Grab, Xanh SM & Be in Vietnam: Which Ride-Hailing App Should You Use?

For visitors to Vietnam, the urban transportation landscape has evolved significantly. While the familiar green jackets of Grab drivers are still a common sight, they now share the roads with a rapidly expanding fleet of bright blue electric vehicles from Xanh SM. This local company, utilizing an all-electric VinFast fleet, has quickly reshaped the market, even leading to the departure of other international players like Gojek from Vietnam entirely. Whether your journey involves a swift motorbike ride through Hanoi's bustling Old Quarter or a comfortable, eco-friendly car trip to the airport, the way people get around has changed.

What remains constant is the necessity of using ride-hailing applications to navigate cities efficiently and avoid potential overcharging. The central question for many travelers now revolves around which app to choose: Grab, Xanh SM, or Be. This guide aims to clarify the distinctions between these platforms, focusing on what truly matters to tourists, and offering practical advice for a smooth travel experience.

Navigating Vietnam's Ride-Hailing Landscape

For most first-time visitors, installing Grab before arriving in Vietnam is a recommended initial step. Grab is generally compatible with international phone numbers, accepts foreign Visa and Mastercard payments, features a comprehensive English interface, and offers extensive coverage across most cities popular with tourists. For many, Grab can effectively manage the majority of their transportation needs without complications.

Consider adding Xanh SM to your device if your stay extends beyond a week or if you plan to spend considerable time in major urban centers like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Xanh SM often provides more competitive fares for comparable routes, boasts a fleet of newer, all-electric VinFast vehicles, and serves as a valuable alternative when Grab experiences surge pricing during inclement weather or peak travel times.

Be is another app worth considering, particularly for motorbike rides within cities, where it frequently offers lower prices than Grab. Having a selection of apps can provide flexibility and cost savings, allowing you to compare options in real-time based on your location and immediate needs.

Essential Ride-Hailing Apps for Travelers in Vietnam

Grab: The Reliable Choice for First-Time Visitors

Grab has been a prominent ride-hailing service in Vietnam since 2014 and continues to be the most accommodating option for international visitors. Its user-friendly features make it a dependable choice for those new to the country.

• Foreigner-Friendly Features: Grab offers a full English interface, operates seamlessly with international phone numbers for registration and use, and readily accepts foreign Visa and Mastercard payments. This makes it a straightforward solution for most tourists on shorter trips.
• Services Available:
  • GrabBike: A motorbike taxi service, typically 30–50% more affordable than GrabCar and often the quickest way to navigate through city traffic. Note that GrabBike is generally not available for international airport pickups.
  • GrabCar (4-seat): A standard sedan equipped with air conditioning, suitable for airport transfers or when traveling with luggage.
  • GrabCar (7-seat): Designed for larger groups of 5–7 people, families, or those with substantial luggage.
  • GrabTaxi: Allows users to book a licensed metered taxi (such as Mai Linh or Vinasun) with a fixed fare displayed upfront.
  • GrabFood: A food delivery service available in all major Vietnamese cities.
  • GrabExpress: Provides same-day parcel delivery within cities.
  • GrabMart: Offers grocery and convenience store delivery directly to your accommodation.
• Coverage: Grab boasts nationwide coverage, operating in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Can Tho. However, its availability may be more limited in rural highlands and remote areas outside of primary urban districts.
• Pricing: Fares on Grab tend to be higher than those on Be and, at times, Xanh SM for identical routes, potentially by 30-40% during busy periods.
• Best For: First-time visitors, travelers without a local SIM card, airport transfers, groups with luggage, and those needing to make advance bookings (up to 7 days ahead).
• Watch Out For: Surge pricing, which can significantly increase fares (by 30–40%) during heavy rain or peak hours. It is advisable to check Xanh SM as an alternative during such times before confirming a Grab booking.
• Phone Number Requirement: A local Vietnamese phone number is not necessary for Grab. Your international number works for registration and full app functionality. Grab drivers communicate with passengers primarily through the app's chat feature, which includes auto-translated preset messages to facilitate coordination, such as confirming pickup points, without requiring knowledge of Vietnamese. This means you only need mobile data to communicate effectively.

