Planning a trip with a private driver and not sure whether you need a credit card, a deposit or local currency? The answer is simpler than with a self-drive rental. Most travelers pay in cash or by bank transfer, and many companies ask for nothing upfront. This guide explains how to pay for a private car in Vietnam, what to confirm in your quote and whether to tip the driver. If you have not booked yet, start with our guide to hiring a car with a driver in Ho Chi Minh City.
Do you need a credit card to hire a car with a driver?
No. In many countries, self-drive rental companies ask for a credit card so they can hold a deposit against damage. With a car and a driver, the company keeps control of the vehicle, so it has less reason to hold your card. Most private car companies in Vietnam take cash or bank transfer instead.
At Vietnam Car Rental, you do not need a credit card or a deposit to book. You share your trip, we send a quote, and you pay for your private car in Vietnam in cash or by bank transfer.
Ways to pay for a private car in Vietnam
Cash in Vietnamese dong
Cash is the simplest option for most visitors. Private car companies quote fares in Vietnamese dong (VND), so paying in dong avoids exchange questions on the day. You will find ATMs at Tan Son Nhat Airport and across the city. Banks and exchange counters also change money.
A few tips for paying in cash:
- Check the number of zeros. Vietnamese notes run from small denominations up to 500,000 VND, and some notes look alike at a glance.
- Carry the exact fare or close to it, especially for early-morning pickups.
- Keep your quote at hand so you and the driver agree on the amount.
Bank transfer
Bank transfers are part of daily life in Vietnam, and people often pay by scanning a QR code in a banking app. With a Vietnamese bank account, or a payment app that can send money to Vietnamese banks, a transfer is quick and you do not need to carry cash.
If you plan to pay from a bank outside Vietnam, check this with the company first. International transfers can take longer and your bank may charge fees, so cash is often easier for a single trip.
Credit and debit cards
Ride-hailing apps let you pay by card inside the app, and hotels and larger travel agencies often accept cards. Private car companies and drivers generally prefer cash or bank transfer. If you want to pay by card, ask when you request a quote, not at the end of the trip.
Deposits and paying in advance
Some companies may ask for a deposit, especially for long trips, multi-day hire or peak dates. Others, like Vietnam Car Rental, do not. Before you pay for a private car in Vietnam, ask:
- Is a deposit required, and how much?
- Is the deposit refundable if your plans change?
- When is the rest of the fare due?
With Vietnam Car Rental, there is no deposit and nothing to pay before your trip. That also means you do not need to send card details or make an international transfer just to secure a booking.
What the fare should include
Before you pay anything, make sure you know what the price covers. A quote that looks cheap can cost more once you add tolls, parking or waiting time. A clear quote for a car with a driver should state:
- the vehicle type and number of seats,
- the pickup time, pickup point and every stop,
- whether the fare covers fuel, tolls, parking and the driver’s expenses,
- whether the company charges for waiting time,
- how and when you pay.
At Vietnam Car Rental, the fare is per vehicle and includes the driver, fuel, tolls, parking and the driver’s expenses. There is no waiting charge if your flight lands late. For example, a transfer between Tan Son Nhat Airport and the inner-city districts costs 300,000 VND in a 4- or 7-seat car, all included. Our guide to what sets the fare for a car with driver covers longer routes and round trips.
Should you tip the driver?
Tipping is not required in Vietnam, and it is not part of the fare. Many travelers leave a small tip in cash for a driver who was punctual, helped with luggage or waited patiently at extra stops. If you tip, hand it to the driver directly at the end of the trip.
How to book and pay with Vietnam Car Rental
- Send your plan. Share your dates, pickup point, stops and number of passengers by phone, WhatsApp or Zalo, or by email. If you are not sure where to start, our guide to airport or city pickup can help.
- Get a quote. We reply with one all-inclusive price for your trip.
- Confirm. You do not need a deposit or a credit card.
- Pay in cash or by bank transfer.
Still deciding whether to drive yourself in Vietnam or hire a driver? A self-drive rental usually means a card deposit, while a car with a driver usually does not.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hire a car with driver in Vietnam without a credit card?
Yes. Most private car companies in Vietnam take cash or bank transfer. Vietnam Car Rental does not need a credit card or a deposit to book.
Should I pay the driver in Vietnamese dong?
Yes. Paying in Vietnamese dong is the easiest option, because private car companies quote their fares in dong. You can withdraw cash at ATMs at Tan Son Nhat Airport and throughout Ho Chi Minh City.
Do I have to pay a deposit for a private car in Vietnam?
It depends on the company, so ask before you book. Vietnam Car Rental asks for no deposit and nothing upfront.
Do I need to tip my driver in Vietnam?
Tipping is not required. A small cash tip is a common way to thank a driver for good service, but it is up to you.
Get a quote with nothing to pay upfront
Vietnam Car Rental provides cars with professional drivers from 4 to 45 seats, 24 hours a day. Send your dates, pickup point and stops by phone, WhatsApp or Zalo on 0824 921 921, or contact us by email, and we will reply with one all-inclusive price.
