How to use Xanh SM (Green SM) in Vietnam: a first-timer's guide

If you've read older guides to Vietnam, they all say the same thing: download Grab. In 2026 I'd tell you something different. The app I use myself, and the one I put my travellers in, is Xanh SM, called Green SM in English. The cars are new and electric, the fares are shown before you book, and the driver usually phones a minute before arriving to confirm where you are. Here's how to set it up, pay safely, and find your car at the airport.

What is Xanh SM?

Xanh SM is a ride-hailing and taxi company that uses only electric VinFast vehicles. It launched in 2023, is owned by Vingroup, Vietnam's biggest private company, and has grown into one of the largest ride services in the country. "Xanh" means green in Vietnamese, which is why the app shows as Green SM on many international phones.

You can book three types of ride:

• Xanh SM Car: a 4-seat electric sedan. The everyday choice for one to three people.
• 7-seat car: a larger electric SUV for four or more, or for a group with luggage and paddle bags.
• Xanh SM Bike: an electric scooter with a driver. Fast and cheap for one person, but I don't recommend it to visitors over 50 in city traffic.

Why I use Xanh SM instead of Grab

This is my own experience, from years of booking rides for myself and for travellers:

• The cars are new. The whole fleet is recent electric VinFast models. They're clean, quiet and the air-con works.
• The drivers are employees, in uniform, trained by the company. You get the same standard each time.
• The driver usually calls before arriving to confirm where you're standing. For a visitor that's reassuring, and it saves a lot of waving at the wrong car.
• The price is fixed in the app before you confirm. No meter, no detours.

What happened with Grab in 2026?

Grab is still in Vietnam and still works. But in September 2026, many Grab drivers in Hanoi and Saigon called for a two-day "app-off" on 12 and 13 September. They were protesting falling income: Grab takes a 20% commission on motorbike rides and 25% on car rides, and drivers said that after fees and taxes they were keeping far less of each fare than before. Grab said it was "seriously assessing the situation". The dispute got wide coverage in the Vietnamese press, and a lot of local riders, me included, chose to ride with Xanh SM instead.

None of that makes Grab unsafe for you as a visitor. It's simply why you'll see more green cars than green-and-white ones on the street now.

How to set up the Xanh SM app

1. Download "Xanh SM" from the App Store or Google Play before you fly. Check that the developer is GSM (Green and Smart Mobility).
2. Register with your phone number. A Vietnamese number works best, because some foreign numbers have trouble receiving the code. Buy a local SIM or eSIM on arrival. See Vietnam eSIM or SIM card.
3. Switch the app to English in the settings if it opens in Vietnamese.
4. Add a payment method, or choose cash. More on that below.
5. Save your hotel as a favourite place so you can book the ride home in two taps.

How to pay for Xanh SM safely

You can pay by Visa or Mastercard in the app, or in cash to the driver. Foreign card support is newer on Xanh SM than on Grab, and some cards are declined, so:

• Try linking your card on the first day, with a short ride, while you still have cash as backup.
• Use a card with no foreign transaction fee and turn on transaction alerts.
• Only add your card inside the official app. Never give card details to anyone by phone or chat, even someone who says they're from Xanh SM.
• Carry small notes for cash rides. Drivers don't always have change for a 500,000 dong note. Read money in Vietnam for more on cash.

How to get a Xanh SM from the airport

Xanh SM has pickup points at Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Saigon), Da Nang, Phu Bai (Hue), Cam Ranh (Nha Trang) and Phu Quoc. At the bigger airports there's a Green SM help desk in the arrivals hall.

1. Connect to the airport Wi-Fi or turn on your SIM after you've collected your bags.
2. Book in the app with the airport as your pickup. The app shows the pickup lane or column for your terminal.
3. Walk to that point. Ignore anyone in the hall offering you a taxi.
4. Answer the driver's call and tell them your exit or column number. If you don't speak Vietnamese, the in-app chat translates for you.
5. Check the plate number against the app before you get in.

If you fly Vietjet, you can also pre-book a Green SM airport ride when you buy your ticket and show the voucher code to the driver. For the scams to avoid on arrival in Hanoi, read Noi Bai Airport taxi scams.

Tips for older travellers

• Book a car, not a bike, unless you're very confident on the back of a scooter.
• Choose the 7-seater when you have paddle bags and suitcases. It's not much more expensive.
• Get in on the kerb side, and watch for motorbikes when you open the door.
• Ask the hotel to book for you if your phone isn't set up yet. Every reception desk knows how.
• Tipping isn't expected. Rounding up for help with heavy bags is a kind gesture.

Xanh SM in Vietnam: FAQ

Is Xanh SM the same as Green SM?

Yes. Xanh SM is the Vietnamese name and Green SM is the English name of the same company, GSM, owned by Vingroup. "Xanh" means green.

Can foreigners use Xanh SM?

Yes. The app works in English and you can pay by Visa, Mastercard or cash. A Vietnamese phone number makes registration easier.

How much is a Xanh SM from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter?

About 300,000 to 330,000 dong (around US$12) for a standard car in 2026. The exact fare is shown in the app before you book.

Is Grab still available in Vietnam in 2026?

Yes. Grab still operates across Vietnam. In September 2026 many drivers protested over commission and income, and many local riders moved to Xanh SM, but Grab remains a working option for visitors.

Do Xanh SM drivers call before they arrive?

Often, yes. In my experience Xanh SM drivers usually phone a minute or two before pickup to confirm your exact location, which is very helpful at airports and busy hotels.

The bottom line

Xanh SM (Green SM) is the easiest way to get around Vietnam's cities in 2026: new electric cars, uniformed drivers, a fixed price in the app and, usually, a call before pickup. Set it up before you fly, test your card on a short ride, and keep some cash as backup. Grab still works if you prefer it, but the green cars are the ones I'd put you in.