LOCAL TRAVEL APPS · ASIA

Essential Apps for Travelers in Vietnam

The very first thing you should do the moment you step out of immigration is get a local SIM or eSIM – without it almost nothing works (no ride-hailing, no mobile payments, no maps, no OTPs). Vietnam runs 100 % on local phone numbers.

8 Apps Curated Hotels in Vietnam
Hotels in Vietnam Compare deals on Trip.com — free cancellation options on many stays.
Check Prices

Step 1 – Get Connected (Do This First!)

  • Physical SIM at the airport (easiest): Official booths of Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone are right in the arrivals hall (after customs). Prices are fixed and fair. Best tourist plans 2025: – Viettel: 300 000 VND ≈ 12 USD → 7 GB/day + calls, valid 30 days – Mobifone: 250 000 VND ≈ 10 USD → 5 GB/day, 30 days Staff speak English, insert the SIM for you, and activate instantly. Takes 3 minutes.
  • eSIM (even faster – recommended if your phone supports it): Buy before you land or at the airport via: – Viettel eSIM: scan QR code at their booth – Airalo, Nomad, Mobimatter, or Holafly (global providers) – search “Vietnam 30 days unlimited” plans from 9–25 USD Activate the moment you turn off airplane mode → internet before you reach immigration.
  • Once you have internet, download the apps below. Everything else becomes easy.

Top Apps You’ll Actually Use Every Day

Grab (full English)

Rides, motorbikes, food delivery, and GrabMart (groceries & souvenirs to your hotel in <30 min).

GrabMart (inside Grab app)

Perfect for sunscreen, water, snacks, or ordering from local minimarts when you don’t want to leave the hotel.

Tiki (full English)

100 % Vietnamese e-commerce giant. Books, genuine coffee, tea, fashion, silk scarves, handicrafts, electronics – fast free delivery nationwide. Use “TikiNOW” for 2-hour delivery in big cities.

Sendo (partial English)

Another fully local platform – cheap fashion, handmade items, local snacks. Great for supporting small sellers.

MoMo

Vietnam’s #1 payment app. Scan QR codes everywhere (street food, cafés, shops). Top up with cash at any Circle K or 7-Eleven.

Xanh SM

Vietnam’s all-electric ride-hailing (VinFast cars). Clean, green, and widely available in Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang.

Zalo

Messaging app every hotel, tour guide, and local friend uses. Switch to English in settings.

Google Maps + Google Translate (offline)

Download the Vietnam map and Vietnamese language pack before you leave Wi-Fi.

Quick Checklist When You Land

  1. Buy SIM or activate eSIM → instant internet
  2. Open App Store / Google Play → download Grab + Tiki + MoMo
  3. Book Grab car or Xanh SM to your hotel
  4. Everything else works from there!

Conclusion

Get a local SIM (or eSIM) the second you arrive → install Grab + Xanh SM +Tiki + MoMo → you’re now traveling and shopping like a local while supporting Vietnamese companies. Enjoy Vietnam the way it’s meant to be experienced!

Planning a trip to Vietnam?

Build a free day-by-day AI itinerary — sights, routes and where to stay.

Plan with AI →