Essential Travel Apps for vietnam

Essential Apps for Travelers in Vietnam

Traveling to Vietnam can be an incredible experience, but navigating daily life there often requires using local apps. Many of these apps are not available in English, but they are indispensable for making payments, finding restaurants, translating text, and more. Below is a guide to the most important apps you'll need, along with tips on how to prepare before and after arriving.

Before You Arrive in Vietnam

Purchase a Vietnamese SIM Card: Buy a SIM card at the airport or nearby telecom booths upon arrival. Major providers like Viettel, MobiFone, and Vinaphone offer prepaid plans with data (e.g., 1 week = USD$10). These SIMs enable app connectivity without needing a Vietnamese ID card.
Download Essential Apps: Install apps like MoMo or Grab internationally if possible, but registration may require a Vietnamese number. Most apps work once you're connected locally and have entered your phone number.

Top Apps for Travelers in Vietnam

1. MoMo (Momo)

Language: Vietnamese (Limited English support)
What It Does: Vietnam's largest mobile wallet. Use for QR payments at shops, restaurants, and transport, bill payments, and even booking flights/hotels.
How to Set Up: Register using your Vietnamese SIM's number. Verify via OTP and link a bank account to add funds. MoMo offers cash top-up at 7-Eleven stores.
Tips: Enable notifications to follow transaction alerts. Scan QR codes with the app instead of wallet options for faster cashier use.

2. ViettelPay (ViettelPay)

Language: Vietnamese (Few English features)
What It Does: A secure payment app for utilities, QR payments nationwide, and transferring money. Allows access to Viettel's cash bonuses for first-time users.
How to Set Up: Download the app and enter your number. Confirm via OTP, then add a linked bank account for withdrawals/top-ups.
Tips: Scan promotion codes provided by sales staff for extra intro credit (common in airports).

3. Grab (Grab)

Language: Vietnamese (English interface available)
What It Does: Vietnam's leading ride-hailing platform offering cars, bikes, and motorbikes. Also includes food delivery (via Now) and airport transfers.
How to Set Up: Download with your Vietnamese number, then select English in settings. Link payments to credit cards or e-wallets for quick rides.
Tips: Use tipping function by setting a desired amount (e.g., $2-3) to tip drivers promptly.

4. Now by Grab (NOW)

Language: Vietnamese (Partial English availability)
What It Does: A food delivery service under Grab offering menus from local chain restaurants and family-owned eateries in major cities.
How to Set Up: Open/Sign into Grab, navigate to Now section within the app. Use Vietnamese number for account registration.
Tips: Scan QR codes on restaurant entryways for instant access to their menus in the app. Search for English-friendly options to reduce language barriers.

5. Zalo (Zalo)

Language: Vietnamese (English chat option)
What It Does: Vietnam's version of WeChat. Use it for messaging, group discussions, social sharing, and payments via ZaloPay. Many locals use it to coordinate events.
How to Set Up: Link your number for verification. Create a profile, then add friends via scans or invites. Enable Online status to be found easily.
Tips: Join City Groups for travel tips from locals. Use Translate function to chat with Vietnamese speakers.

6. Google Maps (Google Maps)

Language: Multiple languages including English
What It Does: City navigation, real-time traffic updates, and bus routes. Offline maps work well for cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Da Nang.
How to Set Up: Download the app and allow location permissions. Download offline maps for travel spots before leaving internet coverage.
Tips: Save routes offline. Use Street View to pre-explore areas of interest.

7. Shopee & Lazada (Shopee and Lazada)

Language: Vietnamese (some English UI)
What It Does: Amazon-like apps for shopping electronics, fashion, and souvenirs. Shopee features Flash Sales, while Lazada focuses on reputable brands.
How to Set Up: Register with your number. Use Popular or Review-ratings filter to find quality items. Pay via cards or e-wallets for safe transactions.
Tips: Use Google Translate to read non-English listings. Many items ship direct to your hotel!

8. Google Translate (Google Translate)

Language: Many languages, including Vietnamese to English
What It Does: Translate words, sentences, or images. Used commonly for menus, street signs, and on-the-go conversations. Offline support available.
How to Set Up: Download the app and select languages, then download offline translation packs for Vietnam.
Tips: Use camera mode to point at menus or ads. Save frequently used phrases to a Favorites list for quick access.

9. Agoda (Agoda)

Language: English/Global
What It Does: Books everything from airport homestays to luxury hotels nationwide. Rely on guest reviews to avoid scams.
How to Set Up: Create a standard account. Search your destination and dates. Pay via cards, vouchers, or Vietnamese e-wallets.
Tips: Confirm hotel address with Google Maps. Use Cancellation Policy check to safely book last-minute trips.

Tips for Using Apps in Vietnam

Sim Card Essentials: Activate your SIM immediately to access local apps requiring Vietnamese numbers. Airports and central markets offer the best rates (e.g., 7-day data = USD 10).
Digital is Better: Carry small cash for rural vendors or small stores. Big cities expect e-payments (MoMo/ViettelPay preferred).
Offline Mode is Lifesaving: Download city maps and the dictionary on apps before leaving Wi-Fi, especially in mountainous or remote regions.

Conclusion

These Vietnamese apps will transform your journey! Use MoMo for payments, Grab for transport, and Google Maps to navigate. Plus Zalo keeps you connected to locals. Get a SIM card first—you'll quickly feel at home in the vibrant culture! Safe travels!