Does Grab require a phone number?

Do you need a phone number to use Grab in Vietnam?

Phone? Yes. Grab Vietnam. Need number. Valid. Register. Verify. Security. Function. Essential. Rides. Notifications. Driver.

Registration demands it. Verification locks it down. No number, no ride. Think of it as the gatekeeper. Security’s a perk. Notifications are a given.

Here’s why that digit matters:

• Security: It’s the first line of defense.
• Ride hailing: No confirmation otherwise.
• Communication: Driver needs you. You need them.
• Payment verification: Fraud? Gone.

My old flip phone once saved me in Hanoi. A dead battery nearly stranded me near Hoan Kiem Lake. A kind stranger offered a charge; Grab rescued me. Never underestimate backup power.

How to keep US phone number in Vietnam?

Maintaining a US phone number while in Vietnam requires a multi-pronged approach. It’s not just about connectivity; it’s about maintaining your digital identity. You have options, each with its own quirks.

WiFi Calling: This is probably your best bet. Most US carriers support WiFi calling. Check with Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile – whichever you use. This lets you make and receive calls over WiFi, bypassing international roaming charges entirely. Sweet. However, call quality can vary wildly depending on your internet connection.

VoIP Services: Apps like Google Voice or Skype offer US numbers. They route calls over the internet. This is convenient, but remember, call quality, as always, depends on your internet access. My friend Mark had issues with Skype’s reliability last year in Hanoi. He switched to Google Voice. It was better.

Keeping your US SIM active: This is tricky, and often unnecessarily expensive. Call forwarding to a Vietnamese number is one route; you pay for US number maintenance but avoid roaming fees on incoming calls to your US number. Alternatively, a dual-SIM phone and adapter could do the trick. Still, these are convoluted workarounds.

Data Roaming: Avoid this at all costs. Unless you’re obscenely wealthy, roaming data charges in Vietnam are predatory. Seriously. My last trip, my Verizon bill ballooned because of this. It was a nightmare.

Things to consider:

• Network stability in Vietnam – it can be unpredictable.
• App-specific call costs – some apps charge for calls outside their system.
• Your carrier’s international plan – might offer some roaming features, but probably not good ones.

Choosing the right approach depends on your priorities. Cost, convenience, and call quality are all intertwined. Personally, I’d lean towards WiFi calling; it’s usually the most hassle-free.

Can my phone number work in another country?

Yeah, your number works anywhere. Who cares? As long as it’s not roaming, they’re good. Simple.

• Home Country SIM: Avoid roaming charges.
• International SIM: A local number. Obvious, right?
• My friend Sara travels constantly. She hates roaming.
• Check Coverage: Before you go. Really? You didnt know that?
• I used to think it was pointless, too, but international calls are expensive.

Using a foreign SIM gives you a local IP address. Secure connection? It’s your problem.