If you visit Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Danang, or other cities in Vietnam, getting around cities by Grab has become very popular and convenient. So, how to use Grab in Vietnam? Nowadays, Grab is the leading ride-hailing platform in Southeast Asia, covering all of Vietnam. Booking a Grab car or Grab bike when landing at Tan Son Nhat Airport, discovering the Hoi An street, and understanding how to use Grab will make your journey better. 

What is Grab and how does it work in Vietnam?

Grab is a ride-hailing and delivery platform in Southeast Asia, founded in 2012. When entering thị Vietnam's market, Grab becomes the primary competitor to traditional taxis. With providing reliable and affordable pricing, Grab has earned the trust of locals and tourists. 

To book a car, you only open the Grab app and text your pickup and drop-off locations. You can know the cost for the trip and the name of the driver. The entire trip is tracked in real time, and payment is made through the app. 

There are two main ride types of Grab, including the following:

• GrabCar: Used to connect you with a private car (4-seater sedan or 7-seater SUV) for tourists with more than 2 people and luggage. 
• GrabBike: Used to connect you with a motorbike, suitable for solo travelers with less luggage. 

Besides, Grab also offers some services such as GrabFood, GrabMart, GrabExpress

Today, Grab operates in many main cities of Vietnam like Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Danang, Nha Trang, Hoian, Cantho, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh,... However, you can book Grab in some smaller towns and rural areas. 

How to download the Grab app in Vietnam?

To use Grab in Vietnam, you need to download Grab. Follow these instructions:

Step 1: Open your app store

Open the App Store if using an iPhone mobile and the Google Play Store if using an Android mobile. Then, you type Grab in the search bar. The official Grab app icon is green with white lettering. 

Note: Remember to connect the smartphone to Wi-Fi or mobile data. 

Step 2: Download and install the app

Tap "Get" or "Install" and wait for the app to successfully install. 

Step 3: Open the app and choose a country to use the app.

With the Grab app installed, you open Grab. At the select your country or region, you choose "Vietnam". Don't forget to allow Grab to access your location to it can identify your pickup exactly. 

Step 4: Create your account

Choose to register (Sign up), and fill your email address, Google account, Apple ID ( iphone user) and hotline (using a Vietnamese phone).

After you confirm your mobile phone number, Grab sends a verification code via SMS. You only enter the code to complete your sign-up on the Grab app.

Step 5:  Choose a payment method

Depending on your demand, you can choose a credit card or digital wallets. Besides, you can pay for the journey in cash. Now, you can book a car for your first ride.

How to book a Grab in Vietnam?

Step 1: Open the app & choose ride type

Tap the Grab app icon on your home screen. Then, you tap GrabCar or GrabBike at the bottom of the screen. If you have luggage or are traveling with others, you should select GrabCar. If you want to save money and travel solo, GrabBike will be the best option. 

Step 2: Enter your pickup location and drop-off

You text the pick-up location. Grab the app and use your GPS location as the default pickup point. If your location is wrong, you choose the exact position on the map. If you want to pick up a hotel, you can enter the hotel name or address. 

Continue, you fill your destination. The way it's made is the same as choosing your pickup location. 

Step 3: Review the estimated cost

An estimated fare appears on the screen after setting both locations. Depending on distance, demand, and vehicle type, the price is different. You can pay by credit card, digital wallet, or cash on the app. 

Step 5: Confirm your booking

Choose to confirm booking or book at the bottom of the screen. Grab app connects you with the driver nearby. You can know the driver's information, such as name, photo, vehicle type, license plate number, and the map showing the driver's real-time location. 

Step 6:  Track your driver

You can see your driver's location and estimated arrival time on the Grab app. 

Step 7: Meet the driver 

When the driver arrives, remember to confirm his identity through name, photo, and drop-off location. 

Step 8: Enjoy the trip

The driver will drive you to this route shown in the app. If you want to stop somewhere or change the destination slightly, you can chat with the driver. 

Step 12: Arrive at your destination

The driver confirms arrival in the app. You pay for the journey following your method. Don't forget to rate the driver and leave comments. 

Can tourists use Grab in Vietnam without a Vietnamese phone number?

International tourists can register and use Grab with their foreign phone number. You only fill in a verification code via SMS text when signing up. Ensure the SIM card operates and receives SMS messages. 

Your smartphone needs to connect with WiFi or mobile data to use the Grab app. If you confirm by SMS code through your home country's phone number, it takes longer, and the charge fee is higher. We highly recommend they buy a local Vietnam SIM card, both connect mobile data and receive SMS messages when using the Grab app. 

