How Do You Use Grab in Vietnam? A Complete Guide for Foreign Teachers
Grab is the default ride-hailing app for foreigners in Vietnam — available across major cities and provinces nationwide, bookable in under two minutes, with a fixed upfront fare and in-app translation so no Vietnamese is required. Whether you are landing at Noi Bai, commuting to a language center in Ho Chi Minh City, or heading out on a weekend, this guide covers everything you need: setup, booking, services, pricing, airport use, safety, and the best alternatives competing for road space in 2026.
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Does Grab Work in Vietnam?
Yes — Grab works in Vietnam and is fully operational across major cities and provinces nationwide, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Can Tho, Hue, Nha Trang, and Vung Tau. The app functions with international phone numbers, accepts foreign Visa and Mastercard credit cards, and includes an English-language interface, making it directly usable for foreign teachers and visitors without any workarounds.
Grab has operated in Vietnam since 2014 and is one of two dominant ride-hailing platforms in the country as of 2026, alongside Xanh SM. The service covers ride-hailing (GrabBike and GrabCar), metered taxi booking (GrabTaxi), food delivery (GrabFood), parcel delivery (GrabExpress), and hourly car rental (Rent) — all within a single app.
The one limitation to be aware of: Grab is concentrated in urban areas. Coverage in rural districts, remote provinces, and mountainous regions is limited or unavailable depending on local driver supply. In all major cities where foreign teachers are typically based, Grab functions reliably throughout the day.
There is no Uber in Vietnam. Uber exited Southeast Asia in 2018 and transferred its regional operations to Grab. For anyone searching for an equivalent service, Grab is the direct replacement and the most accessible option for foreigners.
How Do You Download and Set Up Grab in Vietnam?
Set up Grab by downloading the app, registering with a phone number, and selecting a payment method — the process takes under five minutes and no local SIM is required to complete registration.
Follow these steps:
- Download the app. Available on Google Play Store (Android) and App Store (iOS). Search “Grab” and install. Huawei AppGallery is also supported.
- Create an account. Register using your phone number. An SMS verification code will be sent. International numbers work, though a local Vietnamese SIM simplifies driver communication later.
- Set your language. Go to Profile → Settings → Language. The app supports English natively.
- Add a payment method. Options are cash (paid directly to driver) or a linked international Visa or Mastercard. Cash requires no setup and is accepted for all rides.
- Allow location access. Grant GPS permission so the app can place your pickup pin accurately.
A local Vietnamese SIM with 3G/4G/5G data is strongly recommended before relying on Grab daily. Without mobile data you depend entirely on Wi-Fi to book rides, which is impractical once you are moving around the city. If you are still sorting your phone plan, our guide on Wi-Fi in Vietnam: Useful tips for staying connected covers SIM card options available immediately upon airport arrival.
How Do You Book a Grab Ride Step by Step?
Booking takes under two minutes: open the app, confirm your pickup pin, enter your destination, select a service type, and tap Book. The fare is fixed and shown before you confirm — no negotiation, no surprises.
Step-by-step process:
- Open the app and verify your GPS pin is correctly placed at your actual location. Drag it manually if it is slightly off.
- Enter your destination in the “Where to?” search bar. Use a full address or a recognizable landmark. For addresses in alley systems common across Vietnamese cities, adding a nearby landmark in the note field helps drivers locate you faster.
- Select your service type based on group size and luggage — GrabBike, GrabCar, or GrabCar 7-seater.
- Review the fixed upfront fare displayed on screen. This is the final amount you pay regardless of traffic or route.
- Confirm your payment method (cash or card) and tap Book.
- Track your driver in real time on the map. Use GrabChat with auto-translation to send preset messages if needed.
- Before boarding: verify the driver’s name, photo, and license plate match what the app shows. Do not enter the vehicle if any detail does not match.
One practical tip for newly arrived teachers: Vietnamese addresses often include district numbers, ward names, and alley codes. When searching, try the name of a well-known building or intersection nearby if the exact street address is not auto-completing correctly in the app.
What Grab Services Are Available in Vietnam?
Grab Vietnam offers five core transport services: GrabBike, GrabCar, JustGrab, GrabTaxi, and Rent — alongside GrabFood delivery, GrabExpress parcel delivery, and GrabMart grocery delivery.
| Service | Best for | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| GrabBike | Solo riders, light backpack only | Fastest in city traffic; helmet provided by driver |
| GrabCar (4-seater) | Pairs or small groups with luggage | Air-conditioned; follow-app pickup point |
| GrabCar 7-seater | Groups of 5–7 | Available in major cities |
| JustGrab | Fastest available — car or taxi | Auto-assigns nearest option |
| GrabTaxi | Metered taxi via Grab booking | Connects to licensed taxi companies |
| Rent | Multi-hour or day hire | Flexible itinerary with one driver |
| GrabFood | Food delivery | Available in major cities |
| GrabExpress | Same-day parcel delivery | Within-city courier service |
GrabBike is the default choice for solo commuters: it is significantly cheaper than GrabCar — typically 30–50% less for the same route — and navigates congested city traffic faster during peak hours. The driver provides a helmet, which is legally required in Vietnam. GrabBike is suited only for passengers traveling with a small backpack or minimal hand luggage; it is not available at Tan Son Nhat International Airport for international arrival pickups due to airport regulations.
