The minimum app set before you fly
| Task | App | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Rides | Grab | GrabCar, GrabBike, taxi options, route history |
| Alternative rides | Be | beCar, beBike and beTaxi in supported cities |
| Navigation | Google Maps | routes, saved places and reviews |
| Translation | Google Translate or your usual translator | camera translation, menus and short phrases |
| Food | Grab / ShopeeFood | delivery and restaurant discovery |
Grab
If you install only one locally useful app, start with Grab. In Vietnam you can use it for cars, motorbike rides, and food delivery. For visitors, the big advantage is that the destination is set on the map, the driver's details remain visible in the app, and you do not have to explain the address by voice.
Be
Be is a Vietnamese platform offering beBike, beCar, and beTaxi. In 2026 the company states that it operates in more than 20 cities. It is not a mandatory replacement for Grab, but it is a useful second option: sometimes more vehicles are nearby or the fare differs.
Maps
Save your airport, hotel, consulate if relevant, and several key places before departure. It is also useful to download an offline map of your first area because mobile data may not be working immediately after landing.
Zalo
Zalo is a popular Vietnamese messaging app used by businesses, landlords, technicians, and local services. A short-term tourist can manage without it, but for a longer stay it becomes increasingly useful: many local issues are easier to resolve via a Vietnamese number and Zalo than by email.
Shopping and delivery
Shopee is widely used for online shopping, while ShopeeFood is used for food delivery. These are not essential for a one-week holiday, but after a month or two they become part of everyday life. Before your first order, check whether a local phone number is required and which payment methods are available to your account.
What you do not need to install in advance
Do not sign up for every local wallet and banking app before you arrive. Many require a Vietnamese phone number, identity verification, or a local bank account. Solve the basics first and add local financial tools only if you genuinely need them.
Shopping and local listings: Lazada, Shopee and naidu.asia
Shopee and Lazada cover many new everyday goods with delivery in Vietnam. For second-hand products, local services, rentals, jobs and other listings, naidu.asia offers a different search. These services have different purposes; choose the one that matches what you need.
Questions and answers
What is the most important app in Vietnam?
For most visitors, Grab: transport and delivery in one app.
Do I need Be if I already have Grab?
Not necessarily, but it is a useful backup for comparing availability and price.
Do tourists need Zalo?
Not for a short trip. For renting, local services, and longer stays, it is often useful.
Can I use these apps with a foreign phone number?
It depends on the service. Some functions work with a foreign number, while others are easier with a local SIM.