Xanh SM: Modern Electric Rides and Competitive Fares

Xanh SM, operated by Vingroup, has rapidly emerged as a significant player in Vietnam's ride-hailing market since its launch in 2023. It has quickly surpassed Grab to become the largest ride-hailing platform in the country, distinguished by its commitment to an all-electric VinFast fleet. This focus ensures that Xanh SM vehicles are consistently newer and cleaner compared to the average ride-hailing car.

• Services Available:
  • Xanh SM Bike: An electric motorbike taxi service.
  • Xanh SM Car (4-seat): Features VinFast electric vehicle sedans.
  • Xanh SM Car (7-seat): Offers VinFast electric MPVs, suitable for groups.
• Coverage: Xanh SM maintains a strong presence in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. While it is actively expanding into other cities, its service may be less prevalent outside these major urban centers.
• Best For: Travelers who have spent a few days in Vietnam and are comfortable with local operations, those prioritizing cleaner and newer vehicles, individuals seeking a "locals-mode" experience in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and as a backup option to compare prices when Grab fares surge.
• Watch Out For: The app's English interface is still under development and may be partial. Additionally, full support for foreign credit cards is not yet consistently available, making cash payment the most reliable option for international users. The app setup process can also be less intuitive for non-Vietnamese speakers.
• Phone Number Requirement: While a Vietnamese phone number can enhance the experience, it is not strictly mandatory, especially if you plan to pay in cash. This flexibility can reduce friction for international travelers.

Be: The Budget-Friendly Local Option

Be is a local Vietnamese ride-hailing application that stands out for its competitive pricing, particularly for motorbike taxi services (BeBike). While it may be a smaller brand compared to Grab or Xanh SM, Be is a strong contender for travelers looking to save money on short city trips.

• Services Available:
  • BeBike: A motorbike taxi service, frequently offering the most affordable fares for quick urban commutes.
  • BeCar (4-seat): A standard sedan option.
  • BeCar (7-seat): Available in major cities for larger groups.
• Coverage: Be operates in 28 cities across Vietnam, with a strong presence in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Its availability may be more limited in other areas.
• Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, individuals preferring motorbike rides in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and anyone with a Vietnamese phone number who wishes to compare prices across multiple apps for the best deal.
• Watch Out For: Full registration and functionality for Be typically require a Vietnamese phone number. Without one, usage may be limited. The app's interface is also primarily geared towards Vietnamese speakers.
• Phone Number Requirement: A Vietnamese phone number is generally required for complete registration and full use of the Be app.

Quick Comparison: Grab, Xanh SM, and Be at a Glance

The table below provides a concise overview to help you decide which ride-hailing app best suits your immediate needs, whether you've just arrived or have already secured a local SIM card.

City-by-City Availability

To further assist in your planning, here's a breakdown of app availability in various Vietnamese cities:

It's important to note that GrabCar availability in Hue is limited, making GrabBike and GrabTaxi the more reliable options in that city.

Staying Connected: The Role of an eSIM in Vietnam

For travelers planning to use ride-hailing apps in Vietnam, particularly those like Be which often require a Vietnamese phone number for full registration and functionality, or Xanh SM where a local number can streamline the experience, an eSIM offers a convenient solution. An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card. This technology enables you to keep your home country's physical SIM active for calls or texts while simultaneously using the eSIM for local data and, if available with the plan, a local Vietnamese phone number.

As of September 19, 2026, there are 96 Vietnam eSIM plans available through NexaEsim, offering a wide range of durations and data allowances to suit diverse travel needs. These plans are designed to ensure you remain connected throughout your trip. For example, some plans, such as those from Wintel (Vinaphone), explicitly include a voice number, which can be particularly useful for apps that require a local contact. Other plans, available on networks like Vietnamobile, Vinaphone, Mobifone, or Viettel, primarily focus on providing robust data connectivity.

