EasyTicket On your first day in Ho Chi Minh City, following the order connect to mobile data → exchange a small amount of cash → request a Grab → head to your accommodation will make things much less stressful. Rather than exchanging all your money at the airport, prepare enough Vietnamese dong for your first ride and a few small payments before heading into the city.
Your First 24 Hours After Arrival: What to Do First
Get Online Before You Exchange Money
EasyTicket’s recommended arrival order starts with getting online before exchanging money in Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll need your phone for booking a Grab, chatting with the driver, and checking maps, so install an eSIM before departure. For a physical SIM, use an airport counter or an official carrier store.
Getting from the Airport to Central Ho Chi Minh City
According to Grab, the trip from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to central Ho Chi Minh City is 7km and takes an average of 25~40 minutes. Rather than hailing a taxi immediately outside arrivals, enter your accommodation’s address in the app, check the vehicle type and estimated fare, then book. (Source: Grab)
If you have large luggage and are traveling with two or more people, compare GrabCar. If you’re traveling alone with just a backpack, compare GrabBike too. GrabBike is designed for one passenger with light luggage.
Ho Chi Minh City Currency Exchange, Travel Cards, and Local Payments
Prepare Small Cash for the First Day
Exchange only what you need at the airport for the first day, then compare authorized banks and exchange agents in the city. According to State Bank of Vietnam information, foreign-currency exchange agents operate at designated locations after completing the required registration process. Keep your exchange receipt, as you may need it to exchange the money back. (Source: State Bank of Vietnam)
| Payment method | How you’ll use it on day one | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnamese dong cash | Cash payments for Grab, small market purchases | Keep the exchange receipt |
| Travel card | Shops that accept card payments | Overseas online-payment settings |
| Grab app payments | Booking rides and paying in the app | Confirm the payment method before booking |
| Transit pass | Compare after your route is set rather than on day one | Check your subway plans |
Check the Denominations and Receipt Before Leaving the Counter
Rather than taking out a large amount at once, split up the cash you need and keep it in separate places. At the exchange counter, check the denominations of the Vietnamese dong and the receipt immediately, then separate what you’ll take to the market from what you’ll keep at your accommodation.
How to Choose a SIM or eSIM
Installing an eSIM Before Departure Is Easier
An eSIM lets you activate service on your phone without swapping a physical SIM. If you want to check how to use Grab as soon as you arrive, confirming that installation and activation can be completed before departure will make the transfer to your accommodation smoother.
Choose an Official Seller for a Physical SIM
Your options for a physical SIM include an airport counter and an official carrier store. Check passport registration, the data allowance, and whether tethering is available before buying; that can help prevent the connection from dropping on the way to your accommodation.
How to Use Grab at the Airport: Tips and Precautions
Check the Destination and Pickup Point Before Booking
On the Grab app, enter the exact address as your destination instead of just the accommodation name, then go to the pickup point shown in the app. Grab pickup for international arrivals at Tan Son Nhat Airport is directed to the parking area. Before getting in, check that the vehicle number and driver details match what the app shows.
Use the App to Confirm the Fare and Payment Method
GrabCar shows the fare before booking, though GrabTaxi may be an exception. Choose one of the available payment methods—cash, credit card, debit card, or GrabPay—before you book. If you need to communicate with the driver, use the in-app chat, and you can also share your location while en route.
When to Visit Ben Thanh Market and a Suggested First-Day Route
Ben Thanh Market Has Different Day and Night Hours
Ben Thanh Market is open daily from 7:00~19:00, while the night market runs from 19:00~24:00. Explore the indoor market during the day; if you arrive in the evening, center your itinerary on the night-market atmosphere.
Knowing the Entrance Locations Helps You Find Your Way
The main entrance is on Quach Thi Trang Square, the north gate is by Le Thanh Ton Street, the east gate by Phan Boi Chau Street, and the west gate by Phan Chu Trinh Street. If you plan to buy something inside, check the price, payment methods, and whether a receipt is available before paying.
First-Day Checklist and FAQ
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Install and log in to the Grab app
- Install an eSIM or confirm where to buy a physical SIM
- Check the travel card’s overseas-payment settings
- Prepare a wallet for keeping your Ho Chi Minh City exchange receipt
- Save your accommodation address in English and the local language
- Decide whether to visit Ben Thanh Market during the day or at night
Do I Need to Exchange All My Money at the Airport in Ho Chi Minh City?
No. Prioritize enough cash for your first ride and a few small payments, then compare authorized exchange services after you reach the city. Splitting your spending between card and cash makes it much easier to manage costs on day one.
Where Do I Catch Grab for International Arrivals at Tan Son Nhat Airport?
After arriving on an international flight, go to the parking-area pickup point shown in the app. Rather than explaining your location separately to the driver, check the app’s directions and chat first.
Should I Visit Ben Thanh Market During the Day or at Night?
For the indoor market, go from 7:00~19:00; for the night-market atmosphere, go from 19:00~24:00. If you arrive late on your first day, starting with the night market makes for a natural route.
For your first day in Ho Chi Minh City, focus on smoothly handling your cash exchange, data connection, and Grab booking rather than cramming in too many places. Once those three are in place, even getting to Ben Thanh Market will feel much easier.