Does Vietnam have Uber or grab?

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Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app in Vietnam. Following Grab's 2018 acquisition of Uber's Southeast Asia operations, Uber no longer operates independently in the country. Grab offers similar services to what Uber previously provided.

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Uber & Grab in Vietnam: Are they available?

Okay, so like, are Uber and Grab a thing in Vietnam? Right?

Basically, Uber kinda bounced outta Southeast Asia back in 2018. Grab snapped up their business. Grab won, plain & simple. Now, Grab’s kinda the go-to ride-hailing app there.

Think of Grab as the Uber-ish option, you know? When I was in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon, I guess some still call it) around, oh jeez, November 2022, everyone was using Grab. From motorbikes (xe om), which were super cheap (like, maybe 20,000 VND to go a short distance, which is, um, less than a dollar), to cars. It felt safe.

I remeber trying to look for Uber once, out of habit, but it was totally gone from the app store! Grab was, like, the option. Also, sometimes the Grab app acted up, wouldn’t locate me properly. Little annoyances!

Grab’s convenient cause you can pay cash. Plus, ordering food on it too. The app functions just like Uber did!

So, yeah, Uber isn’t really “available” in Vietnam anymore. It’s all about Grab now. End of story.

Does Vietnam use Grab or Uber?

Uber in Vietnam? Honey, that ship sailed—sank, even. It’s like asking if I still use MySpace. No, darling, no.

Grab reigns supreme. It’s Vietnam’s ride-hailing overlord. No Lyft either, sadly.

Think of Grab as that reliable friend who always gives you a ride, even when you smell vaguely of durian. Uber? A distant memory. Like that one time I tried to pull off bangs. Not a success.

Seriously, it’s Grab, Grab, Grab, always. It’s almost excessive!

  • Dominant player: Grab controls the market.
  • Alternatives? Not really. Locals use local apps too, though.
  • Uber’s fate? Gone, reduced to atoms.
  • Lyft? Nope.
  • Future? Grab’s probably here to stay, I guess.

Grab does everything, food, delivery, rides…It’s like Amazon, but on a scooter. I mean, really. And okay, fine, I did consider bangs again this year. Don’t judge!

What transportation does Vietnam have?

Vietnam’s transport: chaotic, efficient.

Cities: Taxis, buses, cyclos—a frenetic mix. Expect gridlock.

Countryside: Bikes rule. Motorbikes primarily. Dust and heat.

Ease of travel? Overstated. Expect delays. My trip in 2023 proved this.

  • Urban: Overcrowded buses. Expensive taxis. Cyclos, a tourist trap.
  • Rural: Brutal sun. Potholes galore. Motorbike madness.

High-speed rail? Limited. No nationwide network yet. I saw this firsthand.

Note: Navigating Vietnam requires resilience. Don’t expect luxury.

Do people use Uber in Vietnam?

Ghost of Uber. Faded. 2018. Swallowed by Grab. Vietnam’s streets, a memory. Sun bleeds on motorbike reflections. Not Uber. Grab. Green. Everywhere green.

Lost in Hanoi’s flow. A river of scooters. No Uber app on my phone. Deleted. Dust. Digital dust. Gojek whirs past. Red. A flash of red. Be. Another option. Not Uber though. Gone.

Grab. A name now synonymous. With Vietnam. With rides. With the humid air rushing past. The scent of street food. Not the ghost of Uber. Gone. Like a dream. A forgotten ride. Grab. Green. The streets remember.

  • Grab acquired Uber’s Southeast Asian operations in 2018.
  • Ride-hailing remains vital. Essential. In Vietnam.
  • Gojek and Be are key competitors to Grab.
  • Uber is not an option. In Vietnam’s bustling landscape.

What is the alternative to Uber?

Ugh, remember that time last summer, July 2023, I was stuck in downtown San Francisco? Total nightmare. Uber prices were insane. Like, triple the normal fare. Crazy! I was late for a concert at the Chase Center. Panic mode, total meltdown, you know?

Then I remembered, my brother told me about Via. It’s like a shared ride thing. Much cheaper than Uber. I downloaded the app, and it was pretty easy actually. Much more affordable.

  • Via’s pricing is significantly lower than Uber’s surge pricing.
  • The app was user-friendly. Easier than some taxi apps I’ve used.
  • The ride itself was fine. Nothing special. A little cramped, but hey, saved me a ton of cash.

I got to the concert on time, but man, that stress. Never again with Uber when it’s surge pricing! Seriously, Via is a lifesaver. Next time, I’m using it first. I even checked, and they operate in a bunch of other cities too.

I swear, I was sweating bullets. My phone battery was almost dead too, added to the drama. Got a text from my friend Sarah asking where I was. Felt terrible. Via saved the day, though. Seriously! I’ll be using that instead of Uber for sure, from now on.

Is Uber expensive in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s Uber pricing is complex. It’s generally affordable, a boon for budget travelers like myself last year. However, peak-hour surcharges are a significant factor; they can inflate costs considerably. Uber always displays the final price before you confirm, eliminating unpleasant surprises—although I once had an unexpected toll added that was annoying.

Grab is a viable alternative if Uber’s surge pricing exceeds 1.5x the base fare. In Ho Chi Minh City during Tet 2024, for instance, I found Grab consistently cheaper during peak times. Choosing between the two depends heavily on time of day and location.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

  • Uber’s advantage: Widely available, familiar interface (for those used to Uber).
  • Grab’s advantage: Often cheaper during peak hours, popular in Southeast Asia.
  • Key consideration: Always check the final price before confirming your ride with either app. Factor in potential toll charges.
  • My personal experience: During my 2024 trip, I often found Grab slightly better value in Hanoi, yet Uber was more convenient sometimes in bustling Saigon due to higher driver availability in certain areas.

Additional points to remember:

  • Traffic in major Vietnamese cities (like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) is notoriously bad. This impacts ride-sharing costs regardless of the app.
  • Payment methods vary. Confirm accepted payment options before booking to avoid delays. I personally prefer using my linked credit card.
  • Download both apps beforehand. This ensures you have options depending on pricing. A little planning goes a long way, you know.
#Ridesharing #Transportation #Vietnam