The main scam at SGN
Only use Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white) branded taxis, or Grab/Xanh SM apps. Unofficial white taxis at SGN often rig meters or refuse to use them.
Do
- Use the OFFICIAL prepaid taxi counter inside arrivals
- Use Uber / Grab / Bolt / Careem / DiDi if available (app-based, fixed price)
- Insist on the meter or agreed fixed rate BEFORE entering the vehicle
- Verify the driver's license plate matches your receipt
- Pre-book a transfer for zero scam risk (see below)
Don't
- Never accept rides from drivers approaching you inside arrivals
- Never enter a taxi without confirming meter/price first
- Avoid taxi ranks OUTSIDE the official signposted zone
- Do not pay in cash without seeing the meter reading
- Never hand over your passport or luggage to hold as "security"
Official safe options at SGN
Grab / Xanh SM (electric)
ride share
Cost: VND 150,000-350,000 (~$6-14)
Time: 20-45 min
Mai Linh / Vinasun metered taxi
taxi
Cost: VND 200,000-400,000 (~$8-16)
Time: 20-45 min
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer — zero scam risk
The safest option for first-time visitors to Ho Chi Minh City: driver meets you inside arrivals with your name, price locked before you fly, no queues, no negotiation.
Getting out of Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
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Full Ho Chi Minh City airport transport guide
All transport options compared: metro, bus, taxi, ride-share, shuttle.
See full transport guide →Frequently asked
How do I avoid taxi scams at Tan Son Nhat International Airport?
Only use Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white) branded taxis, or Grab/Xanh SM apps. Unofficial white taxis at SGN often rig meters or refuse to use them.
What is the official taxi rank at Tan Son Nhat International Airport?
The official Ho Chi Minh City airport taxi options are: Grab / Xanh SM (electric) (VND 150,000-350,000 (~$6-14), 20-45 min); Mai Linh / Vinasun metered taxi (VND 200,000-400,000 (~$8-16), 20-45 min).
Is Uber safer than a taxi at Tan Son Nhat International Airport?
App-based ride-share (Uber, Grab, Careem, Bolt or similar depending on region) is generally the safest option for tourists at Tan Son Nhat International Airport — pricing is locked before pickup, no negotiation, driver + vehicle details are recorded. If ride-share is unavailable, use the OFFICIAL prepaid taxi counter inside arrivals (not lobby touts).
Should I pre-book a transfer from Tan Son Nhat International Airport?
Pre-booking a fixed-price airport transfer eliminates all scam risk: no queues, no negotiation, driver meets you inside arrivals with your name. Price is locked before you fly. This is the most tourist-friendly option, especially for first-time visitors to Ho Chi Minh City.