Taxi is regarded as a safe option for transportation for foreign visitors on their trips in Vietnam with high-quality services and English-speaking driver. However, the price for a catch is not cheap at all. So if one travels alone, why not try xe om – the local transportation service (or so-called as motor taxi). Xe om is cheaper and more interesting way for tourists to get around every corner of the city. Catching a xe om, especially during rush hour, will save you a substantial amount of time and money compared to a taxi, as well as allowing you to experience the city’s traffic first hand.
In most of streets in Vietnam, one can easily find a driver hanging a sign reads “XE OM” in front of his motorbike. Normally the same driver will wait at the same street concern every day and he is willing to carry anyone that offers a very reasonable price.
In Vietnamese, xe om means “hug the driver” but surely you don’t have to commit the act if you don’t want. All xe om are fully equipped for passengers so there is no need to bring your personal helmet. One simply put the helmet on and sit behind the back of the driver.
Related: Tips on Motor Taxi in Vietnam
How to make a deal with Xe Om?
First, always remember to agree upon a price to your destination BEFORE you get on the motorbike. Since most xe oms speak little English, haggling may be, at times, difficult. Hand signals work great or actually showing them the amount you are willing to pay.
A motorbike ride should generally be half the price of a taxi ride, so if you are familiar with your destination this is a good starting point. If not, I generally take whatever price the xe om initially offers and cut it by 50%, usually settling at about half. If you’re trying to drive a hard bargain, don’t be afraid to walk away as he will likely call you back. But, remember how much you’re walking away for.
Fun facts about Xe Om
Xe om drivers are regarded as live maps in Vietnam because they do know almost every single corner of the city where they live. Therefore you will not fear being get lost when riding with them. Even when you have no idea where you are, you completely can ask for a way direction from a xe om driver nearby.
The better Vietnamese you can speak the better price you can get. Often xe om drivers find it interesting to listen to foreigners speaking their mother tongue, and possibly you can receive some discount for this effort.
If you wish to travel to many amazing local places with this kind of service, you should contact to a travel agent to book a full day tour with a trust-worth xe om driver.
Fiona