All The Apps You Need In Vietnam
- maya dalal
- Jan 29
- 9 min read
How local technology opened up the real Vietnam for me
The Alley That Changed Everything
The Grab driver turned into an alley so narrow I thought we'd get stuck. The motorbike slipped between sleeping dogs in the shade, street food carts billowing pho steam, and suddenly - a shortcut through someone's house. Literally through someone's backyard.
I felt a bit guilty. Is this okay? But the driver continued confidently, as if it were the most natural route in the world. And so, for 40 cents, I got the most important insight about Vietnam: if you want to see what life here really looks like, you need to let local technology lead the way.
Grab - Not Just Transportation, It's Your Gateway to Vietnam
During my first weeks in Vietnam, I thought the Grab app was just an Asian version of Uber. But then I started noticing something: everyone here uses it. Not just tourists. Locals too.
💬 The walking tour guide in Ho Chi Minh City said something that sounded crazy: "No one walks here. The city is huge, and Grab is so cheap that even people who own motorbikes use it." I thought he was exaggerating. Until I met a couple from Germany in Da Nang who told me they were "too lazy" to walk 15 minutes because Grab is so cheap.
Why Grab Is Different Here
Prices that sound like a mistake: A 15-minute ride costs between 20-40 cents. Not a typo. That's the actual price. The first time I ordered, I checked three times that I hadn't missed a zero in the price.
The motorbike experience: Here, the GrabBike (motorbike) experience isn't a cheap substitute for a taxi. It's the authentic Vietnamese experience. The driver puts on a helmet, gives you another one, and glides you through the chaos of the streets. Within seconds you understand why millions of people prefer this over a car - the motorbike simply weaves through traffic jams.
The double motorbike - brilliant solution: One of the things I loved most about Grab is that there's an option to order two motorbikes simultaneously. If you're traveling as a couple and want the motorbike experience, but each on your own bike with a driver - it's possible. You don't give up the experience, and you still leave together.
The alleys and shortcuts: What I love most about Grab is that drivers sometimes take me through narrow alleys, local areas I never would have seen without the driver. Shortcuts through neighborhoods, local markets, and sometimes literally through people's backyards. It's the most authentic experience there is - I feel like I'm managing to see more of the local culture than being locked in a taxi or staying on the main road.
Practical Tips for Using the Grab App
You can use it with a foreign number: A question many travelers ask me - yes, you can register for Grab with a foreign (non-Vietnamese) phone number. You'll receive a verification code via SMS, so just make sure your number can receive international messages. It's recommended to register from home before you fly, so you're ready the moment you land.
Add a credit card in advance: You can add a foreign credit card to the app, and it's a lifesaver. Even if you're stuck without cash, you can still order a ride or food delivery. It's basically Vietnam's version of Wolt or DoorDash - food delivery, shopping, and rides all through one app.
The premium subscription - totally worth it:
When you add a new phone number to Grab, you get three free months of premium subscription (GrabUnlimited). This was extra convenient for me because I genuinely changed my number every few months and ended up getting quite a few free months.
Today I pay about $2.50 a year because it's really worth it - you get deals and zero delivery fees most of the time as part of the subscription.
Download all three apps: Besides Grab, it's also worth downloading Be and Gojek. Prices can sometimes be cheaper, so it's always worth checking all three apps before booking.
They drive in the rain - incredible!
One of the things that surprised me most is that motorbike drivers continue riding even in pouring rain, no problem. This happened to me on my birthday in Hanoi - when I ordered Grab to get to the Old Quarter for a Cat Ba cruise. It was pouring rain and yet motorbikes were still available without issue.
I preferred not to drown (or have an accident) on my birthday, so I waited for a regular taxi that wasn't available for a full hour. In the end, I missed the original Cat Ba cruise departure, but the kind agent managed to get me on a Halong Bay cruise instead. When everything goes wrong for the better, right?
Watch out for rush hours: In the morning (7-9) and evening (5-7 PM), wait times can be longer. Plan your trips accordingly.
Food delivery - hidden bonus: The GrabFood app isn't just food delivery. It's also an excellent restaurant guide. Browse it to find popular local restaurants, menus, and check reviews before you go somewhere.
XANH SM - The Blue Cars I Suddenly Understood
For two weeks in Da Nang I saw them everywhere - shiny electric blue cars with LED screens. I thought it was some government project or art installation. Until one day...
💬 An expat from the US in Da Nang told me: "It's XANH SM, everyone here uses it. Locals prefer it over Grab because it's cheaper and more environmentally friendly. The cars are always brand new with LED screens, and the motorbikes are quiet and pleasant." And suddenly I understood - there's a whole layer of life here that tourists simply don't see.
This was the moment I realized how different the perspective of locals is compared to a tourist who comes here for a week. Tourists see beautiful, advanced blue cars. Locals see part of their daily routine - economical, clean, and convenient.
The XANH SM app works exactly like Grab - you order, see the price upfront, ride. Only it's VinFast's brand new electric cars and quiet electric motorbikes. It's something worth trying, to feel part of Vietnam's green transition.
