Just arrived in Vietnam (whether it's Ho Chi Minh SGN or Hanoi HAN), as soon as you step out of the airport doors, what greets you besides the heat is usually a group of super enthusiastic taxi drivers shouting at you: "Taxi? Sir/Madam, Taxi?"
At this moment, please, please do not just follow them! 🙅♂️
Many first-time visitors to Vietnam, feeling tired after just getting off the plane, or without internet set up, think "It should be fine since the meter is running, right?" Only to find that getting in the car is the beginning of a nightmare.
⚠️ Three common pitfalls with roadside taxis in Vietnam
Ghost Meter (Turbo Meter): When you get in the car, the meter is clearly on, but it jumps faster than your heartbeat! A trip that should cost 150,000 VND might jump to 500,000 or even 1,000,000.
Fake Taxi Companies: The two reputable taxi companies in Vietnam are Vinasun (white) and Mai Linh (green). However, there are many "knock-offs" on the road, with names that sound very similar (like Vinasum, Mai Lin), and the car colors painted the same, specifically to scam tourists.
Detours and outrageous pricing: They take advantage of your unfamiliarity with the roads, deliberately taking long routes; or only tell you when you get out of the car that the quoted price was in "USD" not "VND".
🚗 So, is using Grab to call a car foolproof?
Everyone knows to use Grab in Southeast Asia, which is indeed much safer than hailing a roadside taxi, as the prices are transparent. However, calling Grab at the "airport" actually has two small inconveniences:
Confusing pickup points: The Grab pickup area at Vietnamese airports is usually not at the entrance, requiring you to drag your luggage a distance to the parking lot or a specific floor. With many people and cars, it’s easy to lose track of your driver, which can be really frustrating in the heat.
Surge pricing during peak times: If many flights land at the same time, or if it’s raining heavily, Grab prices can skyrocket, or you might not be able to get a car at all.
🤫 Editor's honest opinion: Actually, I always use KKday (not an ad, just sharing)
Although I work for the Viet-Go travel platform, when I travel for business or take my family to Vietnam, to save hassle, I usually book airport transfers on KKday before departure.
(Just to clarify! This is really not a paid promotion, and I don’t receive any money from them 😂)
Why do I recommend this for beginners?
Convenient booking: The Chinese interface is easy to navigate, no need to fumble with the app to find a car once you arrive.
No worries about being late: Based on my current experience, the drivers are quite punctual and may even hold a sign for you (which gives a sense of security for those unfamiliar with the area).
Fixed prices: Although it might be a few dozen TWD more expensive than Grab during off-peak hours, you don’t have to worry about detours or outrageous pricing; I think this money is worth spending.
👉 Conclusion: If you are a "seasoned traveler" with little luggage, calling Grab slowly after exiting the airport is no problem;
But if you are "going for the first time," "bringing elders or children," or "arriving at midnight," booking a transfer (either through KKday or Klook) is definitely the safest choice.
💡 So when do you need "Viet-Go"?
If you need more than just "being taken from the airport to the hotel," but hope for:
Someone to pick you up at the airport and help you with currency exchange (without having to go to a currency exchange and gesture).
Help with setting up a SIM card.
To be taken directly to eat the most authentic pho instead of the cold breakfast at the hotel.
Business translation assistance to accompany you to a factory or meeting.
In these cases, finding a dedicated Viet-Go guide/local companion would be a better choice for you!
What we provide is **the warmth and service of "people,"** not just simple transportation.
✈️ Ready to head to Vietnam? Don’t forget to sort out your transportation first to ensure a smooth start to your journey!
If you have any questions or concerns about traveling in Vietnam, or want to find a caring local companion, feel free to message Viet-Go anytime!
