If you'd like to move around in Bali, you may use either one of these apps: Grab or Gojek. Grab is usually more reliable, but typically a bit more expensive, but Gojek is cheaper. If you need to make sure you get somewhere on time, I'd use Grab, but Gojek can help you save money on longer or more flexible trips. You may also choose to take a scooter for even cheaper options.
Tuk-tuks are those three-wheeled vehicles you'll see everywhere, and they're genuinely fun for getting around—I'd say they're about as fast as regular taxis in most situations, though back in 2014 they seemed quicker when there was less traffic congestion overall. You can fit three people fairly comfortably if you're not hauling luggage, but here's the thing that concerns me now more than it did when I first started traveling: you'll want to negotiate the fare before you get in [no meters], and you should know you're exposed to pretty significant pollution from the vehicles around you and honestly, there's minimal safety protection in case of an accident, which weighs on my mind more as I've gotten older and learned about these things.
Songthaews are perhaps the most practical option for budget-conscious travellers in smaller Thai cities; these converted pickup trucks operate on set routes and cost very little per journey. Motorcycle taxis, identifiable by their bright orange vests, offer faster point-to-point service and seem particularly suited to solo travellers or those in a hurry. Tuk-tuks remain available for those with luggage or travelling in groups, though they are generally more expensive than the other options. It appears that most drivers do not use formal ride-hailing apps in provincial areas; payment is typically arranged directly with the driver or settled in cash at your destination. Wave your hand from the roadside to signal a songthaew, and negotiate fares beforehand with motorcycle taxi and tuk-tuk drivers if rates are not displayed.
Grab beats taxis every time in Hanoi. Fixed pricing means no meter disputes, driver ratings keep things honest, and you're not gambling on whether your taxi driver's actually taking you the right way. Payment's seamless through the app—cash or card, your call—and surge pricing is transparent rather than some cabbie deciding you look like a tourist who won't notice the detour. Walking the Old Quarter's fine for short distances, but Grab's genuinely cheaper than private transfers and faster than buses when traffic's not a nightmare.
Grab works fine for short trips around the city, costs less per ride, and you pay through the app. For longer sightseeing routes to temples or outside areas, renting a private car makes more sense because you control the schedule and it's cheaper per hour if you're doing multiple stops. Grab surge pricing kicks in during rush hours, so keep that in mind.
Most rental shops in Vietnam won't ask too many questions about your International Driving Permit or local license—they're generally more interested in your cash deposit than your credentials. That said, you're technically supposed to have an IDP or a valid motorcycle license from your home country, and if you get pulled over, having the paperwork sorted makes life easier. The enforcement is pretty lax in tourist areas, but you'll want proper bike insurance sorted before you hit the road, and maybe accept that riding a scooter through Hanoi's traffic is genuinely one of the more intense cultural experiences available. Rent from a reputable place, not some hostel guy, because their bikes are usually maintained better and you won't end up stranded in rural Quảng Bình with a seized engine.
Booking opens 60 to 90 days ahead for long routes. Short journeys under two hours may open only days before departure. The system prioritizes full-length bookings over partial legs. Online booking through third-party sites is available use vexere.com works great.
Riding a motorbike in Vietnam requires proper documentation, as foreign licenses alone do not satisfy local legal requirements. One must obtain an International Driving Permit that Vietnam recognises, or alternatively convert one's home country license to a Vietnamese license, though this process presents considerable complexity for most travellers. Enforcement of these regulations varies, Nha Trang seems to be seasonal. Da Nang happens all the time.
Download the app "jakojade" for an all purpose transport app. You can use it in any city in Poland and it allows you to buy different transport tickets (single journey, day passes, weekend passes) and you can book intercity trains with it. You can top up funds with your credit card and the app can be set to English. Much more convenient than stumbling through ticket terminals or queuing at the clerk's window at train stations.
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