Activation for most eSIM plans begins automatically upon your first connection to a network at your destination, offering flexibility for when your connectivity starts. When selecting an eSIM, consider your expected data usage for frequent app use, navigation, social media, and other online activities. Plans vary significantly, from daily high-speed allowances (e.g., 500MB per day, 2GB per day, 5GB per day, or 6GB per day) to total data packages (e.g., 3GB for the entire plan) or "unlimited" options that come with daily high-speed caps before speeds are reduced. It is important to remember that prices and availability of these plans can change, so checking the latest offerings on the Vietnam eSIM page is always recommended.

For more detailed guidance on mobile connectivity when entering Vietnam, especially via land borders, you may find our guide on Vietnam Land Border SIM & eSIM Guide: What to Do Before You Cross helpful.

Practical Tips for Safe and Economical Ride-Hailing

Strategic Pickup Locations

When booking a ride-hailing service, particularly near popular tourist attractions such as Ben Thanh Market, Hoan Kiem Lake, or any famous temple, it's advisable to avoid booking directly at the main entrance. Instead, walk one block away from the immediate vicinity. Drivers who congregate at main entrances may sometimes be more assertive and might attempt to persuade you to cancel your app booking in favor of a "private" ride, which is often more expensive. Booking a short distance away helps ensure a smoother, standard pickup experience through the app.

Navigating Rain-Induced Surge Pricing

Vietnam's tropical climate often brings intense but typically short-lived downpours. The moment rain begins, prices on apps like Grab and Xanh SM can surge dramatically, sometimes increasing by 2–3 times the usual fare. Rather than paying a significantly inflated price for what would normally be an affordable ride, a smart strategy is to find the nearest café or sheltered spot and wait out the rain. Usually, within 10–15 minutes, the rain will subside, and the surge pricing will drop, potentially saving you enough money to cover the cost of your drinks.

Always Verify Your Driver

This is arguably the most crucial safety tip, especially when arriving at major airports like Noi Bai (Hanoi) or Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City). It is not uncommon for "fake" drivers to approach travelers, claiming to be their booked Grab driver or showing a phone screen to mislead them. These individuals might attempt to direct you to an unmarked vehicle, cancel your legitimate app booking, and then overcharge you for the ride. To prevent this, always meticulously match the license plate number of the vehicle and the driver's face with the details provided in your app before you even touch the car door. If any detail does not match, it is imperative to walk away and re-evaluate your situation. Most ride-hailing apps also include a built-in SOS button for emergencies during a ride, providing an additional layer of safety.

As a rough reference for Grab fares in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the pricing structure typically involves a base fare for the first two kilometers, followed by a per-kilometer charge. Specific rates can vary based on vehicle type and demand.

Navigating Airport Transfers and Pickups

For arrivals at Vietnam's major international airports, such as Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), ride-hailing services offer a structured pickup experience. Both airports feature designated Grab pickup zones, distinct from traditional taxi ranks. When using the Grab app, it is important to book your ride first and then proceed to the specified zone. Travelers should be wary of individuals who approach them offering rides before a booking has been made through the app, as this is not the standard operating procedure for legitimate services.

While prices can fluctuate based on demand and time, general estimates for airport-to-city center transfers (approximately 30km from Noi Bai to Hanoi city center and 8km from Tan Son Nhat to HCMC city center) provide a useful reference. For instance, a GrabBike ride might range from $0.50 to $3.15, while a 4-seat GrabCar could cost between $1.12 and $9.80, and a 6-seat GrabCar between $1.31 and $11.75. It is always recommended to confirm the upfront price displayed in the app before confirming your ride, as this is the definitive cost. Prices are subject to change over time, so real-time checks within the app are advisable.

Payment Flexibility and Tipping Etiquette

A significant advantage of ride-hailing apps in Vietnam, including Grab, Xanh SM, and Be, is the widespread acceptance of cash payments. This means travelers are not required to link a credit or debit card to their account to use the services. Simply select the cash option when booking your ride and pay the driver directly at the end of your journey.

