If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering how to get around, here’s something important to know: there’s no Uber in Vietnam. But don’t worry – Grab is the local alternative, and it’s great and easy to use. From booking transport to ordering food, Grab made our trip smoother, cheaper, and more flexible.
Why we loved using Grab in Vietnam
We used Grab a few times during our two weeks in Vietnam, and it was a game changer. It saved us time, money, and energy, especially when we were tired or running late. The app is reliable, rides are affordable, and we always felt safe using it. Whether you’re catching a lift across the city or grabbing dinner from your hotel room, it’s an incredibly convenient tool to have on your phone.
How to set up Grab before your trip
You don’t need to be in Vietnam to get started. I set up my Grab account before leaving Australia, and I recommend you do the same. Here’s what I did:
- Downloaded the app (available on iOS and Android)
- Created an account using my Australian mobile number – it used WhatsApp for confirmation
- Linked my Wise account for payments – this was ideal to avoid international transaction fees. Wise even lets you create a wallet in Vietnamese Dong (VND), so you can transfer money when the exchange rate is good and pay like a local.
Once that was done, I was ready to go.
Have you thought about travel insurance?
We never go overseas without it, especially to cover medical expenses. In Vietnam, motorbike travel is common (for example, for the Ha Giang Loop or on city tours in Ho Chi Minh City), so we made sure our policy covered that. It’s something worth checking, as it’s not always included. Some providers, like Cover-More*, offer options to easily include motorbike coverage if that’s relevant to your trip.
Using Grab in Vietnam
Once we landed in Vietnam, using Grab was just as straightforward as using Uber. You simply:
- Open the app
- Enter your destination
- Wait for the app to match you with a nearby driver
- Check the car (or scooter) details and number plate
It uses your GPS for pickup, and if a driver messages you, their texts are automatically translated in the app – super handy!
You can choose between a car or a scooter, depending on your comfort level and luggage. Scooters are faster in traffic and cheaper, but we mostly used cars as we were travelling as a couple and it felt safer too.
Real-life examples from our trip
- In Hanoi, we had planned to walk to our food tour meeting point, but we were running late – Grab helped us get there on time.
- In Ninh Binh, we quickly changed our plans to spend the evening in Hoa Lu instead of Tam Coc, and thanks to Grab it was a smooth switch. It ended up being one of the highlights of our Vietnam trip.
- In Hoi An, we used it to return to our hotel after exploring the Ancient Town. We were tired, and the 1.5 km walk wasn’t appealing anymore!
- We also used it in Hoi An to visit the nearby Thanh Ha Pottery Village, which made planning the trip at the last minute really quick and easy.
- After a late arrival in Hoi An, we used GrabFood to order dinner to our hotel room – it was fast, cheap, and easy.
- In Ho Chi Minh City, we used Grab to explore different districts and get to dinner locations without having to negotiate with taxis.
Why not use taxis?
We were advised to avoid regular taxis in Vietnam due to scams: overcharging, fake meters, or drivers taking longer routes. Grab avoids all of that: you agree on the fare upfront, the route is mapped out in the app, and there’s no cash involved if you link a payment method.
Extra tips for using Grab in Vietnam
- Cash or card? You can pay by card through the app or choose cash if you prefer (but I liked the simplicity of digital payments).
- Wi-Fi/data: You’ll need mobile data to use Grab. Either get an eSIM before your trip or buy a local SIM card when you arrive – they’re cheap and easy to set up. I personally prefer eSIMs (check your phone compatibility here) and we’ve used Airalo a few times now, which we found very convenient and have always been satisfied with their service.
- Language: Don’t worry if your driver doesn’t speak English. The app handles most communication, and auto-translation helps with messages.
- Airport pickups: While it’s easy to use Grab from the airport, some airports have designated pick-up zones.
- Traffic: Vietnamese traffic can be intense, especially in cities like Ho Chi Minh. Allow extra time during peak hours, and consider scooters for short rides if you’re comfortable.
Did you know there was no Uber in Vietnam? Have you used Grab instead? Share your experience in the comments below!
