely available in many Vietnamese cities and tourist destinations.
Travelers can find taxis at airports, hotels, shopping centers, and designated taxi stands. Some companies also accept bookings through their own applications or customer service hotlines.
Well-known taxi operators in Vietnam include Mai Linh and Vinasun.
Advantages of traditional taxis:
- No ride-hailing application is necessarily required.
- Convenient for airport and hotel pickups.
- Suitable for travelers with luggage.
- Available in many cities and tourist areas.
Before starting your journey, confirm whether the fare is calculated using a meter or an agreed fixed price.
Choose taxis with clear company identification and avoid unverified transportation offers.
Grab
Grab is a popular ride-hailing platform operating in many parts of Vietnam.
Depending on the location and service availability, travelers may be able to book cars, motorbikes, and other transportation services through the Grab application.
Advantages of Grab:
- Book rides directly from your smartphone.
- View estimated fares before confirming.
- Check driver and vehicle information.
- Follow your journey using the application’s map.
- Choose from available vehicle categories.
- Access supported cashless payment options.
Grab is particularly convenient for international visitors who are already familiar with the application.
Green SM (Formerly Xanh SM)
Green SM, previously known as Xanh SM, is an electric mobility service operating in Vietnam.
The company offers electric car transportation and, in supported locations, electric motorbike services.
Travelers can book available services through the Green SM application or other official booking channels.
Advantages of Green SM:
- Electric vehicle transportation.
- App-based ride booking.
- Driver and vehicle information.
- Fare information displayed according to the selected service.
- A transportation option for travelers interested in electric mobility.
Service coverage, vehicle categories, and booking features may vary by destination.
2. How to Book a Grab Ride in Vietnam
Booking a Grab ride is generally straightforward.
Step 1: Download the Grab App
Download the official Grab application from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Official website: https://www.grab.com/
Step 2: Register or Sign In
Follow the instructions to create an account or sign in.
Phone number verification and available login methods may vary depending on your account and country.
Step 3: Enter Your Pickup Location
Allow location access if you want the application to identify your current position.
Check the pickup point carefully, especially at airports, shopping malls, and hotels with multiple entrances.
Step 4: Enter Your Destination
Type your hotel address, tourist attraction, restaurant, or another destination.
Confirm that the location shown on the map is correct.
Step 5: Choose Your Vehicle
Select an available service, such as a car or motorbike, depending on your needs.
If you are traveling with luggage or other passengers, choose a vehicle with sufficient capacity.
Step 6: Review the Fare and Confirm
Check the displayed fare, payment method, and any applicable additional charges before confirming your booking.
Step 7: Meet Your Driver
Verify the driver’s details and vehicle license plate against the information shown in the application.
Step 8: Complete Your Journey
Pay using your selected payment method and leave a rating if you wish.
3. How to Book Green SM in Vietnam
The Green SM booking process is similar to other ride-hailing applications.
Step 1: Download the Green SM App
Install the official Green SM application from your smartphone’s app store.
Official website: https://www.greensm.com/
Step 2: Create an Account
Register or sign in using the methods supported by the application.
International travelers should check whether their phone number and preferred payment method are supported.
Step 3: Select Your Pickup Point
Enter your current location or choose a pickup point on the map.
Step 4: Enter Your Destination
Provide the address of your hotel, restaurant, attraction, or other destination.
Step 5: Choose an Available Service
Select an electric car or another supported vehicle category, depending on local availability.
Step 6: Check the Fare
Review the fare information and payment options before confirming the ride.
Step 7: Verify Your Driver
Check the driver’s identity and vehicle information before entering the vehicle.
Step 8: Complete Your Trip
Follow the payment instructions and check your belongings before leaving the vehicle.
Green SM can be a convenient choice for visitors who prefer traveling in electric vehicles.
4. Comparing Traditional Taxis, Grab and Green SM
| Feature | Traditional Taxi | Grab | Green SM |
|---|---|---|---|
| App booking | Depends on operator | Yes | Yes |
| Street or taxi-stand pickup | Yes | Mainly app-based | Depends on service |
| Car transportation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Motorbike transportation | Not a standard taxi service | Available in supported areas | Available in supported areas |
| Electric vehicles | Depends on operator | Depends on available service | Core service offering |
| Fare information before booking | Depends on operator | Displayed in app | Displayed according to service |
| Cash payments | Generally available | Depends on service | Depends on service |
| Electronic payments | Depends on operator | Supported methods vary | Supported methods vary |
No provider is always the cheapest.
Fares depend on distance, demand, traffic, weather, vehicle category, promotions, and applicable fees.
For the best value, compare the total fare displayed by different applications before booking.
5. How to Pay for Taxi and Ride-Hailing Services
The Vietnamese dong (VND) is Vietnam’s official currency.
Depending on the transportation provider, passengers may be able to pay using:
- Cash in Vietnamese dong.
- Supported credit or debit cards.
- Electronic payment methods available in the application.
Important payment tips for international travelers:
- Not all international bank cards are accepted by every service.
- Available payment methods may depend on your account’s registration country.
- Keep some Vietnamese dong available as a backup.
- Check currency conversion and international transaction fees.
- Review the total fare before making payment.
- Never share passwords, banking verification codes, or one-time passwords with drivers.
If you choose cash payment, check the amount shown in the application and clarify any additional charges.
6. Using Grab and Green SM at Vietnamese Airports
Major airports in Vietnam offer various ground transportation options, including traditional taxis and app-based services.
However, pickup arrangements differ between airports and terminals.
Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi
At Noi Bai Airport, passengers should check the designated pickup areas for their transportation provider.