GrabCar becomes the practical option when traveling with a suitcase, with colleagues, on rainy days, or for longer intercity-adjacent trips. GrabCar 7-seater is useful for group travel to airports or weekend day trips.
The Rent option lets you book a GrabBike by the hour for multi-stop outings. The 1-hour GrabBike rental package is priced at 160,000 VND, with flexible pricing based on location and demand at time of booking.
How Much Does a Grab Ride Cost in Vietnam?
Grab fares in Vietnam are fixed and displayed upfront in the app before you confirm a booking — the price shown is the price you pay, regardless of traffic. GrabBike is the most affordable option, with GrabCar fares higher due to vehicle size and air conditioning.
Grab does not publish a fixed per-kilometer rate in its English documentation, as fares vary by city, time of day, and current demand. The app’s upfront fare display is the definitive reference. The key points to understand:
- GrabBike is consistently 30–50% cheaper than GrabCar for the same origin and destination.
- Fares increase during peak hours (morning and evening commute) and during adverse weather. The app always shows the final figure before booking, so you can cancel and retry if the surge price is higher than expected.
- Airport pickups carry an additional surcharge of 15,000–25,000 VND, calculated automatically and shown before you confirm. No extra charges are added at the end of the ride.
- Tolls and parking fees (where applicable) are shown in the upfront fare and do not appear as surprise additions.
Tipping is not standard practice in Vietnam’s ride-hailing culture. Rounding up to the nearest 5,000–10,000 VND for a cash ride is considered a polite gesture for good service. For a full guide on tipping norms across different services in Vietnam, see Tipping In Vietnam: How Much & For Whom Should You Tip?
What Payment Methods Does Grab Accept in Vietnam?
Grab Vietnam accepts cash, international Visa and Mastercard credit cards linked directly to the app, and the Moca e-wallet for users with a Vietnamese bank account. Cash is the simplest option for new arrivals.
For most foreign teachers:
- Cash is universally accepted for all Grab services and requires no app setup. The payment method selected in the app must match what you hand the driver.
- International credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) can be linked to your Grab account for cashless payment. Foreign cards generally work for ride charges, though some may be declined specifically for GrabPay wallet top-ups rather than for direct ride payments.
- Moca e-wallet (Grab’s integrated payment wallet in Vietnam) requires a Vietnamese ATM card or bank account to top up. This is not a practical option for short-term visitors.
The practical approach for first-week arrivals: pay cash while you are getting settled. Keep small denomination notes (20,000–50,000 VND) accessible to avoid change difficulties. Once you confirm your card processes correctly in the app, cashless payment is more convenient for daily commutes.
Settling into everyday life in Vietnam involves more than just getting rides sorted. Once you have your transport routine down, our guide to 10 Most Famous Coffee Chains in Vietnam you should try once is a useful next read for building your regular city routine.
How Do You Use Grab at Vietnamese Airports?
Grab operates at all major Vietnamese international airports with designated pickup zones separate from standard taxi ranks. At Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), Grab pickup is available outside the arrival gates at Terminal T1 (Domestic) and Terminal T2 (International). At Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), GrabCar pickup is located in the parking lot directly opposite the international arrival hall exit — exit the terminal, cross the road, and look for the open parking lot ahead.
Airport pickups carry a surcharge of 15,000–25,000 VND, shown upfront in the app before you confirm. No additional charges are added at trip end.
Steps for a smooth airport pickup:
- Connect to the airport’s free Wi-Fi immediately after clearing customs if you do not yet have a local SIM.
- Book your ride from inside the terminal. Use GrabChat to confirm your exit point with the driver before walking out.
- Follow the in-app directions to the designated Grab pickup zone — do not attempt to arrange a ride on the kerb immediately outside the arrivals exit.
- At busy terminals, individuals in Grab-branded clothing have been reported approaching arriving passengers. Always book through the app independently and match the license plate yourself before entering any vehicle.
- GrabBike is not available for international arrival pickups at Tan Son Nhat Airport — use GrabCar, JustGrab, or GrabTaxi instead.
At Da Nang International Airport, Grab pickup is available just outside the terminal. The same plate-verification protocol applies at all airports.
What Safety Practices Should You Follow When Using Grab?
Grab’s core safety advantage over unregistered street taxis is full digital accountability: every trip is GPS-tracked, tied to a verified driver identity, and linked to your account history. The following habits reduce the remaining practical risks.
On every ride:
- Verify the driver’s name, vehicle photo, and license plate in the app before entering the vehicle. This is the single most important safety step.
- Use the in-app “Share My Trip” function to send your live location to a contact — particularly for late-night rides.
- Sit in the rear passenger seat for GrabCar rides.
- For GrabBike: always wear the driver-provided helmet. Wearing a helmet on a motorbike is a legal requirement in Vietnam, and GrabBike drivers carry a passenger helmet as standard.
