Taxis in Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh can be an intimidating place, particularly if you are visiting for the first time or traveling with young kids. This chaotic metropolis can leave even the most experienced traveler feeling lost, so finding a reliable mode of transportation is a must. Using a Ho Chi Minh taxi service is by far the quickest, easiest, and most fun way to get around and explore all that this vibrant city has to offer.
The metered taxis are available 24 hours a day and you can easily hail a taxi in Ho Chi Minh City in the street, walk to a taxi rank, call a phone dispatch taxi, use a taxi app, or pre-book important journeys, such as your Ho Chi Minh Airport taxi, with a private company. With so many ways to book and a direct transfer every time, taking a Ho Chi Minh taxi is the most reliable way to explore.
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How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM TO BEN THAN MARKET | 2 € | 2 € | 6 MIN |
| FROM CITY CENTER TO DAM SEN WATER PARK | 5 € | 5 € | 10 MIN |
| FROM CITY CENTER TO AIRPORT | 7.70 € | 7.70 € | 15 MIN |
| FROM HO CHI MINH TO VUNG TAU | 50 € | 50 € | 90 MIN |
| FROM AIRPORT TO NHA TRANG | 100 € | 100 € | 5 H 30 MIN |
How much is a taxi in Ho Chi Minh City?
Taxi fares in Vietnam are officially set by cities or districts and are calculated using a taximeter, based on the distance traveled. The official taxi fare in Ho Chi Minh is binding for all taxis and taxi companies within the compulsory driving area and may not be exceeded or undercut. This means that your Ho Chi Minh taxi cost will depend on how far away your destination is and how long it takes to get there. As standard, your Ho Chi Minh taxi price will be calculated as follows:
Base Fare: €0.45 (VND 12,000)
Price per km: €0.49 (VND 16,000)
Extra Charges:
Although the taxi price in Ho Chi Minh doesn’t increase at night, you will be charged extra fees for travel during public holidays, pickups from the airport €0.38 (VND 10,000), and keeping your driver waiting for an hour €1.14 (VND 50,000).
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How to get a taxi in Ho Chi Minh
Many taxi companies are operating throughout Ho Chi Minh, but only two companies are highly rated and regulated: Mai Linh and Vinasun. You can easily spot the Mai Linh taxis as they are bright green with the company logo on the side door. Alternatively, the Vinasun taxis are white with a large red stripe along the bottom side of the vehicle. It’s advisable to only hail one of these two taxi companies in the street. It’s also possible to call these two companies for a phone dispatch service or book through a Ho Chi Minh taxi app.
Alternatively, you can walk to a taxi rank in Ho Chi Minh and take a taxi from there. The ranks can be found outside of most tourist attractions, large shopping malls, some major resorts, and Ho Chi Minh Airport. At the ranks, be sure to look out for the green and white Mai Linh and Vinasun taxis, to avoid traveling with unlicensed drivers.
How to get a taxi from Ho Chi Minh Airport
The taxi rank at Ho Chi Minh Airport can be found directly outside of the Arrivals Hall on the Ground Floor. As you exit the doors, you will see the line of taxis waiting on your left. Taxis from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city or elsewhere are available 24/7 and use taximeters to calculate your journey, though you can expect an airport surcharge of €0.38 (VND 10,000) to be added to your fare.
Using a Ho Chi Minh taxi app
If you’re traveling late at night or during bad weather, staying safe indoors and ordering through a Ho Chi Minh taxi app is the best option. There are two main apps used for taxis in Vietnam: Grab and Vinasun. However, these apps do come with extra charges and can have up to 20-minute waits during peak times.
To avoid the wait and to secure a fixed fare before you even book your taxi in Ho Chi Minh, you can pre-book your rides with a private company.
Useful Ho Chi Minh taxi numbers
Calling a phone dispatch taxi in Ho Chi Minh is possible, but it’s not recommended that you do so yourself. The receptionists won’t speak any English, so it’s much better to have your hotel or restaurant call a taxi for you. They will usually choose a taxi company that they trust or have an affiliation with, but two of the top taxi Ho Chi Minh numbers are:
- Mai Linh: +84 (2838) 298 888
- Vinasun: +84 (2838) 277 178
Benefits of booking a Ho Chi Minh taxi in advance
Although Ho Chi Minh taxis are available 24 hours a day, the unknown prices, long wait times and non-English-speaking drivers can leave you feeling lost and stressed. To avoid having to work out the local taxis, tariffs, or routes, you can simply pre-book a reliable taxi in Ho Chi Minh City with a private company.
For example, pre-booking with Welcome Pickups will guarantee you trained, English-speaking drivers, 24/7 customer support, and competitive prices. Not only do our knowledgeable drivers know the best shortcuts to avoid heavy traffic, but we also offer guaranteed on-time pickups and fixed all-inclusive prices, for your comfort and convenience.
Ho Chi Minh taxi tips
- During rush hour, getting a taxi from the street may be impossible. During these times, we recommend pre-booking your rides or using the Grab app.
- Ensure your driver has switched on and set your taximeter to the correct base fare before you begin your journey.
- Taxis in Ho Chi Minh can take up to 4 passengers as standard.
- Most Vietnamese drivers don't speak English so having the address of your destination written down in Vietnamese may be handy.
- You may encounter taxi scams: unlicensed taxis or drivers with non-reliable taximeters, deliberately making the trip longer for more money. To avoid this, try to only travel with Mai Linh and Vinasun taxi companies.
- You can also use a motorbike taxi in Ho Chi Minh City. However, these are known for not being as safe or practical.
- Taxis in Ho Chi Minh don’t offer baby seats as standard but you can bring and fit your own for no extra cost.
- Be sure to ask for your receipt at the end of your journey, you will need this if you wish to make a complaint or to claim any personal belongings left behind in the vehicle.
- You can often pay for your Ho Chi Minh taxi by credit card. However, it’s always important to ask your driver if they offer this service before beginning your journey.
- Tipping your Ho Chi Minh taxi driver is not expected in Vietnam, however, you can round up the final fare if you especially enjoyed the service.
Wheelchair-accessible taxi in Ho Chi Minh
The city as a whole is a very wheelchair-accessible place, however, standard taxis you will find driving on the streets don’t come equipped with special ramps or seating for wheelchair users. If you need a fully accessible vehicle, with space and ramps for an electric wheelchair, you will need to pre-book your Ho Chi Minh taxi service with a private and specialized provider before landing in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh safety and complaints
Although taking a taxi in Ho Chi Minh is generally safe and reliable, you may come across a few common scams or rude drivers. For example, it’s quite common for taxi drivers to take longer routes, try to negotiate a high fare before setting the taximeter or increase the base fare. If you believe this has happened to you, you can note down the taxi number and driver’s unique ID number, ask for your receipt, and report it to the company you traveled with, or to the local Police at +84 (28) 3836 9131.