Getting into a taxi without a shared language is where a lot of travellers stumble. You don't need fluency; you need the right 10 phrases and the confidence to use them. Here's what actually works on the street.
Before you get in the taxi
First phrase: "Taxi co san khong?" (Taxi co san khong?) — "Is your taxi available?" The driver will say "Co" (yes) or "Khong" (no). If you're flagging on the street, drivers will often pull over and nod before you speak, so this matters less. But if you're calling one, this filters out the unavailable cars.
Second: "Co tay do khong?" (Co tay do khong?) — "Do you have a meter?" This is critical in Hanoi and Saigon, where unmetered taxis and fake metered ones still operate. The driver should point to the meter box on the dash or say "Co" clearly. If they hesitate, don't get in. A meter ride costs 10,000–20,000 VND per km in major cities; without one, you're negotiating blind and nearly always lose.
If there's any doubt: "Yeu cau khoi dong dong ho" (Yeu cau khoi dong dong ho) — "Please start the meter." Watch them do it before you move. The initial flag-fall is usually 10,000–15,000 VND.
Telling the driver where you're going
Use the simplest form: "Di den [place name]." (Di den [place name].) — "Go to [place]." So: "Di den Tran Quoc Pagoda" (for the temple in Hanoi) or "Di den Ben Thanh Market" (for the market in Saigon (사이공 / 西贡 / サイゴン)). Most drivers recognize major tourist sites by their English names too, so saying the name in English and then confirming with a hand gesture works.
If you have the address: "Dia chi la [address]." (Dia chi la [address].) — "The address is [address]." Write it down or show them Google Maps on your phone—this is faster and more reliable than spelling it aloud. Many drivers in Hanoi (하노이 / 河内 / ハノイ) and Saigon use Grab (the app-based ride service), so if they see a pin on your phone, they understand.
If they're going the wrong way: "Sai roi" (Sai roi) — "That's wrong." or "Khong phai duong nay" (Khong phai duong nay) — "Not this street." Point or show the map again. Most will correct course immediately.
During the ride
If the meter is rising too fast or you're suspicious: "Tai sao gia cao vay?" (Tai sao gia cao vay?) — "Why is the price so high?" This is blunt but effective. The driver will either explain traffic congestion or a legitimate surcharge, or adjust. Meter rates in Hanoi and Saigon are regulated; if the price at the end seems outrageous (e.g., 500,000 VND for a 3 km ride in normal traffic), push back.
For "Stop here": "Dung lai day" (Dung lai day) — simple and direct. Point to the spot if you're not sure they understand.
For "Turn left/right": "Quay trai" (Quay trai) — left; "Quay phai" (Quay phai) — right. Use hand signals too.
Photo by Vietnam Hidden Light on Pexels
Paying and closing
When you arrive: "Bao nhieu tien?" (Bao nhieu tien?) — "How much?" even though the meter shows it. Some drivers will try to round up or add on an "extra fee." The meter is the official price; add 10,000–20,000 VND as a tip if the service was good and the meter was honest. Tipping isn't mandatory but is appreciated.
If you want a receipt: "Cho toi hoa don" (Cho toi hoa don) — "Give me a receipt." Useful for expense reports or disputes, though most casual rides won't generate one.
"Cam on" (Cam on) — "Thank you." Say it when you leave. It costs nothing and softens even the grumpiest driver.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Unmetered or fake-meter taxis: Always confirm the meter is on and running before you move. In Hanoi and Saigon, use only licensed taxis (white cars with colored stripes or Grab app). Avoid taxis that approach you aggressively at the airport or pull up unsolicited at bus stations.
Route inflation: Drivers sometimes take longer routes to inflate the fare. If you're familiar with the destination, have Google Maps open and watch. Saying "Duong ngan nhat" (Duong ngan nhat) — "The shortest route" — is a gentle reminder but won't stop a determined fare-padder. Better: use Grab, which shows the route in advance.
Currency confusion: Always pay in VND, never USD or another currency. Drivers will claim they don't have change, then convert at a terrible rate. Make sure you have small notes (10,000–50,000 VND) to avoid overpayment.
Peak surcharges: Late-night rides (after 22:00) in Hanoi and Saigon add a 30–50% surcharge. Confirm before you get in by asking "Co phu phi goc lai khong?" (Co phu phi goc lai khong?) — "Is there a night surcharge?"
Photo by Lê Quốc Hùng on Pexels
Grab and Gojek: the safer option
If you're nervous about street taxis, use the Grab app (dominant in Vietnam (베트남 / 越南 / ベトナム)). The phrases above still help if the driver is unclear about directions, but payment, pricing, and driver details are confirmed in the app. A Grab ride costs slightly more than a metered taxi but removes negotiation entirely. Download it before you arrive.
Bottom line
Most taxi rides go smoothly. The key phrases—checking for a meter, stating your destination clearly, and confirming the final price—protect you from the small fraction that don't. Speak slowly, point, and use your phone to show the address. Vietnamese drivers are patient with tourists if you make a genuine effort.
Last updated · May 25, 2026 · independently researched, never sponsored.
