Is Grab or taxi cheaper in Vietnam?

How much is a GrabTaxi in Vietnam?

So, a GrabTaxi, or rather, GrabCar, in Vietnam? Think of it as less a taxi and more like a slightly caffeinated dragon, prices shifting with the wind!

• Minimum fare is 25.000đ (like a polite entry fee). Gotta pay something, right? Two kilometers. After that… hold on tight.

• 9.000đ per km after the initial two. Each kilometer adds up, imagine each kilometer is another grain of sand in your hourglass of money.

• 300đ per minute. Oh, those sweet, sweet seconds crawling by. Time is money, honey! Though 300đ? My morning coffee costs more than that!

Dynamic pricing? Oh boy. So, if it’s raining, or rush hour, or there’s a sudden national craving for banh mi, expect prices to inflate. Supply and demand!

And FYI: No live animals. Unless you count yourself after a particularly spicy pho. Transport dept said so.

Don’t even THINK about hauling cargo. Unless you fancy getting a hefty fine, use another service.

PS: I swear I once saw a guy trying to sneak a chicken onto a Grab, but that’s a story for another time, and I swear it wasn’t me.

Are taxis in Vietnam cheap?

Vietnam taxis? Cheap? Depends.

Expect 11,000-20,000 VND per kilometer (2024 rates). That’s roughly $0.47-$0.85 USD. Longer trips? Sometimes cheaper per km.

• Negotiate. It’s the game.
• Metered fares are your friend. Mostly.
• My last ride, Grab app, cost me a fortune. Seriously.
• Avoid scams, my friend. It’s a jungle.

Beware surge pricing. Peak hours? Expect higher costs. Always check the meter, always. Got ripped off last month.

App-based services like Grab are common, often cheaper. Be aware: they’re not all created equal.

How expensive are cabs in Vietnam?

15,000 VND. Per kilometer. Wait. That’s like, what, sixty-four cents? Cheap. So cheap. Remember that trip to Phu Quoc last year? Crazy how much cheaper it was than getting around back home in Chicago. Especially from O’Hare. Ugh, O’Hare. Last time, surge pricing. $80. Highway robbery. Should’ve taken the train. Blue line’s a drag though. Taxi in Vietnam…better. Way better. Long distances even cheaper. Good to know. Need to remember that for the next trip. Ha Long Bay maybe? Or Nha Trang. Beaches. Beaches are good. Phu Quoc was relaxing. Except for the motorbike incident. Ouch. Still, cheaper than a cab from O’Hare. Definitely. Gotta book that trip soon. Before prices go up. Everything goes up. Except maybe taxi fares in Vietnam. 15,000 VND. Gotta remember that.

• 15,000 VND per km (approx. $0.64 USD)
• Discounts for longer trips. Less per km.
• Cheaper than Chicago cabs. Way cheaper.
• Phu Quoc trip 2024. Cheap transport.
• O’Hare expensive. $80! Never again.
• Ha Long Bay? Nha Trang? Future trips.
• Motorbike incident. Phu Quoc. Still worth it.

How to order taxis in Vietnam?

Okay, taxis in Vietnam… right. How did I even get here?

Street hailing is #1. Just wave. Like I do for ice cream trucks.

Phone calls… kinda old school. But, Mai Linh: 028 38 38 38 38. And Vinasun: 028 38 27 27 27. Numbers. I hate numbers.

Apps! Yeah, that’s me. GrabTaxi (028 73 08 73 08). Uber too… wait, is Uber still a thing there? I only ever use Grab now. Vinasun has an app too? Huh.

• Street hail: Wave it down.
• Call: Mai Linh, Vinasun. Dial those numbers.
• Apps: Grab (main one, really), Uber (maybe?), Vinasun’s app too.

Do they even speak English? Better brush up on my Vietnamese taxi phrases. Maybe I should download that translation app before I land. Stress! Where’s my passport…

Expand:

Street hailing:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Some drivers might try to overcharge.
• Negotiate the fare beforehand, especially if the meter is broken (shocking, I know).
• Have small bills. They may not have change for larger notes.

Phone calls:

• Knowing basic Vietnamese helps. It’s not always guaranteed they’ll understand English.
• Confirm the price when booking over the phone.
• Have your address ready to avoid confusion.

Apps (Grab, Uber):

• Link your credit card or use cash.
• Check the driver rating before confirming.
• Share your ride status with someone for safety.

I remember a time, back in 2016, I almost got ripped off by some random dude in Hanoi. I thought he was a taxi driver. Never again! Now I only use Grab. Seriously! I need to check the date on my passport…

How much is a taxi from Saigon Airport to District 1?

The taxi fare from Saigon’s Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1 typically ranges from 150,000 to 250,000 VND. Traffic conditions are definitely a factor—allow 30-45 minutes, give or take.

A surging meter? Possibly. Sometimes you just wonder about these things. Like, are we really in control of our commute, or are we simply along for the ride?

Reputable companies like Vinasun or Mai Linh generally offer consistent rates. Hailing a ride-sharing service might present you a cost effective alternative, and, hey, everyone loves options.

Plus, location of your District 1 destination matters of course. A hop to Ben Thanh Market should be cheaper than skirting up to the northern reaches near, say, the zoo.

Factors that influence the price:

• Time of day: Rush hour? Expect to pay a premium, naturally.
• Taxi company: Some companies are pricier.
• Traffic: This is Vietnam, after all.

If the meter seemed suspicious? Jot down the taxi number and company. Report it to the transportation authority, if you feel strongly. Or, just chalk it up to the Saigon experience and learn from it. I, for example, always negotiate beforehand now, lol.

Alternative: A bus! Super cheap! But maybe not with luggage. Hmm, tradeoffs.

What is the cheapest transportation in Vietnam?

Cheapest Vietnam travel? Buses, duh. Think of them as Vietnam’s charming, slightly-smelly, surprisingly comfy version of a magic carpet ride. Not exactly a red-carpet affair, mind you, but you’ll get there. And cheaply.

Sleeper buses are the VIP experience. Okay, maybe not VIP, more like “surprisingly spacious economy.” They’re like cozy coffins, but with better ventilation. Seriously though:

• Air conditioning: Essential, unless you enjoy a sauna with strangers.
• Reclining beds: Prepare for a possibly uncomfortable, but ultimately successful, attempt at sleep.

Forget pricey trains, my friend. Unless you’re feeling particularly extravagant or enjoy the thrill of potential delays. Buses win hands-down in the affordability race. I took one last year from Hoi An to Nha Trang. My back ached a bit, but my wallet was very happy. My friend, Sarah, swears by the overnight ones; she finds them weirdly relaxing, even. Go figure. She’s eccentric.

Think of it as a budget backpacking adventure. You’ll meet interesting people, the scenery is spectacular (when you’re awake!), and the price is right. It’s like a bizarre, delightful cross between a cattle car and a mobile slumber party. You’ll arrive tired but triumphant. And broke, in the best possible way. Just pack earplugs. Seriously.