"A motorbike driver and a female passenger wearing green helmets smile at the camera. The woman gives a thumbs-up while sitting on the back of the bike. A large text overlay reads, 'No Uber in Vietnam? No Problem! Here’s What to Use,' set against a light blue background

No Uber in Vietnam? No Problem! Here’s What to Use Instead

ByKatie McGrain

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If you’re wondering whether Uber is available in Vietnam…the answer is no! However, don’t worry about getting around – there are plenty of options. If you’re concerned about how to get around in Vietnam without Uber, rest assured, you won’t be left hailing taxis by the roadside (or as my sister thought..relying on Flintstones style tuk tuks LOL). 

Instead, two popular ride-sharing apps have become the go-to choices for easy travel across Vietnamese cities: Grab and Xanh SM.These apps provide reliable and affordable transportation options across major cities, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

And, I will say it loud and proud, these apps are better than Uber.

In this post, we’ll explore these alternatives, making sure you know exactly how to get around Vietnam easily. 

Everything You Need to Know About Using Grab in Vietnam

"Grab logo with bold white text on a green background, featuring stylized, rounded letters.
"Mobile screen displaying the Grab app interface on a green background. The app shows a search bar at the top, icons for services like Food, Mart, Car, Express, and Shop, along with a balance of RM 500.80 and available points of 3,800.


Grab is the leading ride-sharing app in Vietnam, offering a comprehensive and budget-friendly alternative to traditional taxi services. It provides a range of options that go beyond just transportation, including motorbike rides, food delivery, and package drop off. It is the number one app I recommend downloading before coming to Vietnam (check out more apps here).

Unlike Uber, Grab in Vietnam is not only everywhere, but also significantly cheaper.

Downloading the App


To get started with Grab, download the app from  the App Store, Google Play, or AppGallery. Look for the app with a million of downloads—that’s the one. I recommend downloading and setting up your payment method before you arrive in Vietnam. You’ll also need a local SIM card or an eSIM to make you can use the app anywhere in the country.

Using Grab Services


Grab’s interface is user-friendly, allowing you to enter your destination, select your pickup location on a map, and choose your preferred mode of transport—be it a car or a motorbike. The app provides details such as the estimated distance of the driver, and the expected time of arrival, with real-time tracking as your ride approaches.

Two people riding a motorbike on a busy street. The driver is wearing a green Grab jacket and helmet, while the passenger behind them is dressed in black with a white and yellow helmet. Both are carrying large backpacks, and the motorbike is loaded with additional bags, including a box of "Biscafun" cookies strapped to the back. The scene is set in an urban environment with other vehicles and buildings in the background.

Types of Grab Services:

  • GrabCar Options:
    • GrabCar Plus: A modern, spacious car that fits up to four passengers.
    • GrabCar Standard: A normal car that also accommodates up to four people.
    • GrabCar Standard 7: A larger vehicle that can seat up to seven people.
    • GrabCar Taxi: Operates with a meter (it will give you a price range instead of a set price)
    • GrabCar Saver (Tiết Kiệm): A budget option that may involve a longer wait and a smaller car.
  • Grab Bike Options:
    • Grab Bike Standard: A standard comfortable-ish bike.
    • Grab Bike Economy: A smaller bike or one that may involve a longer wait time and is usually a bit cheaper.

Price Comparisons:


To give you an idea of the affordability, here are some current prices for a short trip from my place to CrossFit Tay Ho, a 2.6km journey:

  • Grab Car: 37,000 VND (~$1.51 USD)
  • Grab Car 7: 45,000 VND (~$1.84 USD)
  • Grab Car Saver: 33,000 VND (~$1.35 USD)
  • Grab Car Plus: 37,000 VND (~$1.51 USD)
  • Grab Taxi: Ranges between 38,000 VND (~$1.55 USD) to 42,000 VND (~$1.71 USD)
  • Grab Bike: 19,000 VND (~$0.78 USD)
  • Grab Bike Saver: 17,000 VND (~$0.69 USD)

(Yes, those are the real costs in February 2025. Coming from a western city, you will likely be pleasantly surprised at the costs of ride sharing apps. When I go home to Charleston, SC and see that an uber from the airport to my parents house is 10 miles and $85…I lose my shit! LOL)

With Grab, you can also make advance bookings, rent a vehicle by the hour, choose a large 7-seater for group travel, and even arrange specific airport drop-offs. 

My Recommendations for Using Grab in Vietnam

While Grab offers a variety of transport options, I typically only use bikes to get around the city. Mostly because of the traffic congestion in the cities, cars often find themselves gridlocked, while bikes can weave through traffic, significantly reducing travel time.

I reserve using cars for specific situations: traveling to the airport, when the weather is bad, or when I’m part of a larger group that prefers to stay together. However, even when I’m out with friends or in groups, we almost always choose individual Grab motorbike rides. It’s just quicker and tends to simplify logistics. 

Using Grab Food in Vietnam

No Uber in Vietnam means no Uber Eats! No problem! Enter Grab Food—your go-to for food delivery. I know I’m not alone in the fact that sometimes when I”m traveling, I just want to order take away food and eat it my hotel bed! (I’m not alone right?!)