Regarding tipping, it is generally not an expected practice in Vietnam. While drivers do not anticipate tips, a small gesture of appreciation, such as 10,000–20,000 VND in cash (approximately $0.40–$0.80 USD), can be well-received, particularly if a driver has been exceptionally helpful, for example, by assisting with luggage.

The Essential Role of a Local Phone Number and eSIM

To fully utilize all three ride-hailing applications, a local Vietnamese phone number is highly beneficial, and for the Be app, it is a requirement. Xanh SM also operates more efficiently with a local number. Obtaining a local number simplifies the verification process and can enhance the overall user experience.

For international visitors, an eSIM offers a convenient solution for acquiring a local number and staying connected. An eSIM is a digital SIM card embedded in your device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM. You can purchase and install an eSIM plan before you even depart for Vietnam, avoiding the need for a passport registration process often required for physical SIM cards. Activation typically occurs automatically upon your first connection to a network at your destination.

NexaEsim provides a variety of eSIM plans for Vietnam, allowing travelers to choose options that suit their trip duration and data needs. Having mobile data is crucial, as ride-hailing apps rely on an active internet connection to function. While hotel Wi-Fi is suitable for booking a ride from your room, you will need mobile data to track your driver, communicate with them, or book a ride when you are out on the street.

Traditional Taxis: Reputable Brands for App-Free Travel

For those who prefer not to use ride-hailing apps, traditional metered taxis remain an option. However, it is strongly advised to only use services from two well-established and reputable brands to avoid potential scams, especially when departing from airports or tourist areas. Any unmarked vehicle or individual approaching you at the airport offering a ride should be treated with caution.

• Mai Linh Taxi: Easily identifiable by their bright green vehicles, Mai Linh is a widely recognized and reliable taxi service with nationwide coverage across Vietnam.
• Vinasun Taxi: Distinguished by their white cars with red and green stripes, Vinasun is particularly prominent and dependable in Ho Chi Minh City and the southern regions of Vietnam.

An alternative method to utilize these trusted taxi companies with the added benefit of a fixed, upfront fare is to select the GrabTaxi option within the Grab app. This feature allows you to book a Mai Linh or Vinasun vehicle through the app, providing price transparency and eliminating concerns about meter manipulation.

Pre-Trip Checklist: Setting Up Your Apps Before You Fly

To ensure a smooth start to your trip, it is highly recommended to set up your primary ride-hailing app, Grab, before you arrive in Vietnam. Grab's SMS verification system is designed to work internationally, allowing you to register using your home phone number while you still have a stable internet connection. This process typically takes only a couple of minutes.

Here are the recommended steps:

1. Download Grab: Install the Grab app from your device's App Store or Google Play.
2. Register with Your Home Number: Use your existing mobile number for registration. The SMS verification code should be delivered internationally.
3. Set Language to English: Navigate to your Profile, then Settings, and select Language to switch the app interface to English.
4. Add a Payment Method: While cash payment requires no prior setup, adding a credit or debit card is an optional but convenient step for future use.

While Grab can be fully set up with an international number, for Xanh SM and Be, it is advisable to download the apps before your trip and complete their full setup once you have acquired a local Vietnamese phone number, ideally through an eSIM.

Practical Vietnam eSIM Plan Comparison

Choosing the right eSIM plan for your trip to Vietnam ensures you have reliable data for ride-hailing, navigation, and staying connected. NexaEsim offers a diverse range of plans, with options suitable for various trip durations and data usage patterns. As of September 19, 2026, there are 96 available plans for Vietnam, with prices and availability subject to change.

When selecting an eSIM, consider the following:

• Duration: Plans are available for short trips (e.g., 1-day, 3-day, 5-day) up to extended stays (e.g., 10-day, 15-day, 20-day, 30-day). For example, a 3-day plan with 500 MB per day on roaming networks (Vietnamobile, Vinaphone) costs $3.78, while a 30-day unlimited data plan on Wintel (Vinaphone) is available for $10.30, offering 6GB of high-speed data daily before speed reduction.
• Data Allowance: Options range from daily high-speed allowances (e.g., 500 MB per day, 5 GB per day, or 6 GB per day for some