What are the Vietnamese taxi companies?

Vietnamese taxi companies: Verified provider details

Finding reliable Vietnamese taxi companies ensures highly safe travel and prevents unnecessary delays during your trip. Understanding local transportation options proactively helps visitors avoid unregistered vehicles while navigating unfamiliar cities securely. Explore the comprehensive travel guide below to discover essential transportation recommendations for your journey.

Understanding Your Options in Vietnam

Vietnams taxi scene splits into two main categories: traditional metered taxis you can hail on the street, and ride-hailing apps that let you book a car or motorbike with a few taps. The good news is that both are widely available and usually reliable—if you know which brands to trust. Most travelers end up using a mix: apps for short trips inside cities, and safe taxis in Vietnam airport for arrivals.

The three names youll hear constantly are Mai Linh (green cars, nationwide), Vinasun (white cars with red/green stripes, strongest in Ho Chi Minh City), and Xanh SM (the new electric taxi fleet from VinFast that’s turning heads). When looking for Vietnam ride hailing apps for tourists, Grab dominates, but Be, Gojek, and inDrive give you alternatives with different pricing models.

Traditional Taxis: The Trusted Icons

Mai Linh: The Green Fleet You’ll See Everywhere

Mai Linh is the oldest and largest taxi company in Vietnam. Their bright green cars are unmistakable, and they operate in almost every city and province, making them a safe bet even in smaller towns. Meters are always used, and drivers are trained to follow GPS directions—though English proficiency varies. Fares start around 15,000 VND (less than a dollar) for the first kilometer, then tick up by about 12,000–16,000 VND per kilometer depending on the car size. ^[1]

Vinasun: Ho Chi Minh City’s Reliable Workhorse

If you’re in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vinasun is the default choice for locals and expats alike. Their white cars with red and green stripes are everywhere—from District 1 to the airport. Vinasun uses a strict meter system, and the company has a reputation for rejecting drivers caught cheating. When comparing Vinasun vs Mai Linh, pricing is almost identical. One caveat: they’re far less common in Hanoi, so stick to Mai Linh or G7 in the north.

G7 and Taxi Group: The Hanoi Specialists

Hanoi has its own favorites. G7 Taxi, recognizable by their white cars with blue and red stripes, is widely praised for clean vehicles and professional drivers. Taxi Group (also called Taxi Group) is another highly rated local brand. Both operate on meters and are safe bets for navigating Hanoi’s narrow streets and unpredictable traffic, making them some of the most reputable taxis in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Xanh SM: The Electric Taxi Revolution

In 2023, a new player shook up the market: Xanh SM, operated by Green and Smart Mobility (GSM) and using only VinFast electric vehicles. The cars are comfortable, silent, and air-conditioned, and they’ve quickly become a favorite among travelers who care about sustainability—or just want a fresh, modern ride. The Xanh SM electric taxi price is generally a bit higher than traditional taxis (roughly 15–20% more per kilometer), but many users say the premium is worth it for the quality and peace of mind. You can book them via their own app or find them on the street.

A common question: can I trust the meter? Xanh SM cars use electronic meters that are transparent, and the app gives you an estimated fare upfront. Their fleet has grown to thousands of vehicles in major cities, and they’re now a top choice among Vietnamese taxi companies and ride-hailing apps.

Ride‑Hailing Apps: Grab, Be, Gojek, and inDrive

Grab: The King of Convenience

Grab is Southeast Asia’s super app, and in Vietnam it’s the undisputed leader. You can book a car (GrabCar), motorbike (GrabBike), or even a delivery. The big win: upfront fixed pricing. You see the total before you confirm, so no surprises. English support is built into the app, and you can pay by cash, card, or e‑wallet like Momo. The downside? During peak hours, surge pricing can double or triple the cost.

Be: The Local Alternative

Be is a Vietnamese app that launched to compete directly with Grab. Its pricing is often slightly cheaper, and many locals appreciate supporting a homegrown brand. The interface is available in English, and coverage is good in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and a few other large cities. For short trips where Grab’s surge is high, Be can be a lifesaver.

Gojek and inDrive: Niche but Useful

Gojek (operating as GoViet in the past) is still around in some cities, focusing on motorbike rides and deliveries. Its market share has shrunk, but it’s worth checking if you want another pricing option. inDrive takes a different approach: you suggest a fare, and drivers can accept or counter‑offer. It can be a good way to get a deal, but you’ll need to be comfortable with the negotiation dynamic.

How They Compare: Which One Should You Choose?

Below is a quick comparison to help you decide based on your situation. I’ll walk you through the key factors—price transparency, comfort, and ease of use.

Traditional Taxi vs. Xanh SM vs. Ride‑Hailing App

Each option has its strengths. Traditional taxis are easiest to flag on the street; Xanh SM offers premium comfort with electric vehicles; ride‑hailing apps give you fixed prices and cashless convenience.

Traditional Taxi (Mai Linh / Vinasun)

- Cash only (some accept cards, but not guaranteed). Drivers prefer cash.

- Metered, predictable (~20,000 VND start + 12,000–15,000 VND/km). No surge pricing, but traffic jams can add cost.

- Flag on the street, call a hotline, or use their official app (though apps are less common).

- Airport arrivals, longer trips, or when you need a car immediately without waiting.

Xanh SM (Electric Taxi)

- Cash, card, or e‑wallets accepted. App handles payment seamlessly.

- Slightly higher than traditional taxis (roughly 15–20% more), but no surge. App gives upfront estimate.

- Official app, street hail, or via partner platforms like Be.

- Eco‑conscious travelers, those who want a modern, quiet ride, and airport transfers with guaranteed quality.

Ride‑Hailing Apps (Grab / Be / Gojek)

- Cash, card, or e‑wallets. Cashless payments are common and convenient.

- Fixed price shown before booking. Surge pricing can apply. Generally cheaper than taxis during off‑peak.

- Smartphone app only. Need data/Wi‑Fi. Widest coverage in cities.

- Short trips, motorbike rides, and when you want a fixed fare and no language barrier.

Emma’s First 24 Hours in Ho Chi Minh City

Emma, a 28‑year‑old tourist from Australia, landed at Tan Son Nhat Airport at 10 PM. She’d read about fake taxis and decided to use the official Vinasun queue outside arrivals. The driver turned on the meter without being asked, and the 30‑minute ride to District 1 cost 145,000 VND (about $6).

The next morning, she wanted to visit the War Remnants Museum. Grab quoted 55,000 VND, but she saw a Vinasun taxi on the street and hailed it, hoping for a similar price. The meter ran up to 68,000 VND because of traffic, and the driver didn’t speak English. Emma felt a bit frustrated—she realized apps give you the certainty of a fixed price.

For dinner in District 4, she opened the Be app and found a promo code that made the ride 40,000 VND—cheaper than both Grab and a traditional taxi. The driver arrived in 4 minutes, and she paid through the app with her international card. By day three, Emma had settled into a routine: apps for short, planned trips; Vinasun from the taxi stand when her phone battery was low.