Grab
Must-haveRide-hailing, taxi, motorbike and delivery — fixed price shown.
Why : The price is shown and paid in-app: the fare can't be inflated. The must-have app in Vietnam.
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Practical guide
Essential apps for travelling in Vietnam
Our pick of apps to get around Vietnam on your own — and above all avoid taxi, exchange and inflated-ticket scams.
Some links are partner links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It does not influence our selection.
Getting around (no taxi scams)
The #1 anti-scam habit: book a ride with the price shown BEFORE you get in. No more haggling or rigged meters.
Xanh SM
FreeAll-electric taxis and bikes with an honest meter.
Why : A reliable local alternative to Grab, with newer cars and clear fares.
OpenBe
FreeVietnamese ride-hailing app, handy alongside Grab.
Why : Compare prices between Be and Grab to pay the fair rate.
OpenGoogle Maps
Must-haveDirections, bus times and downloadable offline maps.
Why : Download each city's map BEFORE you go: you stay oriented offline and avoid the scenic-route detour.
OpenMoney & exchange (know the real rate)
The đồng has a lot of zeros: a converter avoids mistakes and “rounding” that never favours you.
XE Currency
FreeOfficial exchange rate, works offline.
Why : Check in 2 seconds whether a price or exchange counter is fair.
OpenWise
FreeCard and withdrawals at the real rate, transparent fees.
Why : Avoids hidden bank fees and ATMs pushing their own rate. Withdraw in VND and decline the on-screen conversion.
OpenCommunicate & understand
Few Vietnamese speak English outside tourist areas: being able to translate makes you self-reliant and harder to scam.
Google Translate
Must-haveText, voice and PHOTO translation (menus, signs) offline.
Why : Download the Vietnamese pack: translate a menu by photographing it, negotiate clearly, read signs.
OpenZalo
FreeVietnam's #1 messaging app — hotels, guides and drivers use it.
Why : Many providers confirm and share a GPS pin over Zalo rather than email. Handy to keep a written record.
OpenStay connected (eSIM)
All the apps above assume you have internet on arrival. An eSIM activates before departure: data the moment you land, with no shop hunting and no overpriced airport SIM.
Airalo
PartnerVietnam data eSIM, set up in 2 minutes.
Why : Clear plans at the price shown, no contract or deposit.
Get the appHolafly
PartnerUnlimited-data eSIM, ideal for heavy users.
Why : Unlimited data at a fixed price: no bill-shock.
Get the appBook at the fair price
Booking stays and activities through a platform means a shown price, verified reviews and clear cancellation — not a street tout.
Booking.com
FreeHotels and guesthouses, free cancellation often available.
Why : Transparent price and terms; read recent reviews before paying.
OpenKlook
FreeActivities, transfers and tickets at a shown price.
Why : Avoids inflated on-site tickets: Halong cruises, buses, entries… booked at the real price.
OpenFrequently asked questions
Does Grab work everywhere in Vietnam?
Grab covers all major cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An…) for cars and motorbike taxis. In rural areas coverage is thinner: consider Xanh SM or a metered taxi.
Which app helps avoid taxi scams?
Grab or Xanh SM: the price is shown and paid in-app, so the fare can't be inflated or the meter rigged.
Do I need an eSIM or a local SIM?
An eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) activates before departure and gives you data the moment you land — handy for Grab and Maps right away. A local SIM can be cheaper but means finding a trustworthy shop on arrival.
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