Other Apps - Worth Knowing
There are a few other apps I didn't personally use, but I saw locals using them all the time. Worth knowing they exist:
BusMap app: For navigating the bus system. The BusMap app provides real-time GPS tracking of buses and shows you exactly where they are and when they'll arrive. It's a lifesaver in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
ShopeeFood / Now apps: Food delivery. Apps like ShopeeFood and Now are popular among locals for food delivery, and they have tons of street food stalls and local vendors you won't find anywhere else.
Foody / Lozi apps: Reviews and finding restaurants. Apps Foody and Lozi are like the Vietnamese version of Yelp. A huge community platform with millions of reviews and photos from locals. It's the best way to discover everything from a hidden cafe in a narrow alley to a local restaurant known for one perfect dish.
Digital wallets - MoMo / ZaloPay: At every street food stall, convenience store, and even local markets - there's a QR code for MoMo or ZaloPay. These are Vietnam's leading digital wallets. While you'll need a local bank account to use them fully, it's important to know about them because they're an essential part of the local financial system.
Zalo app: This is the most popular messaging app in Vietnam. Like WhatsApp, only Vietnamese. If you plan to communicate with locals, tour guides, or businesses, a Zalo account is almost a must.
Traveloka app: The Traveloka app is more for general travel, but its features for booking hotels, flights, and activities are very competitive in Vietnam. Locals use it to find the best deals and offers.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Does Grab work throughout Vietnam?
Yes, Grab operates in all major cities in Vietnam - Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Dalat, and more. In most tourist cities, you'll find available drivers almost always. In smaller cities or rural areas, coverage may be more limited.
How much does Grab cost in Vietnam?
A typical 10-15 minute ride on GrabBike (motorbike) costs between 15,000-30,000 dong (about $0.60-1.20). A ride of the same distance in GrabCar (car) costs between 30,000-60,000 dong ($1.20-2.40). Prices may increase during rush hours or difficult weather conditions, but even then it's significantly cheaper compared to other countries.
What's the difference between GrabBike and GrabCar?
GrabBike is a ride on a motorbike with a driver, and it's the cheapest and fastest option for getting around the city. It's also the authentic Vietnamese experience - the driver gives you a helmet and you sit in the back.
GrabCar is a regular car ride, more comfortable for longer trips, when you have luggage, or if you don't feel comfortable on a motorbike. Important to know that during rush hours, GrabBike can be much faster because the motorbike weaves between cars.
Do I need internet to use apps in Vietnam?
Yes, most apps require an active internet connection. It's highly recommended to buy a local SIM card with a data package as soon as you land at the airport. It's cheap (about 100,000-200,000 dong for 30 days with unlimited internet) and saves a lot of hassle. You can also use eSIM if your phone supports it.
Which app is best for ordering food in Vietnam?
It depends on the area, but generally - GrabFood is the most popular and has the widest coverage. ShopeeFood is very popular among locals and often has more local street food stalls. Now (by Grab) is also a good option. My recommendation: download GrabFood and ShopeeFood and compare prices and variety before ordering.
How Digital Life Here Chan
ged My Trip
Ultimately, downloading these apps isn't about saving money (though that's a nice bonus). It's about seeing Vietnam through the eyes of those who live here.
Because only when I let the Grab driver take me through an alley no tourist walks through, did I feel like I wasn't just visiting Vietnam. I was part of its rhythm. Part of the local routine. Part of real life.
And that's exactly the point of Slow Travel - to feel belonging, not just passing through.
🗺️ My Digital Maps of Vietnam
After weeks of searching, testing, and documenting hundreds of places in Vietnam - I created detailed digital maps that will save you all the research.
These aren't just another list of places from Google. These are real experience maps that include only the places truly worth it - where locals eat, work, and enjoy.
Currently available are my maps for:
🗺️ Hanoi - cafes, restaurants, workshops, attractions
🗺️ Da Nang - beaches, food, remote work
🗺️ Hoi An - Old Town, workshops, street food
Each map includes:
✨ Perfect cafes for digital nomads (excellent WiFi + AC!)
🍜 Restaurants and street food stalls locals love
🎨 Authentic local workshops (not tourist traps)
🏛️ Attractions worth visiting (and which to skip)
💆 High-quality spas and massages
📍 All the little tips that save time and money
The maps include over 200 places I personally checked, with detailed notes on each - what's special, when to arrive, and how much it costs.
💡 Need Help Planning Your Route in Vietnam?
If you feel like you want something more personal - a custom itinerary made especially for you, with all recommendations that fit exactly your travel style and budget - I'm here for you!
I offer personal consultation and custom itinerary planning for people who want to travel smart, save time, and avoid expensive mistakes. Having lived in Vietnam for months, I know the country from the inside - not just the attractions, but real life.
The service includes:
✅ Personal consultation tailored to your travel style
✅ Detailed day-by-day itinerary with concrete recommendations
✅ Tips for saving money and avoiding tourist traps
✅ Recommendations for accommodation, transportation, restaurants, and activities
✅ Support and updates throughout your entire trip
Read More About Vietnam Here:
⭐Get to Know Vietnam: The Complete Guide
Comments