Job Discussion Forums

[Hayleyjoann]

Hi,

I'm moving to HCMC in November and my biggest concern is transportation. I'm a white female in my early 20's and would like to know what methods (i.e. taxi, bike, etc) are safest in your experience. I've been searching around on the internet, but I'm more interested in personal experience. Anything you can share will be wonderful!

Thanks!

[snollygoster]

Xe Om- (motorbike taxi) is the probably the most convenient way- There are taxis of course, but more expensive. City buses go to most areas, and are quite inexpensive, but you need to keep up to date with the routes and times- Some dont run at night.

MOD EDIT

[withaciderinsideyer]

the transportation here sucks

i spent 4 yrs in bkk where you can sit in a taxi for 2 hrs to go 1 or 2 km but hcmc is mental

i have never seen so many bikes - i have been here about a week but trying to stroll around the centre in the evening became a nightmare as the whole width of the street becomes clogged with a sea of motorcyclists and bicycles so that they were also riding on the pavements and traffic coming at you from both directions as people ride in any direction they please

crossing roads is like a death-defying circus act and involves dodging a succession of bikes coming at high speeds and with no intention of stopping to let you cross the zebra crossings

what wouldnt i give for an mrt or skytrain

[inky]

Well, if it's such a paradise, I guess you should go back to Bangkok.

[Hayleyjoann]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I've heard the motorbike taxis are the way to go about the city... I'll find out for myself shortly! I know there is a helmet law, do motorbike taxi drivers offer helmets to their riders?
Are the bikes marked so one knows they're taxis or is it more or less people offering rides?

Again, thank you for anything you can share.

inky, maybe you should leave your negative posts on another topic.

[inky]

My post was negative!? Sheesh. Quote: "The transportation here sucks." That's not negative? It was posted by someone who's been in HCMC for less than a week!

The transportation is actually quite convenient, xe oms are swift and inexpensive. No, they are not marked. But they are everywhere that you'll be. Yes, there is a rush hour and things can get hectic. Just plan your transport to avoid being on the road then, just like in L.A. Yes, the xe om drivers usually have helmets. If they don't have a spare helmet, avoid them, they are freelancing. The good ones are semi-professional and proud of it. If you find one you like, get his number and you'll have a chauffeur, very convenient for both parties. And you should be very careful about selecting a driver, some of them are drunk, and some think they are very handsome and that you won't be able to resist them. They're basically harmless, but don't let them strap your bag to their handlebars (literally and figuratively). And late at night PHONE for a Mai Linh taxi, put their # on your speed dial, pay a few dollars for safety and security, don't mess with xe oms or stray taxis late at night.

[Hayleyjoann]

inky,

That post you just left was so helpful, thank you very much! Can I tell you to leave your posts here if they're as informative as that last one?