How to Change the Location on Grab to Book a Ride: A Guide for Foreigners in Vietnam

For foreigners living in Vietnam and foreign teachers who want to teach English, navigating the bustling cities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang can be challenging. Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing app, has become an essential tool for getting around, offering easy-to-use and widely available ride-booking services.

However, if you're new to Vietnam or the Grab app, figuring out how to change your pick-up or drop-off location while booking a ride is tricky. You can change your location on Grab by dragging the green pin on the map to your desired destination or change the location manually in Settings. The app will show you an updated fare before you proceed to the new drop-off point.

Why Grab is Essential for Foreigners in Vietnam

Grab has become a go-to service for both locals and foreigners in Vietnam. The app is available in all major cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, and it provides various transportation options such as GrabCar, GrabBike, and GrabTaxi. For foreigners living in Vietnam, especially those unfamiliar with the local language or transportation systems, Grab offers an accessible and reliable way to travel.

Some key advantages of using Grab in Vietnam include:

• Ease of Use: The app has an English-language option, making it easy for non-Vietnamese speakers to navigate.
• Safety: Grab has safety features such as GPS tracking, driver ratings, and emergency contacts, providing peace of mind for riders.
• Cashless Payment: You can link your international credit or debit card to the app, allowing for cashless transactions, which is particularly helpful if you’re not carrying Vietnamese dong.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Location on Grab

Changing your location on Grab is a simple process, whether it’s your pick-up point or destination. However, knowing the proper steps to avoid confusion is essential, especially in a hurry. Below is a detailed guide on modifying your location while booking a ride on Grab in Vietnam.

1. Changing Your Pick-Up Location

Sometimes, the app might not detect your correct pick-up location, or you may want to be picked up from a different spot. Here are two steps to change your pick-up location:

1.1 Change location by dragging the pin

• Step 1: Before confirming your ride, tap the pick-up location field at the top of the screen (it shows your current location by default).
• Step 2: Drag the green pin on the map to your desired location.
• Step 3: Once you’ve set the new pick-up point, the app will adjust the estimated time for the driver to reach you. Confirm that the new location is correct before proceeding.

1.2 Change location by Settings 

• Step 1: Open the Grab App and log in to your account.
• Step 2: Go to "Account" by tapping on the profile icon at the bottom of the screen.
• Step 3: Select "Settings" from the menu.
• Step 4: Tap on "Location" and choose "Manage Location"
• Step 5: Select "Update Manually"
• Step 6: Use the search bar to find and select your desired country.
• Step 7: Finally, tap "Confirm" to save your updated location.

Tips:

• If you’re changing your pick-up location to a busy or hard-to-find area, consider messaging your driver through the app to give them clear instructions.
• Grab offers a feature called "Meet at a Point," which suggests safe and convenient meeting points for you and the driver if the exact location is challenging.

2. Changing Your Destination After Booking

If your plans change mid-ride, Grab allows you to modify your destination even after booking the ride. Here’s how to do it:

• Step 1: In your Grab app, tap on your current drop-off location.
• Step 2: Let your driver know you want to change your destination.
• Step 3: Enter the new destination & you’ll be shown an updated fare.
• Step 4: Confirm the change and ride to your new drop-off point.

Tips:

• Remember that changing the destination may affect the fare, so be prepared for any adjustments in the total cost.
• It’s courteous to inform your driver if you’ll change your destination during the ride.

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

While Grab is generally reliable, foreigners may encounter some common issues when changing their location. Here’s how to deal with them:

1. GPS Inaccuracy

If your GPS is not accurately detecting your location, try the following:

• Ensure your phone’s location services are turned on and set to "High Accuracy."
• Restart the Grab app to refresh the GPS signal.
• If the GPS is still off, manually adjust your pick-up location on the map.

2. Language Barriers

If you have difficulty communicating with your driver due to language barriers, you can:

• Use the in-app messaging feature, including auto-translate messages between you and the driver.
• Have an essential Vietnamese phrase or location name ready if the driver calls you.

3. Incorrect Pick-Up or Drop-Off Location

If your driver arrives at the wrong pick-up location or you’ve entered the wrong drop-off point, you can:

• Use the in-app calling or messaging feature to guide your driver to the correct spot.
• Double-check the pin on the map before confirming your ride to avoid errors.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Ride Booking Experience

To make your experience with Grab in Vietnam as seamless as possible, here are some additional tips:

• Book in Advance: If you know your travel plans, booking a ride in advance through the app can save you time and ensure availability, especially during peak hours or in high-demand areas.
• Monitor Traffic: Vietnam’s cities can be notorious for traffic congestion, particularly during rush hours. Use the app to check traffic conditions before booking a ride, and consider allowing extra time if you’re heading to a necessary appointment.
• Save Frequent Locations: If you frequently travel to specific places like your school or favorite café, save them in the app for faster booking in the future.

For foreigners living in Vietnam and foreign teachers, Grab is an invaluable tool that simplifies getting around in a country where language barriers and busy streets can be challenging. Knowing how to change your location on Grab, whether it’s your pick-up or destination, ensures that your ride booking experience is smooth and stress-free.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently navigate the Grab app, making your time in Vietnam more enjoyable. Whether you’re headed to a teaching assignment, exploring the city, or running errands, Grab offers the convenience and flexibility needed to make the most of your experience in Vietnam.

If you are wondering the details about how to book a grab, you can follow this article:

How to book Grab as a foreigner