Why Grab Food Wins Over Uber Eats:

  • Cost-Effective: Delivery fees with Grab Food are incredibly low, usually not exceeding $2, and you’ll often find promotions offering free delivery. This is a huge contrast to the hefty fees charged by services like Uber Eats and DoorDash back in the States (where I am from). 
  • Ease of Use: Using the Grab Food app is easssssy. Simply type in what you’re craving, and the app will list restaurants that deliver to your location. Choose your meal, pay with the card linked to your account, and track your order as it makes its way to you. 

Why You Might Want to Use Grab Food as a Traveler: 

You might think, I’m just traveling in Vietnam, I won’t want to order any takeaway food. But, imagine lounging on the beach in Da Nang, craving a snack but not wanting to leave your perfect sunbathing spot… with Grab Food, you can have meals delivered right to your beach chair. And it’s not just limited to the beach; you can order food to parks, bars, or wherever you might find yourself relaxing or exploring.

Extra Bits About Grab

Grab isn’t exclusive to Vietnam; it’s a popular choice across Southeast Asia. So if your travels take you beyond Vietnam to other parts of the region, you’ll be pleased to know that you can continue using Grab in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore.

Xanh SM: Your Eco-Friendly Ride Choice in Vietnam

"Abstract logo resembling a stylized white bird with a yellow accent, set against a scenic background of rolling green hills and a blue sky with soft clouds.
"Mobile app interface showcasing a ride-hailing service with the title 'Dịch vụ chất lượng 5 sao' (Five-star quality service). The screen displays various ride options, including rental cars, motorbikes, and private cars, with an airport transfer service labeled as 'Sắp ra mắt' (Coming soon). The background features a cityscape with green hills and modern buildings.

Meet Xanh SM, the fresh and eco-conscious ride-hailing service that’s taking Vietnam’s major cities by storm. It’s powered by VinFast, the country’s leading car manufacturer. Xanh SM stands out with its fleet of electric vehicles in striking colors like turquoise, pink, and black. I’m including this company as your second best option for ride sharing in Vietnam because it is up and coming fast! All of the cars are electric, so choosing one of these is a small step towards combating the terrible air pollution, particularly in Hanoi.

Xanh SM is on the rise, but still mostly available in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. It’s gaining ground fast, and it’s likely you’ll see it expanding to other areas soon.

Using Xanh SM

  • Download the App: You can find it in all typical app stores. Make sure to download, set up, and verify your phone number before you need a ride.
  • Service Options:
    • Xanh SM Taxi: A straightforward choice for up to four passengers.
    • Xanh SM Luxury: Offers more comfort, is the black taxi, seats four.
    • Xanh SM Bike: Standard electric bike.
    • Xanh SM Bike Premium: Offers a more comfortable ride on a bigger bike.

Price Comparisons:

To give you a better idea of their pricing, here’s what it costs for that same quick trip (that I showed with Grab) from my place to CrossFit Tay Ho, about 2.6km away:

  • Xanh SM Taxi: 36,000 VND
  • Xanh SM Luxury: 40,000 VND
  • Xanh SM Bike: 17,000 VND
  • Xanh SM Bike Premium: 20,000 VND

You can see the prices are quite similar to Grab.

Sometimes I find during peak travel time, or holidays, it is harder to find, Grabs. Then I look for Xanh SM rides and they always pop up! Worth going back and forth between the two to be honest! 

Other Ride-Sharing Alternatives in Vietnam

While Grab and Xanh SM are the big players in Vietnam’s ride-sharing scene, there are a couple of other options that might come in handy (but honestly, you don’t need them). 

Be

Be is another local ride-sharing app that’s carving out its space in Vietnam. It offers a similar range of services to Grab, including cars and motorbikes. One of Be’s standout features is its integration of multiple services in one app, making it not just a ride-sharing service but also a handy tool for other on-demand needs like food delivery and package transport. 

Gojek

Originally from Indonesia, Gojek has expanded to Vietnam and offers a selection of services, much like its competitors. In Vietnam, it operates under the brand GoViet, focusing primarily on motorbike rides. Gojek’s app also integrates services such as food delivery and digital payments.

Wrapping It Up: No Uber in Vietnam? No Need to Worry!

Vietnam’s ride-sharing scene has evolved rapidly, filling the gap left by Uber with a variety of efficient and cost-effective alternatives. Whether you choose Grab for its widespread availability or Xanh SM for its eco-friendly approach, you’re well-covered. 

Looking to dive deeper into your transportation options? Whether you’re figuring out the best way to zip through Hanoi’s streets or finding the most scenic routes in Da Nang, I’ve got you covered. Head over to my transportation guide for detailed insights, tips, and recommendations that will make getting around Vietnam as smooth as possible.

Explore my full transportation guide here and gear up for a hassle-free travel experience across this country.

Katie McGrain is a Vietnam Trip Planning Expert. She has lived in Hanoi, Vietnam since 2017, and has explored just about every corner of this country. She provides female travelers to Vietnam with resources, ideas, and guides on where to go and what to do. Her on the ground research, planning and advising helps women have a safe, memorable and authentic trip to Vietnam.