Grab vs. Be vs. Green SM: Which Ride-Hailing App Is Best for Getting Around Vietnam?

When I first started getting around Vietnam, Grab was the obvious choice. I had already used it in other Southeast Asian countries, so downloading it and requesting a ride was nothing new.

But after spending more time traveling around Vietnam, I realized something: using Grab exclusively can mean missing out on better prices and other transportation options.

There are three apps I think every foreigner, expat, or visitor should consider having on their phone: Grab, Be, and Green SM. I've used all three, and each has its advantages. Depending on where you're going, the weather, how quickly you need a ride, and whether you want a motorbike or a car, one app may make more sense than another.

Let's take a closer look.

Grab vs Be vs Green SM at a Glance

The comparison below sums up the main differences before the details. On a small screen, swipe the table sideways to read every column. Service availability, payment methods, language options, and vehicle categories can vary by city and app version — check the current options in each app before booking.

Note: Service availability, payment methods, language options, and vehicle categories can vary by city and app version. Check the current options in each application before booking.

Grab is probably the first transportation app most international visitors think of when arriving in Vietnam. It operates in several Southeast Asian countries, and if you've used it elsewhere, you'll recognize the interface.

One thing I appreciate is how straightforward the app is. You can enter your destination, see the estimated fare, choose your transportation, and follow your driver's location.

Grab offers several transportation options, including:

• GrabBike: A motorbike ride for getting through congested streets.
• GrabCar: Private car transportation.
• GrabCar 7: A larger vehicle option where available.

The English-language interface is particularly helpful if you don't speak Vietnamese.

However, don't automatically assume Grab will give you the best price. Fares can change depending on demand, traffic conditions, time of day, and weather. I've seen situations where a ride that looked reasonably priced became noticeably more expensive when demand increased.

Official website: grab.com/vn/en

Be is a Vietnamese-developed transportation platform that provides another way to book rides around the country.

At first glance, it feels quite similar to Grab. You can request motorbike transportation or a car, enter your destination, and receive a fare estimate before confirming your booking.

What caught my attention was the pricing. On several occasions, I've checked the same journey on Grab and Be and found Be offering a lower fare. It doesn't happen every time, but it's enough to make checking both applications worthwhile. Be is especially useful as an alternative when you're trying to keep transportation costs down.

Some of the services available through Be include:

• beBike: Motorbike transportation.
• beCar: Private car rides.
• beTaxi: Taxi booking options, where available.
• Additional transportation services depending on the location.

The downside I've experienced is that finding an available driver can sometimes take longer. A lower quoted fare doesn't necessarily mean you'll get picked up sooner.

Official website: be.com.vn

Green SM, previously known as Xanh SM, brings something different to Vietnam's transportation market: electric vehicles. You'll quickly recognize the bright green vehicles throughout major Vietnamese cities. They're hard to miss!

I particularly enjoy using their electric cars. They're generally quiet, comfortable, and offer a different experience from riding around in a conventional gasoline-powered taxi.

There are a few things I like about this service:

• Electric vehicles provide a quieter ride.
• No traditional gasoline exhaust smell inside the vehicle.
• Comfortable transportation, particularly when the weather is hot.
• A useful option when traveling with luggage or when you simply don't want to ride on a motorbike.

Green SM also offers electric motorbike transportation in locations where that service is available.

Another reason I recommend checking this app is its pricing. I've found occasions when Green SM has been less expensive than Grab for a similar journey. However, prices and driver availability change, so it's worth comparing the actual quotes rather than assuming one company is always cheaper.

Official website: greensm.com

Which App Is Usually the Cheapest?

This is where things get interesting. There isn't one app that consistently offers the lowest price. A journey can have three different quotes depending on the time you request it.

For example, imagine you need to travel from your apartment to a shopping center. Grab might show one price, Be another, and Green SM a third. If you only check Grab, you'll never know whether another service could have saved you money.

My recommendation is simple: compare at least two apps before confirming your ride. It takes very little time and can make a difference, particularly if you're using transportation several times a day.

