What taxi app do they use in Vietnam?

Best taxi app in Vietnam? Grab, Xanh SM, and Be

Selecting a reliable taxi app in Vietnam simplifies local travel and prevents navigation struggles. Understanding active services protects travelers from outdated digital recommendations and booking failures. Proper preparation ensures efficient transportation between destinations while avoiding unreliable platforms. Check the current leading providers to guarantee a seamless journey across major cities.

What is the best taxi app to use in Vietnam right now?

Navigating Vietnams bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi can be an overwhelming experience for first-time visitors, but having the right taxi app makes it significantly easier. The answer depends on your specific needs - whether you want the largest network, an eco-friendly ride, or the lowest possible price.

Grab remains the dominant player across the country, but the landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years with the rise of Xanh SM and Be. Ill explain the specific differences between these three giants below, including a critical airport pickup rule that most travelers miss until they are standing frustrated at the curb.

Grab: The Essential Super-App for Travelers

If you only download one app for your trip, it should be Grab. Since acquiring Ubers Southeast Asian operations years ago, Grab has built a massive infrastructure that covers almost every major city and tourist destination in Vietnam. ^[1] It currently maintains a market share of approximately 35-45% in the ride-hailing sector, making it the most reliable choice for finding a driver quickly during rainstorms or rush hour.

I remember my first time in Ho Chi Minh City, standing on a street corner with my phone out, feeling the thick, humid air and hearing the roar of a thousand motorbikes. I was terrified of being overcharged by a street taxi. Opening Grab felt like a lifeline. The app works exactly like Uber or Lyft - you input your destination, see the fixed price upfront, and can link your credit card to avoid fumbling with cash.

The service is not just for cars. GrabBike is a fantastic way to zip through traffic for about a third of the price of a car. Just be ready for the sensory overload of weaving through traffic on the back of a scooter. It is an experience you wont forget - for better or worse.

Xanh SM: The Premium Electric Alternative

Xanh SM is the newest major player, launched by Vingroup, and it has quickly become a favorite for those who value cleanliness and professionalism. Unlike Grab, which uses private drivers personal vehicles, Xanh SM owns its entire fleet of VinFast electric cars. This means the cars are unified in their bright cyan color, the air conditioning is always cold, and they dont have that lingering petrol or tobacco smell common in older traditional taxis.

Since its launch,^[2] Xanh SM has deployed over 100,000 electric vehicles across Vietnam. Many users have switched because the drivers are trained employees who tend to be more polite and less likely to cancel rides than gig-economy drivers. However, because the fleet is smaller than Grabs, wait times can occasionally be longer in peripheral areas of the city.

Wait for it. The real draw for many is the pricing stability. While Grab uses aggressive dynamic pricing that can triple the fare during a heavy downpour, Xanh SM fares tend to stay more consistent. It is the perfect middle ground between a standard ride and a luxury service.

Be: The Local Challenger You Should Not Ignore

Be Group is the primary local competitor to Grab, and while it might not have the same global name recognition, it is a robust and reliable alternative to Grab. Be currently holds around 5-9% of the market share and is often preferred by locals for its frequent promotions and loyalty points. If Grab is showing a high demand price hike, checking Be can often save you 20-30% on the same route. ^[3]

The interface is very similar to Grab, offering both cars and bikes. One thing to keep in mind: Gojek, which was a major player for years, officially exited the Vietnamese market in September 2024.^[4] If you see old travel blogs recommending Gojek, ignore them. Stick to Grab, Xanh SM, or Be to ensure you actually get a ride.

Navigating the Airport Pickup Maze

Here is that critical insight I mentioned earlier: you cannot just walk out of the airport terminal and expect a Grab to pick you up at the curb. At Tan Son Nhat (HCMC) and Noi Bai (Hanoi), ride-hailing apps are restricted to specific zones to prevent traffic congestion. These rules changed recently in early 2026 to push app-based pickups further away from the main arrival doors.

At Tan Son Nhat, you usually have to walk past the traditional taxi queues and take an elevator to the 3rd or 4th floor of the parking garage (Lane D1 or D2). My first time trying this, I was dragging a 20kg suitcase through the heat, confused by the signage, and almost gave up to take a random street cab. Dont do that. Follow the blue Ride-hailing signs or ask an airport staff member for the Grab pickup location specifically.

Rarely have I seen travelers get this right on their first try. The walk takes about 5-7 minutes, and it is hot. Be prepared for the sweat. But once you are in that air-conditioned Xanh SM car, it is worth the effort to avoid the airport surcharge scams sometimes found with unofficial taxis.

Grab vs. Xanh SM vs. Be: Which should you choose?

Grab (Recommended for Speed)

• Supports international credit cards, GrabPay, and cash seamlessly.

• Shortest wait times (usually 2-4 minutes) due to the largest driver network in Vietnam.

• Variable; you might get a brand new car or a 10-year-old sedan with a tired engine.

Xanh SM (Recommended for Comfort)

• Accepts international cards through the app and cash.

• Moderate (5-8 minutes); fleet is growing but still smaller than Grab's.

• Excellent; 100% electric fleet (VinFast) with consistent air conditioning and no smells.

Be

• Supports major cards and local e-wallets like Momo.

• Variable; reliable in central districts but slower in suburban areas.

• Good; mostly local private vehicles similar to Grab's network.

Sarah's Airport Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

Sarah, a 28-year-old solo traveler, landed at Tan Son Nhat airport at 2 PM. She had read that Grab was easy but didn't realize the airport had designated pickup lanes inside the parking garage.

She stood at the arrival curb for 15 minutes, fruitlessly trying to find her driver while traditional taxi touts surrounded her. The app showed the driver was 'nearby,' but they couldn't find each other.

A friendly security guard pointed her toward the parking garage elevators. She realized the 'Lane D1' noted in her app was on the third floor of the concrete building across the street.

After a sweaty 10-minute walk and elevator ride, she found her driver. The 30-minute ride to District 1 cost 115,000 VND (about $4.50 USD), avoiding the 300,000 VND 'flat rate' offered by street touts.

Minh's Commute During Hanoi's Rush Hour

Minh, a local software engineer in Hanoi, usually uses GrabBike for his 8 AM commute. One rainy Tuesday, Grab's price surged to 95,000 VND for a short 4km car ride.

Frustrated by the 15-minute wait time, he opened the Be app. The price there was only 72,000 VND because they were running a morning promotion.

He switched to Be and found a driver in 4 minutes. By checking both apps, he saved about 24% on his morning commute, which he does regularly during the rainy season.

Minh now keeps a 'Transport' folder on his phone with Grab, Be, and Xanh SM, switching between them depending on which has the shortest wait time during peak hours.