Domestic and international terminals have different layouts, so verify your arrival terminal before arranging a ride.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City
Tan Son Nhat Airport has three passenger terminals:
- Terminal 1 (T1): Domestic flights according to current airline allocations.
- Terminal 2 (T2): International flights.
- Terminal 3 (T3): Domestic flights according to current airline allocations.
Pickup areas for taxis, Grab, and Green SM may differ by terminal.
Always follow the latest airport signage and instructions provided by your booking application.
Da Nang International Airport
Travelers arriving in Da Nang can use available taxi and ride-hailing services to reach hotels and attractions.
Check the designated pickup point before requesting a vehicle.
Airport transportation tips:
- Confirm your arrival terminal.
- Follow official pickup instructions.
- Verify your driver’s name and vehicle license plate.
- Check airport access or parking charges where applicable.
- Avoid accepting rides from unidentified individuals.
- Do not enter a vehicle that does not match your booking details.
7. How Much Do Taxis, Grab and Green SM Cost in Vietnam?
Taxi and ride-hailing fares in Vietnam vary depending on several factors.
These include:
- Travel distance.
- Vehicle category.
- Time of day.
- Traffic conditions.
- Weather.
- Local demand.
- Toll roads and airport charges.
- Discounts or promotional offers.
Short trips within city centers may be relatively inexpensive, while airport transfers and longer journeys generally cost more.
App-based fares may increase during busy periods or heavy rain.
To compare prices, enter the same pickup and destination addresses in Grab and Green SM, then review the total displayed fare.
For traditional taxis, confirm the metered rate or agreed fare before departure.
8. Should International Tourists Use Motorbike Ride-Hailing Services?
Motorbike ride-hailing services can be an affordable and flexible transportation option, especially for solo travelers making short journeys.
However, they may not be suitable for everyone.
Consider choosing a car instead if you:
- Have large luggage.
- Are traveling with children.
- Are unfamiliar with motorbike traffic.
- Prefer additional protection from rain and weather.
- Are uncomfortable riding as a motorbike passenger.
When using a motorbike ride-hailing service, wear a properly fitted helmet and follow the driver’s safety instructions.
Do not accept unsafe riding conditions.
9. Safety Tips for Using Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
Following a few basic precautions can make transportation in Vietnam safer and more convenient.
Verify the vehicle: Check the license plate and vehicle details before entering.
Confirm your destination: Make sure the driver understands where you want to go.
Follow the app’s booking process: Avoid unnecessary off-app arrangements when you have booked through a ride-hailing platform.
Track your journey: Use a navigation application if you want to follow the route.
Keep valuables secure: Check your passport, wallet, phone, and luggage before leaving the vehicle.
Protect your personal information: Never share passwords, verification codes, or sensitive banking details.
Keep your trip history: Booking records may be useful if you need customer support.
If you encounter a problem, contact the transportation provider through its official support channels.
10. Grab vs. Green SM: Which Is Better for Tourists?
Both Grab and Green SM can be convenient transportation options for international visitors.
Choose Grab If You:
- Already have a Grab account.
- Want to compare available vehicle categories.
- Prefer a familiar ride-hailing application.
- Need a service available in your current location.
Choose Green SM If You:
- Prefer traveling in an electric vehicle.
- Want to experience electric mobility in Vietnam.
- Find a suitable Green SM vehicle available nearby.
- Prefer the fare or service offered for your journey.
Choose a Traditional Taxi If You:
- Do not want to install an application.
- Prefer booking through a hotel or taxi company.
- Need transportation from an official taxi stand.
- Have limited mobile Internet access.
Installing both Grab and Green SM can give travelers more flexibility when comparing fares, waiting times, and vehicle availability.
11. Tips for First-Time Visitors to Vietnam
If you are visiting Vietnam for the first time, prepare a few essentials before arriving.
Stay connected
A local SIM card or travel eSIM can help you book rides, use navigation applications, and communicate with drivers.
Save your hotel address
Keep your accommodation address in both English and Vietnamese whenever possible.
Use accurate pickup locations
Large buildings, airports, and shopping centers may have several entrances.
Prepare Vietnamese dong
Even if you plan to use cashless payments, carrying some local currency is useful.
Use translation tools
If you do not speak Vietnamese, translation applications or in-app messaging can help you communicate with drivers.
Allow extra travel time
Traffic congestion can be significant in major cities, particularly during morning and evening rush hours.
12. Useful Vietnamese Phrases for Taxi Passengers
Learning a few simple Vietnamese phrases can make your journey easier.
| Vietnamese | English |
|---|---|
| Xin chào | Hello |
| Tôi muốn đến địa chỉ này | I want to go to this address |
| Bao nhiêu tiền? | How much does it cost? |
| Vui lòng dừng ở đây | Please stop here |
| Cảm ơn | Thank you |
| Tôi không nói tiếng Việt | I don’t speak Vietnamese |
| Đây có phải xe của tôi không? | Is this my car? |
You can also show the driver your destination directly on your phone.
Explore Vietnam with Travelin.vn
Traditional taxis, Grab, and Green SM provide convenient transportation options for travelers exploring Vietnam.
Each service offers different advantages in terms of booking methods, vehicle types, availability, and payment options.
By checking fares, verifying driver information, and preparing a reliable Internet connection, international visitors can travel around Vietnamese cities more confidently and comfortably.
Whether you are exploring Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or another destination, choosing the right transportation can make your journey easier.
At Travelin.vn – Travel in Vietnam, we provide destination guides, transportation information, and practical travel advice to help international visitors explore Vietnam.
Travelin.vn – Explore Vietnam with Confidence.
Disclaimer: This article provides general travel information for reference purposes only. Transportation fares, service coverage, payment methods, app features, and operating conditions may change. Travelers should verify current information directly with the relevant service providers before booking.
