5 Essential Must-Have Apps for Effortless Living in Ho Chi Minh City

Looking for the must-have apps to make your life in Ho Chi Minh City easier and more enjoyable? Whether you’re new to Vietnam or have been here for a while, these essential mobile tools will help you navigate daily life like a pro. As content creators at Vietnamese Language Studies (VLS), we’re excited to guide you through the top apps every expat or traveler should have on their phone. And while you’re exploring the city, we’ll also share how learning Vietnamese at VLS can truly transform your experience.

1. Grab – A Must-Have App for Transportation and Food Delivery

Grab – A Must-Have Apps for Transportation and Food Delivery
Grab
(Source: collected)

Grab is a Southeast Asian super app that goes far beyond ride-hailing. You can use it to book motorbikes, taxis, order food, deliver packages, and even make payments. With a user-friendly interface and thousands of drivers, Grab is the go-to choice for getting around Ho Chi Minh City quickly and safely.

2. MoMo – A Must-Have App for Digital Payments

MoMo – A Must-Have Apps for Digital Payments
Momo
(Source: collected)

MoMo is one of the most popular e-wallets in Vietnam, allowing you to pay bills, top up your phone, transfer money, and shop online with ease. It’s widely accepted and very convenient for day-to-day living. Plus, MoMo often features great deals at local restaurants and cafés—perfect places to practice your Vietnamese in real-life situations!

3. Zalo – A Must-Have Apps for Local Communication

Zalo – A Must-Have Apps for Local Communication
Zalo
(Source: collected)

While apps like WhatsApp or LINE are common in other countries, Zalo is the dominant messaging app in Vietnam. It supports text, voice, and video calls, and even has official pages for government services. Zalo is an essential tool for both personal and professional communication.

Many of our students at VLS use Zalo to stay in touch with their teachers and Vietnamese friends, making it a great tool for language practice too.

4. HCMC Metro HURC – A Must-Have Apps for Metro Travel

HCMC Metro HURC – A Must-Have Apps for Metro Travel
HURC
(Source: collected)

With the opening of Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien), the HCMC Metro HURC app is now a must-have for navigating the city’s growing public transit system. The app provides detailed station maps, fare information, and route planning for metro commuters.

If you’re studying at VLS, you’ll be happy to know that the Ba Son metro station is just a 5-minute walk from our VLS District 1 campus, while the Thao Dien station is about a 7-minute walk from VLS District 2 location. Metro access makes getting to your Vietnamese classes faster and more convenient than ever!

Vietnamese class at VLS Thảo Điền
Vietnamese class at VLS Thảo Điền

5. Google Translate – A Must-Have App for Quick Translations

Google Translate – A Must-Have App for Quick Translations
Google Translate
(Source: collected)

While it’s not a substitute for proper language learning, Google Translate can be a lifesaver in a pinch. With features like voice translation, photo translation, and offline mode, it’s incredibly useful for navigating menus, signs, and basic conversations.

Still, for deeper connections and more confident communication, nothing beats learning Vietnamese the right way. That’s where Vietnamese Language Studies (VLS) comes in. With over 30 years of experience, VLS offers customized language programs for expats and travelers of all backgrounds.

Vietnamese class at VLS District 7
Vietnamese class at VLS District 7

At VLS, you’ll experience:

  • Prime Location: Conveniently located in the center of HCMC’s international expat community.
  • Accredited Excellence: With MOET-registered courses, we provide top-notch Vietnamese language programs that are recognized for their quality and effectiveness. 
  • Immersive Experience: Our experienced, passionate teachers make learning Vietnamese engaging and fun. Flexible courses ensure you can learn at your own pace while enjoying the journey!
  • Cultural & Fun Extracurriculars: Dive deeper into Vietnamese culture with our cultural workshops, events, and language clubs, giving you the chance to practice your skills outside the classroom.

Make VLS your go-to destination for mastering Vietnamese! Start your language journey today!

>>> FREE VIETNAMESE TRIAL LESSON: https://vlstudies.com/free-trial-lesson/

Final Thoughts

Living in Ho Chi Minh City becomes infinitely more enjoyable when you’re equipped with the must-have apps mentioned above. But if you really want to connect with the culture and the people, learning Vietnamese is the key.

At Vietnamese Language Studies (VLS), we offer flexible classes, tailored learning paths, and passionate instructors who make the journey fun and meaningful. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, we’re here to help you thrive in Vietnam.

Let VLS be your guide to mastering Vietnamese and embracing everything Ho Chi Minh City has to offer!

04/04/2025

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oliver
oliver
8 months ago

thank you, i discovered this app for events called inSAIGON

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