Remember that the cheapest quote isn't necessarily the best deal. If one driver can pick you up in two minutes and another requires a 15-minute wait, I would rather pay a little extra and get moving.

Motorbike or Car: Which Should You Choose?

Motorbikes are a big part of everyday transportation in Vietnam. They're especially useful when traffic becomes congested and cars are moving slowly.

When a motorbike makes sense

• You're traveling alone.
• You don't have much luggage.
• You're taking a relatively short journey.
• Traffic is heavily congested.
• You're comfortable riding as a passenger on a motorbike.

If you've never ridden on a motorbike in Vietnam, your first trip might be an experience in itself! Make sure your driver provides a suitable helmet, and don't choose a motorbike simply because it costs less if you feel uncomfortable with the conditions.

When a car is the better option

• You're traveling with family or friends.
• You have suitcases or shopping bags.
• It's raining.
• You're heading to or from the airport.
• You want air conditioning and a more comfortable ride.
• You're unfamiliar with riding on Vietnamese motorbikes.

For longer journeys or airport transportation, I generally prefer having the space and comfort of a car.

Five Things I've Learned About Using Ride Apps in Vietnam

After using these services, there are a few things I would recommend to anyone planning to spend time in Vietnam.

1. Check more than one app

Don't automatically book the first ride you see. Compare Grab, Be, and Green SM when they're available. You might find a lower fare or a driver who can reach you sooner.

2. Be prepared when it rains

Rain can change everything. Prices may increase as demand rises, and finding an available driver can become more difficult. During heavy rain, many people are looking for transportation at the same time. Sometimes the smartest decision is to find a coffee shop, sit down, and let the rain pass before ordering another ride.

3. Cash is useful to have

I personally prefer paying in cash because it's straightforward. However, the apps also offer electronic payment options, depending on the service, account, and payment method available. If you're new to Vietnam, I recommend keeping some Vietnamese dong available even if you normally pay electronically.

4. Pay attention to airport pickup instructions

Airports can be confusing, particularly when you first arrive in Vietnam. Follow the pickup location displayed in your booking application. Don't assume your driver can collect you directly outside whichever exit you happen to use. You may also encounter individuals offering transportation services outside the terminal. I prefer arranging transportation through an established app rather than accepting an unsolicited ride. Before getting into the vehicle, check the license plate, vehicle description, and driver information against your booking.

5. Consider waiting time, not just price

This is something I think people sometimes overlook. Saving 10,000 or 20,000 VND might not be worth waiting an additional 15 minutes, especially when you're standing outside in Vietnam's heat and humidity. I would rather pay a little more for a driver who is nearby and ready to go.

Safety Tips When Using Transportation Apps in Vietnam

Ride-hailing applications offer useful information that you don't necessarily have when accepting an unsolicited ride. For example, you can generally review your driver and vehicle details, see the estimated route, and access trip information through the app.

I recommend following these basic precautions:

• Confirm the license plate before entering.
• Make sure the driver's identity matches the booking.
• Never accept a different vehicle without checking the change in the application.
• Share your trip details with someone you trust when appropriate.
• Use the app's support or emergency features if something doesn't feel right.
• Wear the provided helmet when using motorbike transportation.

For anyone staying in Vietnam long-term, these applications can make everyday transportation easier to manage while providing an additional layer of trip information.

My Final Recommendation: Download All Three

If you're visiting Vietnam or planning to live here, I recommend installing Grab, Be, and Green SM. You don't need to use all three every day. The benefit is having alternatives when prices increase, drivers are unavailable, or you simply want a different type of transportation.

My general approach is:

• Grab: My familiar starting point for checking availability and transportation options.
• Be: An alternative worth checking for potentially lower fares.
• Green SM: A great option when I want a comfortable electric car ride.

The biggest lesson I've learned is that you shouldn't limit yourself to one transportation service in Vietnam. A little comparison before booking can save money, reduce waiting time, and make getting around much easier. Whether you're visiting for two weeks or planning to stay for several years, having these three apps available is a practical way to navigate Vietnamese cities.

Last updated November 2026. This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute travel, safety, or professional advice. Fares and availability change; always confirm current prices and service coverage in each app before booking.