Asia - Taxi counter at SGN

Does anybody know what that counter in arrivals charges for a taxi to the city centre? How does it work? (I'm guessing buy a voucher at fixed price, they walk you outside into the a meter taxi?)

I never bother myself - I'm asking for someone else. I know it will be more expensive, but easier for a bloke unfamiliar with asia, dodgy meters etc.

Thanks.

They generally range from approx. $7.00 USD to $10.00 USD. If they ask more than $8.00 I will negotiate with them or just go to the next window. They will give you a receipt and then walk you outside to a specific taxi. This is easier than dealing with the throng of thousands outside on your own.

They generally range from approx. $7.00 USD to $10.00 USD. If they ask more than $8.00 I will negotiate with them or just go to the next window. They will give you a receipt and then walk you outside to a specific taxi. This is easier than dealing with the throng of thousands outside on your own.
The rate is around 120k VND (6$). No way those crooks at the queue will let you enjoy it. Walk to the domestic terminal (about 500m). Opposite is a parking lot, where the trusted brands Vinasun and Vietin are banned to.

I got a taxi from the domestic terminal for town for about 140k as per the meter. But it was late at night so I didn't get hassled much, even though I am obviously non-Vietnamese.

I never get hassled, but I always insist on the newer cabs Vinasun, the drivers are very good

They generally range from approx. $7.00 USD to $10.00 USD. If they ask more than $8.00 I will negotiate with them or just go to the next window. They will give you a receipt and then walk you outside to a specific taxi. This is easier than dealing with the throng of thousands outside on your own.

Wow, didn't realise it wasn't a fixed price or that there was more than one window. Rather defeats the purpose, but still an improvement!

The rate is around 120k VND (6$). No way those crooks at the queue will let you enjoy it. Walk to the domestic terminal (about 500m). Opposite is a parking lot, where the trusted brands Vinasun and Vietin are banned to.

I never get hassled, but I always insist on the newer cabs Vinasun, the drivers are very good

Yeah, I miss the days pre-the new terminal. Vinasun is my preferred company too, though I also like Vinataxi.

In those days it was better in that they charged the toll inbound. Now they charge outbound - so I find taxi drivers demand it both ways. Inbound (cos they need to pay to get out), outbound (er.. cos there is a toll). All small money of course. Saigon is the cheapest place to get that "ripped off" feeling.

Thanks for the answers!

It's easy to get a Vinasun taxi from the far right of the international departures level.

+1 on Vinasun. Just ignore the others...

Sometimes they will only want USD just tell driver to "run meter in Dong" and all is good.

+1 on Vinasun. Just ignore the others...

Sometimes they will only want USD just tell driver to "run meter in Dong" and all is good.
:confused: I've never had a taxi driver ask me for USD is Saigon. They can't run the meter in anything but Dong.

:confused: I've never had a taxi driver ask me for USD is Saigon. They can't run the meter in anything but Dong.

I regularly get quoted a price in USD (though more commonly in Hanoi than HCMC) by the touts - not so much by the drivers.

Far right departures level? Is the Vinasun "fixer" still hanging around upstairs there? My last trip was Dec and I'm trying to give directions to FTer ainternational.

Far right, departures level, behind the Domino's Pizza stand.

Person was still there as of May this year. A couple of other companies have started to hang out there too, but look for the person in the purple tie.