Can I use Grab if I don’t have a Vietnamese phone number or bank account?

Yes, you can use Grab in Vietnam even if you don’t have a local phone number or Vietnamese bank account. This makes Grab a highly convenient option for international travelers visiting the country for short or long stays.

Using Grab with an international phone number

You don’t need a Vietnamese SIM card to register on the Grab app. The platform accepts international mobile numbers for account creation. After downloading the app on your iOS or Android device, you can sign up using your regular mobile number. A verification code will be sent to you via SMS, so make sure your phone can receive text messages or that you're connected to Wi-Fi if using services like iMessage or WhatsApp. Once verified, your account is fully active and you can start booking rides immediately.

However, Grab works best with continuous internet access. Using an eSIM or purchasing a local 4G SIM card can ensure smoother real-time tracking, faster booking and more reliable notifications during your trip.

Once verified, your account is fully active and you can start booking rides immediately.

Payment options without a local bank account

Grab supports several payment methods that are ideal for travelers. The most common and convenient option is cash payment - after completing your trip, you simply pay the driver the exact amount shown in the app. This is perfect for tourists who prefer not to link cards or who don’t have access to local banking systems.

If you prefer cashless payments, Grab also allows you to link international credit or debit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express. This enables you to enjoy seamless, contactless transactions just like you would at home.

Note: Some international cards may not work for online payments in Vietnam if 3D Secure is not enabled or if international access is restricted by your bank – especially with lesser-known cards or banks not widely used in Asia. It’s recommended to check with your card issuer before traveling.

Limitations and what to expect

While the core features of Grab - like booking GrabCar, GrabBike and GrabTaxi - are fully available to international users, some in-app features such as GrabRewards, Moca Wallet or local promotions may only be accessible to users with Vietnamese bank accounts or national IDs. However, these are optional perks and won’t affect your ability to book a ride.

GrabRewards and other loyalty features are optional perks and do not affect your ability to book rides. You’ll still be able to use Grab’s main services without any issues.

Also, keep in mind that internet access is essential for using the app. So, make sure your hotel has Wi-Fi or purchase a temporary local SIM card if you plan to use Grab frequently on the go.

Conclusion

In summary, Grab is tourist-friendly and fully accessible to users without a Vietnamese phone number or bank account. Whether you’re staying in Vietnam for a few days or several weeks, the platform offers convenient registration, flexible payment options and reliable transport services - all without requiring any local credentials. This makes it one of the best ride-hailing solutions for international travelers in Vietnam.

For the best experience, ensure you have internet access, use a supported payment method and remember that some bonus features may be limited – but the core ride-hailing service remains available and easy to use for international travelers.

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