Guide for Renting a Motorbike in Saigon

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Guide for Renting a Motorbike in Saigon

2021-07-23

If this is your first time coming to Vietnam, we firmly believe that one of the things that surprises you the most is “Why are there so many motorbikes?”. Most households in Vietnam own at least 1 motorbike with an average of 2 motorbikes per household. Without a developed public transportation system (as other countries in Asia count with), Vietnamese Citizens choose motorbikes as their primary method for transportation. For those expats/foreigners who have just arrived in Vietnam, renting a motorbike can have huge financial benefits. As a top property agent in Ho Chi Minh that specialize in foreign customers, JRE not only supports expats in finding their ideal homes but also in easing their transition into Vietnamese culture.

Why do expats often prefer to ride motorbikes in Vietnam?

As mentioned before, Vietnam does not count with a developed public transportation system, so foreigners will not find many options other than taxis, private cars, and moto-taxis. The main difference between the three options is off course the overall cost, taxis are usually the most expensive method of transportation followed by private cars (GRAB, BE) and moto-taxi services. Due to the high cost that either of those methods could have over a long period of time, some foreigners prefer renting motorbikes as a long-term solution for saving cost.

There are two popular types of motorbike rental: short-term rental and long-term rental.

Short-term motorbike rental: It is possible to rent a motorbike for a day or two to tour the streets of Vietnam. You pay by the hour or by day and can usually renew the rent or sublease very easily if you want. The price is about 150,000 VND ($ 7 USD) / day. This is only a reference price and not guaranteed to apply everywhere because the price depends on where you rent the motorbike, the type of motorbike and how long you will use it.

Long-term motorbike: If you are living in Ho Chi Minh City or are just visiting for a while and don't want to spend money on taxis, you can choose to rent a motorbike long term. Many companies rent motorbikes for a long time at a weekly or even monthly rate, the longer the rental, the better. That means you will save a lot of money with this long term rental compared to single day rental. VND 1 million ($ 45) to VND 3 million ($ 145) / month.

TIPS WHEN RENTING A MOTORBIKE IN SAIGON

1. Rental Documentation Required

If you are Vietnamese National or a foreigner with Vietnamese nationality then you are required to submit a copy of your driving license and ID card. In case you are a foreign tourist or a foreign TRC holder you only need a copy of your passport/TRC.

2. Inquire about the basic instructions: Before renting a motorbike, you should know about the main basic uses of the motorbike and each one of its buttons.

3. Please allow 1 simple test: You should do so to first check whether the motorbike you are about to rent is working well, whether the engine starts up easily or not. You should choose a motorbike that suits you best, because each one has its own feeling of driving.

4. Check the quality of your helmet: A helmet is your indomitable object when going out on the street with a motorcycle. Part of it is a mandatory law in Vietnam, on the other hand, helmets are your protection against your life. So make sure they're of good quality and clean, or you can go and buy one for yourself.

5. Read the contract carefully before signing: You should carefully read the terms of the contract to understand the benefits and services you will receive. On the contrary, know your responsibilities as a renter.

6. UNDERSTAND BASIC VIETNAMESE TRAFFICS LAWS