Top 5 Trusted Taxi Brands in Saigon

For those visiting Saigon, it can be challenging to find your way around Ho Chi Minh City, especially if it’s your first time there. Taxis are a popular and practical mode of transportation in the city due to its vibrant atmosphere, heavy traffic, and tropical climate.

That said, though, worries about taxi fraud and inexperienced drivers may cause anxiety when looking for a trustworthy service. To equip you with essential details for a seamless and secure travel experience, this article will outline the top 5 trustworthy taxi companies in Saigon. 

Top 5 Trusted Taxi Brands in Saigon: 

Xanh SM Vietnam Taxi

Xanh SM is a pioneering app-based taxi service focusing on eco-friendly transportation in Vietnam. Launched in April 2023 by Vingroup, one of the most prestigious corporations in Vietnam, Xanh SM exclusively uses electric vehicles (EVs), making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious travelers This newcomer prioritizes contemporary comfort and sustainability. Xanh SM provides motorbikes, electric sedans, and luxury sedans to meet eco-friendly travel requirements.

Pros: 

• Eco-Friendly: Electric vehicles reduce carbon footprints.
• Quiet and Comfortable: The EVs provide a smooth, odorless, and quiet ride.
• Easy Booking: The Xanh SM app is user-friendly and convenient.

Cons:

• Payment Limitations: Currently, it does not support international credit cards.
• Availability: New service with limited coverage compared to established brands

Grab

Launched in Vietnam in 2014, Grab has quickly become a household name, revolutionizing how people book taxis.  Known for its reliability and wide range of services, Grab is a go-to option for many Vietnamese citizens and tourists. Grab provides a wide range of services to accommodate different types of travelers, including motorcycle taxis and vehicles with four and seven seats.

Pros:

• Grab frequently offers promotional codes and discounts
• The Grab app is user-friendly and allows for quick bookings.
• High availability of drivers, reducing wait times

Cons:

• There is no emergency hotline outside of in-app support

Vinasun Taxi

One of the oldest and most established taxi companies in Saigon, Vinasun was founded in 2003. Before the advent of ride-hailing apps, Vinasun dominated the traditional taxi market and remains a reliable choice today.

Vinasun’s services cover more than 50 provinces and cities throughout Vietnam, offering 4-seater and 7-seater sedans to its clientele. The company’s taxis are easily identifiable by their white color scheme featuring the unique Vinasun logo.

Pros:

• Vinasun has a long-standing reputation for reliable service.
• With a wide network, you can easily find a Vinasun taxi in most parts of Saigon.
• Experienced Drivers: Their drivers are known for being professional and knowledgeable about the city.

Cons:

• Unlike some newer services, Vinasun does not offer motorbike taxis.
• The app can be less user-friendly compared to competitors

Mai Linh Taxi

Another veteran in the Saigon taxi industry, Mai Linh, was established in 1993. Like Vinasun, Mai Linh was a market leader before the rise of app-based services. Recognizable by their green cars, Mai Linh has built a solid reputation over the decades.

Pros:

• Extensive Network: Mai Linh taxis are widely available across Saigon.
• Experience: Decades in service ensure a reliable and professional experience.
• Multiple Booking Methods: You can book via their app, hotline, or at major hotels and airports.

Cons:

• Similar to Vinasun, Mai Linh doesn’t offer motorbike options.

Gojek

Gojek, known initially as GoViet when it launched in Vietnam in 2018, was rebranded in 2020. Despite not having the same market presence as Grab, Gojek offers reliable services in several major cities. Gojek serves as a multipurpose platform that caters to different travel needs and tastes by offering a range of car and motorcycle transportation services.

Pros:

• Professional drivers
• The app makes booking straightforward and quick.

Cons:

• Limited availability of drivers compared to other services can lead to longer wait times.
• It is not as widely available in all areas of Vietnam.

Taxi Booking Tips and Safety Measures

When using taxis in Saigon, it’s essential to keep nine tips in mind to ensure a safe and pleasant journey:

1. Use Reputable Companies: Stick to well-known and established taxi companies like Vinasun, Mai Linh, Grab, and Gojek to avoid scams and overcharging.
2. Check the Meter: Ensure that the driver turns on the meter at the beginning of the ride. If they refuse, exiting the vehicle and finding another taxi is best.
3. Confirm Fares: For longer trips or airport transfers, confirming an estimated fare beforehand is a good idea. Some taxis have fixed price lists for common routes like airport transfers.
4. Use Apps: Whenever possible, use taxi-hailing apps such as Grab, Be, Gojek, or company-specific apps like Vinasun or Mai Linh. These apps provide fare estimates and track your journey for added safety.
5. Know Your Destination: Know exactly where you’re going and the best course of action. Make sure the driver is taking you in the correct direction by tracking your route with map applications such as Google Maps.
6. Steer Clear of Off-Meter Rides: It’s usually best to refuse and find another taxi if a driver insists on a negotiated fare without using the meter, especially in tourist zones.
7. Language Barrier: Although most drivers in large cities can communicate in basic English, it can be very useful to have your destination written in Vietnamese.
8. Keep Small Change: Having smaller denominations can make paying easier because taxis frequently don’t carry a lot of change.
9. Emergency Contacts: Keep your lodging’s contact details or a local contact number handy in case you need help

While visiting a new city can be challenging, you can make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable by being prepared with the necessary information and tools. In addition to having a good reputation, the taxi companies listed in this guide provide a range of services to accommodate different types of travel needs. You can ensure a safe and enjoyable stay in Saigon by selecting reputable providers and following the advice given. Have an amazing time on your trip!