- Do not share personal details beyond what is needed to confirm your pickup point.
- If a driver requests payment above the app-confirmed fare, decline. Airport surcharges and applicable tolls are included in the upfront price.
The app includes a GrabChat messaging function with preset auto-translated phrases for communicating pickup adjustments without needing to speak Vietnamese. An emergency SOS feature is also built into the app, allowing you to contact emergency services directly if needed during a ride.
For teachers moving into a new apartment or stocking up essentials, Grab is also how most expats get to pharmacies and supermarkets during the first week. Our guide to Toiletries In Vietnam And a Guide On Where To Find Them lists the major pharmacy chains and supermarkets with the best product range in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Grab in Vietnam in 2026?
Grab remains the most accessible ride-hailing option for foreigners, but Xanh SM has overtaken it to become the market leader in Vietnam as of Q2 2025, holding 44.68% of the app-based transport market versus Grab’s 36.08%, according to Mordor Intelligence data cited by Tuoi Tre News.
This shift reflects a significant change from 2020, when foreign platforms controlled approximately 99% of Vietnam’s ride-hailing market. Gojek exited Vietnam in September 2024, leaving the three-platform competition of Grab, Xanh SM, and Be.
| App | Coverage | Vehicle Type | Foreign Card | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grab | Major cities + 40+ provinces | Bike, Car, Taxi | Yes (Visa/Mastercard) | Widest coverage; English interface |
| Xanh SM | Major cities (expanding) | Electric bike and car only | Limited as of early 2026 | Largest market share; often cheaper; all-electric |
| Be | 28 cities | Bike, Car | Cash / local card | Lower fares in Hanoi and HCMC; Vietnamese-first interface |
| Mai Linh Taxi | 63 cities | Metered taxi | Cash / app | Bookable by phone at hotline 1055; street-hail available |
| Vinasun Taxi | Major southern cities | Metered taxi | Cash / app | Reliable licensed operator in HCMC |
Xanh SM is operated by Vingroup and runs an exclusively VinFast electric vehicle fleet launched in 2023. By Q4 2024 it had already reached 37.41% market share, surpassing Grab’s 36.62% for the first time. By Q2 2025 it extended that lead to 44.68%. Pricing is competitive with Grab on comparable routes. The practical limitation for foreigners in early 2026 is that its English language support and foreign credit card acceptance are still developing — App Store user reviews confirm that foreign-issued cards are not yet supported in Xanh SM’s payment system, while Grab accepts them. Downloading both apps gives you flexibility: Xanh SM is useful during peak hours when Grab wait times are longer, and its fares are often slightly lower.
Be covers 28 cities with a strong presence in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It is designed primarily for the Vietnamese domestic market with a limited English interface, making it more practical for teachers who have picked up some Vietnamese or are staying long-term. Worth installing as a secondary app for price comparison.
Traditional licensed taxis — Mai Linh and Vinasun are the two nationally recognized brands — remain useful at airports where the app-based pickup zone requires extra walking, and for groups needing a 7-seater. Both can be hailed on the street or booked by phone. Always confirm the meter is running before the trip begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grab in Vietnam
Does Grab work in Vietnam without a local SIM card?
Yes. Grab functions on any active internet connection, including international roaming or airport Wi-Fi. A local Vietnamese SIM with 4G data is strongly recommended for daily use, particularly for real-time GrabChat communication with drivers.
Can foreigners register Grab with a non-Vietnamese phone number?
Yes. International numbers work for account registration and SMS verification. However, Vietnamese drivers cannot call international numbers if there is a pickup issue, so adding clear location notes in the booking helps.
Is GrabBike safe to use regularly?
GrabBike is used daily by both locals and long-term foreign residents across Vietnam. Always wear the provided helmet, confirm the driver’s identity in the app, and hold the rear handgrail. It is not suitable for travel with suitcases or large bags.
Does Grab have surge pricing in Vietnam?
Yes. Fares increase during peak hours and high-demand periods such as rain or public holidays. The app always shows the final fare before you confirm the booking. If the fare appears higher than usual, you can cancel before booking and try again after a few minutes.
Can I book Grab in advance for an airport pickup?
Yes. Grab allows advance bookings. Set your pickup time, select terminal and exit point, and the app will match you with a driver closer to your scheduled time.
Is Uber available in Vietnam?
No. Uber exited Southeast Asia in 2018, selling its regional operations to Grab. Grab, Xanh SM, and Be are the current major ride-hailing platforms operating in Vietnam.
What should I do if a driver demands more than the fare shown in the app?
Decline. The upfront fare in the app is the final price. Airport surcharges and applicable tolls are calculated into that figure automatically. After the trip, report the incident using the in-app help function.
Keep Exploring Daily Life in Vietnam
Understanding how to get around is the first step. From managing money and staying connected to navigating supermarkets and finding your neighborhood essentials — the DAILY LIVING ESSENTIALS category covers the practical details of expat life in Vietnam that no orientation briefing addresses.
