Landing in Hanoi next week and everyone says just use Grab for everything. Quick question though: when I book a ride, do I pay cash to the driver or does it charge my card in the app? I linked my card but I am not sure it actually works with a foreign bank.
And is one way preferred? I do not want to be the tourist holding up the driver fumbling with bills for a 35k ride, but I also do not want a declined card leaving us both standing there awkwardly.
Same question for GrabFood if anyone knows. Cash on delivery or card in the app? Trying to figure out how much cash to carry on day one.









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Add your card in the app before your first ride and it just charges automatically. My US card worked fine, no issues at all. Drivers do not care either way, but card means no fumbling for change when the fare is some odd number like 43k. Same for GrabFood, pay in the app, the driver just hands you the food.
Replying to RoamingRachel
Replying to RoamingRachel @RoamingRachel Perfect, card it is. Do you still keep some cash on you for day one though? For the airport SIM guy and random small stuff before I figure out the ATM situation?
Replying to Ana Maria Lauro
Replying to Ana Maria Lauro @Ana Maria Lauro Definitely land with some dong in your pocket. I change like $50 at the airport just for the SIM guy, water, and the taxi if Grab is being weird. Airport ATMs work fine too, just use one inside the terminal. After day one you will figure out the ATM rhythm, but arriving with zero cash is stressful for no reason.