Can Tho taxi tips - How to get a taxi in Can Tho - Prices

Anytime you get in a taxi or other types of vehicle – anything driven by someone else – you might give a little control to that driver and you may be wondering:

• Is it safe to get a taxi here?
• How do you get a taxi?
• Are there any taxi scams here?
• Could you get a taxi at the last minute?

To make your journey even more wonderful, Fabulous Mekong Eco-tours gives you a few tips when taking a taxi in Can Tho.

Getting a taxi in Can Tho

Hailing a taxi is very easy in Can Tho, they are always willing to stop (unless it is raining). Here’re some ways to get a cab in Can Tho that you should take note of

Getting a taxi from Can Tho airport

As soon as you step out of the airport, you will see many taxis available for you to choose from. Currently, many taxi companies provide shuttle services from Can Tho airport to the city center such as Mai Linh Taxi, Khanh Cuong Taxi, etc.

Ask the price before you decide to get in a taxi and also look up Google Map to know the distance from the airport to the place you want. Moreover, when you get inside the taxi, make sure the meter is running. If you see the meter off, remind the driver to turn it on. This will help you get the right and suitable price. 

Getting a taxi by hand gesture

To get a taxi while you are on the road, outside a hotel, restaurant, or a tourist place, you can signal with your hand. This is one of the popular and convenient ways in Viet Nam.

To give drivers the signals, you should use your whole hand, and follow this direction:

• First, point your arms out and place your palms face down. 
• Second, you will then move your hand up and down like you beckon someone.

Getting a taxi by calling taxi company in Can Tho

There are some places where taxis are not available, you should call the operator directly to rent a taxi. These are two popular taxi companies in Can Tho:

Khanh Cuong Taxi 

• Call center: +84 29 23 86 86 86
• Fares: from 10.700 VND/km (about $0,41)

Mai Linh Taxi 

• Call center: +84 292 3 65 65 65
• Fares: from 12.000 VND/km (about $0,5)

Remember the name of the taxi company you take and also take a photo of the license plate number. This will help you if you forget something in the taxi, you can always call that taxi company’s switchboard to assist in finding the lost items.

Getting out of the taxi

Remember to check your personal belongings such as mobile phones, wallets, identification documents, etc. before leaving the taxi.

Prices and Tipping Prices

Prices

Taxi prices in Can Tho are very affordable. The initial taxi fare is only 12,000 VND/km (about $0.5) depending on the taxi company and the meter will charge based on the distance traveled.

Before taking a taxi, check if you have small bills such as 20,000 VND, or 50,000 VND. If you are only carrying large bills like 500,000 VND, you can ask to be taken to a nearby convenience store, or you can also visit a convenience store before getting in a taxi, to exchange them for smaller bills. This helps you to avoid the case that the driver does not have enough change for you when you pay large bills.

Tipping

In Vietnam, tipping is optional. The suitable tips for drivers should be around 20,000 – 50,000 VND (about $0.86 – $2.15) or even more if you feel satisfied with the service. 

Speaking English or Vietnamese 

When taking a taxi, there will be many taxi drivers who do not speak English. Therefore it is very convenient if you learn a few Vietnamese phrases such as:

• Turn left – rẽ trái 
• Turn right – rẽ phải 
• Go straight – đi thẳng 
• Stop here – dừng lại ở đây 

In addition, you can also use Google Translate or other translation apps, type in what you want to say and then you can show it to the driver.

Things you need to take into account when getting a taxi in Can Tho

Taxi scams

Taxi tour guides 

Sometimes there are some taxi drivers who will try to take you to massage parlors or other sketchy places even though you have no need to go there. Because they can get some commission after taking you there.

However, don’t be too quick to dismiss taxi drivers’ suggestions, especially when you’ve asked them. Because they drive here every day and they can give some of the newest and best destinations.

Ripping off the price

Some drivers often use an adjusted meter to increase their price higher than usual. In some cases, if traveling short distances they may even refuse to use the meter, asking for a higher fee instead.

When faced with a situation of being scammed, you should:

• In mild cases such as you being ripped off the price, after getting out of the taxi safely, you can call the switchboard of that taxi company to complain.
• However, in case of emergency, please call the hotline to polices + 113
• In case, you have any complaints about Tourism service in Can Tho you can contact Can Tho city tourism development center via hotline: (+84) 888 177 666

Tips to avoid the scams

Determining destination

Have a map ready in hand or use the location on Google Maps and determine the distance between where you are and where you need to go. When sitting in a taxi, always check the map to avoid the driver driving around.

Using a reputable taxi

To avoid the risk of choosing an unreliable taxi, you should ask locals or hotel staff about reputable taxi companies, and how to identify taxi companies by color, or their phone number. If you take a taxi on the street, take a car with a clear sign.

Negotiating the price before getting in the taxi

Ask the price before you decide to get in a taxi and also look up Google Maps to know the distance between where you are and where you need to go. Moreover, when you get inside the taxi, make sure the meter is running. If you see the meter off, remind the driver to turn it on. This will help you get the right and suitable price. 

Wandering around Can Tho by GrabCar

Grab is a technology vehicle application with diverse services such as booking cars, and motorbikes, ordering food and delivering, etc. It is a completely free application that is compatible with many platforms and devices.

GrabCar is a connecting service for passenger cars under 9 seats in the form of e-contract vehicles in Vietnam. The price will be displayed right on the application, you just need to pay the correct amount and enjoy the trip with peace of mind.

After downloading the application and creating a Grab account, when you need to book a car, you just need to open the network, locate GPS and book a car.

Download Grab App:

FAQ

Tips for traveling in Can Tho:

• Best time to visit Can Tho
• Where to stay in Can Tho