How much does Grab cost in Vietnam?

The grab fee is based on a per-kilometer and per-minute rate and a base fare.

The distance is longer and the fee is higher. The price is typicall lower during off-peak hours and higher during rush hours ( 7-9am and 5-7pm). Besides, traffic conditions will affect the fares. The ride takes longer. 

GrabCar fees are more expensive than GrabBike, and the different vehicle classes have different rates. If you book a car during peak hours or bad weather, the price can change; typically fares are higher due to demand exceeding available drivers. 

Booking a car from the airport or famous tourist areas can have a surcharge. The fee is higher if pickup is in remote areas or areas with traffic congestion.

With a short ride in a city, the fare is from 40.000 - 80.000 VND (3-5 km ), 100.000 - 200.000 VND (8-12 km). If you book GrabCar for airport transfer, the prices is from 200.000 - 400,000 VND ( for 20-30 km) by GrabCar. 

Compare GrabCar and GrabBike in Vietnam

Factor	GrabCar	GrabBike
Price	Higher	Cheaper
Comfort	Private, air-conditioned vehicle	Open air
Luggage	Trunk space	Suitable for small bags
Speed	Depending on traffic	Faster and navigates smaller streets.
Passenger capacity	3 - 4 passengers	Driver + 1 passenger
Best for	Families, couples	Solo travelers

How to use Grab at Vietnam airports?

You want to learn more about how to use Grab at the Vietnam airport?Below some constructions.

The Grab pickup area is situated outside the terminal building at Tan Son Nhat Airport. You can book Grab after you exit the terminal toward ground transportation. 

You can see signage pointing to "Grab" or "ride-hailing services." You only open the app, fill in the pickup and drop-off, and wait for the driver. Don't accept rides from other drivers; only book through the official app. 

The procedure to book a GrabCar in Noi Bai Airport and Danang Airport is the same as in Noi Bai Airport. Exit the terminal to get to the Grab area and book a car through the app. The fare is from 200,000–300,000 VND from Hanoi airport to the hotel and from 80,000–150,000 VND from Danang airport to the hotel. 

Note:

• Only sit the car through the official Grab app
• Confirm driver's name, photo, and vehicle details before transfer. 
• It's difficult to book a car during peak arrival hours because the price is higher. 
• There is an airport surcharge of about 20.000 - 50.000 VND. 

Tips for using Grab in Vietnam

• For the Grab app to operate, you need to connect to the internet by WiFi or mobile data. 
• Save your hotel location before traveling to fill in your destination quickly. 
• Need to pin your exact pickup location. Avoid confusion and wasted time when you and the driver are looking for each other. 
• Remember to check the license plate. Confirm the vehicle's license plate matches the number in the app.
• Avoid cancelling bookings repeatedly without good reason. If you confirm a booking and cancel it then, you can incur penalties and a lower rating. 
• Remember to bring Vietnamese cash even if you pay by car. If the card is rejected or the internet fails, you can pay cash. 
• Ensure your phone is charged to contact the driver and use the Grab app. 
• If GPS is inaccurate, you should choose the famous pickup or drop-off location exactly.
• To decline with unofficial drivers and only book through the app
• If you want to change the destination or stop anywhere on the roadway, you need to text message the driver through the app. 

FAQs about using Grab in Vietnam

Do I pay Grab via  an international credit card

Yes. You can use visa and Mastercard in the Grab app. If your card is not accepted, you should contact bank and move an other payment method .

Can I sign up without a local phone number?

Yes. You can resister with your number. You only comfirm SMS verification code and ensure your phone receive SMS. Besides, you can buy a local SIM at Vietnam's airport when arriving in Vietnam.

If I forget something in the Grab, what do I do?

You need to contact the driver through the Grab app. In addition, you can contact Grab customer support for assistance. 

Can I book a Grab for someone else?

Yes. You only fill in the correct pickup and drop-off location. Then you share the live tracking link and driver details to they can meet the car. 

If the driver is rude and driving dangerously, what should I do?

If you feel unsafe, you can cancel the ride. You can report the driver immediately to Grab through the app. Grab will investigate and lock the driver's account if confirming the right.

How to use Grab in Vietnam is straightforward if you understand the basics. Grab will offer an interesting experience. Remember to download the app before arriving at an airport. Wherever you transfer, you can control it in your hands by the Grab app. Be safe and enjoy your journey in Vietnam. Besides, if you need to a private car with a driver in Vietnam and no depend on public vehicle or worry hidden fee, contact us. 

See more: Best Time to Visit Vietnam