While getting to Vietnam is one task in itself, getting around Vietnam is another. Traveling in any city often means grabbing a cab, but sometimes it’s not always that simple. Finding a company that is reliable and trustworthy can be the difference between paying a normal fare and being charged drastically higher rates. But once you know what you’re looking for, it’s simple.
Taxi Car Services in Vietnam
Boasting app-based systems, Vinasun and Mai Linh are two of the best taxi companies in the business. Conveniently order a cab for your smartphone, just make sure you have cash on hand as both of these services require payment at the end of your journey. They are also easy to find in the major populated areas like Saigon or Da Nang.
Guide to Hailing a Taxi in Vietnam
Getting a taxi in a foreign country can seem like a daunting task. The language barrier, unknown prices, unpronounceable destinations often make it harder than necessary. Add to that the Vietnamese taxi industry’s questionable reputation for straightforward and honest transactions, and we’d understand if you wanted to set off on foot!
But don’t despair, the old days of roadside haggling with drivers using broken English and hand gestures are fading fast! Taxi companies here are reinventing themselves as tough competition for the ride-sharing industry, and we, the consumers, are seeing the benefits.
The two most prominent names in Ho Chi Minh City are Mai Linh Taxi and Vinasun Taxi. Both companies’ cars can regularly be spotted zipping around town, so a ride is never far away.
Both Mai Linh and Vinasun have their own ride-hailing apps that allow you to see estimated journey times and prices in advance and call a ride straight to your door. That’s not to say they don’t have their flaws; the drivers often speak little English, and the GPS locations can get muddled in tightly packed areas. Still, overall it’s a considerable upgrade over what we were experiencing just a few years ago!
If you’re heading to the city and expect that you’ll need a cab, check out our complete guides to Vinasun and Mai Linh and then arm yourself with the apps in advance. It won’t be long until your zipping around town like a local!