The Apps I Use Every Day In Vietnam
These are the apps I found myself using time and time again.
Spending time living in Vietnam during my travels taught me that having the right apps on your phone can make everyday life much easier.
Whether I was booking transport, ordering food, finding a great coffee shop, translating a menu, or planning my next adventure, these are the apps I found myself using time and time again.
This isn’t a list of every app available in Vietnam—it’s simply the ones that genuinely made my experience smoother, more convenient, and far more enjoyable.
Grab
If there’s one app I couldn’t live without in Vietnam, it’s Grab.
I use it for everything from booking motorbike taxis and cars to ordering food, getting groceries delivered, and even sending packages across the city.
It’s easily one of the most useful apps you’ll have on your phone.
iPhone users: Click here to get it on iOS.
Android users: Click here to install it on Android.
Google Maps
I use Google Maps every single day.
Whether I’m riding my motorbike across the city, finding my next destination, or searching for the highest-rated coffee shops, restaurants and attractions nearby, it’s an app I constantly rely on.
iPhone users: Click here to get it on iOS.
Android users: Click here to install it on Android.
Waze
Although I mainly use Google Maps, I also keep Waze on my phone.
It’s a great alternative for navigating Vietnam’s busy roads, with live traffic updates that can help you avoid congestion.
iPhone users: Click here to get it on iOS.
Android users: Click here to install it on Android.
Google Translate
Google Translate has made communicating with locals so much easier.
I regularly use the microphone feature to have simple conversations, and the camera translation tool is brilliant for reading menus, signs and other Vietnamese text.
iPhone users: Click here to get it on iOS.
Android users: Click here to install it on Android.
Duolingo
I’m always trying to improve my Vietnamese, and Duolingo helps me keep learning.
I’ve picked up plenty of everyday words and phrases, and I also use it to brush up on my Thai before travelling there.
iPhone users: Click here to get it on iOS.
Android users: Click here to install it on Android.
NordVPN
I always have NordVPN running whenever I’m connected to public Wi-Fi in cafés, hotels or airports.
It gives me peace of mind that my data and online activity are protected while I travel.
Click here to get NordVPN.
Zalo
Zalo is the messaging app that almost everyone in Vietnam uses.
Whether you’re chatting with locals, landlords, businesses or new friends, it’s definitely worth downloading.
iPhone users: Click here to get it on iOS.
Android users: Click here to install it on Android.
Agoda
Although I usually rent apartments for longer stays, Agoda is my go-to app whenever I’m planning a weekend trip or travelling around Vietnam.
I consistently find some of the best accommodation deals and competitive prices.
iPhone users: Click here to get it on iOS.
Android users: Click here to install it on Android.
Timo
Opening a Timo bank account was surprisingly straightforward.
Even as a traveller, I was able to book an appointment online, visit a branch, and have everything set up in around 30 minutes.
It makes paying by QR code incredibly easy, and I simply transfer money from my home bank using Wise.
It’s much more convenient than constantly withdrawing cash and paying ATM fees.
Click here to download Timo.
Wise
I use Wise to transfer money from my home bank account directly into my Vietnamese Timo account.
It’s incredibly simple to use, and transfers are usually very fast, with the money often arriving almost instantly.
It’s a reliable and cost-effective way to move money between countries without dealing with high bank fees or delays.
Click here to download Wise.
AirVisual
AirVisual is one of the first apps I check before heading out for a run or spending the day exploring.
It provides accurate air quality information, helping me decide whether it’s a good day to be outdoors.
Click here to download AirVisual.
Saily eSIM
Saily is the eSIM app I use whenever I travel.
It makes it easy to stay connected, monitor my data usage and top up whenever I need more, without having to buy a physical SIM card each time I visit a new country.
Click here to purchase your Saily eSim.
XE Currency
I use the XE Currency app all the time to quickly convert prices into my home currency.
Even though I have a rough idea of exchange rates, it’s especially useful when dealing with bigger numbers and higher-value purchases.
It makes it much easier to understand what things actually cost in pounds, dollars or euros when you’re spending time abroad.
iPhone users: Click here to get it on iOS.
Android users: Click here to install it on Android.
For more Travel tips and advice, shaped by experience, click here.
Click here to read about my personal Journey and discover how I live life as a nomad.
Click here to Inspire yourself to take your first step, and embrace the nomad life.
Click here to explore our Community Page — a space for shared journeys.
Click here to step into the Gallery — where every piece of artwork tells a story.
