A practical guide for Australian travellers
Introduction
If you are travelling from Australia to Vietnam and planning to use Grab, the setup process can seem confusing — particularly around SMS verification and SIM cards.
Grab works reliably in Vietnam, and Australians can use it without a Vietnamese phone number. The key is understanding how verification works before you arrive.
This guide explains the process clearly so you can set everything up correctly and avoid issues at the airport.
Can Australians Use Grab with an Australian Mobile Number?
Yes.
Grab accepts Australian mobile numbers (+61) for account registration. You can download the app in Australia and create an account using your existing Australian number.
As long as your phone can receive the SMS verification message during setup, the account will activate normally.
Your phone number does not need to be Vietnamese for the app to function in Vietnam.
How Grab SMS Verification Actually Works
Grab verifies your identity by sending a short code via SMS to the phone number you register with.
The process works as follows:
- You enter your mobile number in the app.
- Grab sends a verification code via SMS.
- You enter that code into the app to confirm your account.
If your Australian SIM is active and receiving messages, the process takes less than a minute.
Problems occur when:
- Your phone is in aeroplane mode.
- Roaming is disabled and SMS cannot be received.
- You have already removed your Australian SIM and inserted a Vietnamese SIM.
There is no reliable email fallback. If the SMS does not arrive, you cannot proceed.
Should You Set Up Grab Before Leaving Australia?
Yes. Setting up your account before departure is strongly recommended.
Reasons:
- Your Australian SIM is active and receiving SMS.
- Verification is immediate and simple.
- You can add a payment method on a stable Wi-Fi connection.
- You can book a ride immediately after landing.
You cannot book a Vietnamese ride while in Australia, but you can complete every other part of the setup process.
Taking five minutes to register before you travel removes the most common point of failure.
Do You Need a Vietnamese SIM?
No. You do not need a Vietnamese phone number to use Grab.
Your account can remain registered to your Australian number for the entire trip.
However, you do need internet access to use the app. This can be through:
- Australian international roaming
- A travel eSIM
- A local Vietnamese SIM
- Airport or hotel Wi-Fi
Many Australians purchase a local SIM for cheaper data, but this is separate from account verification.
If you replace your Australian SIM with a Vietnamese one, keep the Australian SIM accessible. If Grab asks you to verify again, the SMS will go to the original registered number.
The Simple Setup Order (Step-by-Step for Australians)
Follow this order to avoid issues.
Before You Fly
- Download the Grab app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Tap “Sign Up.”
- Enter your Australian mobile number using +61 and remove the leading zero (e.g. 0412 becomes +61 412).
- Enter the SMS verification code.
- Add a payment method (Visa or Mastercard issued in Australia work).
Alternatively, choose “Cash.” - Leave the app logged in.
The process takes approximately five minutes.
After You Land
- Enable mobile data or connect to airport Wi-Fi.
- Open Grab.
- Allow location access.
- Enter your destination and confirm the fare shown in the app.
If everything was verified before departure, you can book immediately.
What Happens If You Change SIMs?
Changing SIM cards does not delete your Grab account.
However, if the app requests re-verification, the SMS will be sent to the phone number registered on the account — not the SIM currently inserted.
If this happens, you can:
- Reinsert your Australian SIM temporarily.
- Use a dual-SIM phone to keep both numbers active.
- Place your Australian SIM in a second device to receive the SMS.
Avoid logging out of the app while travelling. Logging back in may trigger another verification request.
Using Grab at Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi Airport
Grab operates at both Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) and Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi).
Important points:
- Rides must be booked through the app.
- Airports have designated ride-hailing pickup areas separate from standard taxi ranks.
- Follow signage for “Ride-hailing” or “App-based taxi.”
- The fare is shown in the app before confirmation.
- Airport tolls may be added to the final fare.
If a driver messages you in Vietnamese, the in-app chat includes automatic translation.
Ensure you have internet access before exiting the terminal so the app can locate your position correctly.
Common Setup Mistakes Australians Make
- Waiting until arrival to create the account.
- Logging out of the app after initial setup.
- Discarding the Australian SIM after switching to a local one.
- Entering the phone number without +61.
- Assuming drivers will call an Australian number (most communicate through in-app chat).
- Not checking the vehicle registration plate before entering the car.
Avoiding these errors prevents most problems.
Quick FAQs
Can I use Grab without a Vietnamese phone number?
Yes. An Australian number is sufficient.
Does Grab work across all of Vietnam?
It operates in major cities and most tourist areas. Availability may be limited in remote regions.
Can I pay with an Australian credit or debit card?
Yes. Visa and Mastercard issued in Australia are accepted. Cash is also available as a payment option.
What if I do not receive the SMS verification code?
Check that your Australian SIM has signal and that SMS is enabled. If you have already swapped SIMs, reinsert the original SIM to receive the code.
Is Grab safe in Vietnam?
You can view the driver’s name, photo, vehicle details, and rating before confirming the ride. Fares are shown upfront, which improves transparency compared to street taxis.
Final Summary — The One Rule to Remember
Set up and verify your Grab account in Australia before you travel.
Keep your Australian SIM accessible in case the app requests verification again.
As long as the phone number registered in your Grab account can receive SMS when needed, the app will function normally in Vietnam.
Five minutes of preparation before departure can prevent unnecessary complications on arrival.