Best Apps & Online Resources for International Students in Vietnam

Moving to Vietnam as an international student is both exciting and challenging. Beyond the thrill of discovering a new culture, you’ll also face practical tasks like navigating transport, managing finances, ordering food, and staying connected with family abroad. That’s where technology becomes your best support.

Having the right essential apps & resources for international students in Vietnam can save you money, simplify daily routines, and help you adapt more quickly. From ride-hailing and payment apps to study platforms and expat communities, digital tools make life smoother and more rewarding.

This article highlights the must-have apps and trusted online resources every student should know— so you can settle in faster, live more comfortably, and fully experience your student journey in Vietnam.

Why Apps & Resources Matter for International Student Life in Vietnam

Being an international student in Vietnam is more than studying—it’s about building a smooth, connected, and independent lifestyle. The right essential apps & resources for international students in Vietnam help you navigate daily life efficiently.

Mobile apps support transportation, finances, food delivery, and communication, while online resources—including trusted websites, student forums, and Facebook groups—provide vital information, cultural insights, and peer support

Together, these tools help you manage your budget, find reliable housing, stay updated on academic and visa requirements, and connect with local and international peers. Think of them as your digital toolkit for a confident, organized, and enjoyable student experience in Vietnam.

Must-Have Apps for Students in Vietnam

Managing daily life as an international student in Vietnam isn’t always easy—but the right apps make everything smoother. Explore these must-have apps for international students that help you save time, stay organized, and enjoy a more comfortable student experience

1. Transportation

Getting around Vietnam as an international student is easier with the right apps. These tools are essential for safe, efficient, and stress-free commuting:

• Grab/ Be/ Xanh SM: Motorbike and car rides at transparent, affordable prices. Cashless, reliable, and safer than negotiating random taxis. Also useful for food delivery.
• BusMap: Real-time bus schedules and route planning across major cities. Ideal for students relying on public transport, helping save time and reduce commuting stress.
• Google Maps: Guides walking or biking routes, helping avoid traffic-heavy streets and discover new areas safely.

Tip: For affordable student housing in HCMC, consider locations near universities or main bus lines to reduce transportation costs and simplify daily commuting.

2. Finance & Payments

Managing money safely and efficiently is essential for student life in Vietnam. Cashless apps and digital banking tools make daily transactions quick, secure, and convenient:

• MoMo / ZaloPay / ViettelPay: Widely accepted e-wallets for bills, utilities, top-ups, and even small purchases like coffee or snacks. Instant transfers make splitting costs with roommates easy.
• Banking Apps (Techcombank, VPBank, Vietcombank, ACB): Track expenses, pay rent, and manage utilities securely through online banking services.
• Money Lover: A Budgeting app developed in Vietnam, perfect for keeping track of rent, food, and daily spending.

Budget Tip: Factor in rent and utilities when planning monthly expenses for international students in HCMC. Using these apps helps you manage finances efficiently, avoid carrying cash, and focus on studies and student life.

3. Food & Delivery

Affordable and convenient meals are a daily priority for international students in Vietnam. These apps make it easy to eat well, save time, and explore local cuisine safely:

• GrabFood / ShopeeFood / BeFood: Quick delivery from a wide range of local restaurants, from budget-friendly street food to healthier options. Many offer student promotions.
• Chopp / Bach Hoa Xanh Online: Grocery delivery apps, perfect for shared apartments or cooking at home.

Saving Hack: Cooking at home can reduce the cost of living for international students in HCMC by 20–30%.

4. Learning & Connection

Navigating a new language and staying connected are crucial for international students in Vietnam. These apps and platforms help you communicate, learn, and manage academics effectively:

• Google Translate: Communicate with landlords, shopkeepers, classmates, and locals without language barriers.
• Duolingo: Learn Vietnamese in a fun, interactive way and build daily language practice habits.

• Zoom/ Google Meet: Attend online classes, study sessions, and group meetings seamlessly.
• Messenger/ Zalo/ WhatsApp: Stay connected with peers, friends, and family abroad.
• Google Workspace (Docs, Drive): Collaborate on assignments, presentations, and projects.
• Notion/ Evernote: Organize notes, deadlines, and academic tasks efficiently.
• Coursera/ Udemy: Online learning platforms to complement coursework in Vietnam.

Student Lifestyle Tip: Many international students in HCMC form study groups via Zalo or Facebook to stay motivated, share resources, and thrive academically.

5. Health & Safety Apps

Staying healthy and safe is essential for international students living in Vietnam. The right apps and resources help you access medical care quickly and confidently:

• Doctor Anywhere / Jio Health: Book appointments with English-speaking doctors online for convenience and peace of mind.
• Pharmacity App: Order medicine or locate the nearest pharmacy chain effortlessly.
• Bluezone / 115 Emergency Hotline: Access local emergency health services quickly during urgent situations.

Tip: Include healthcare and insurance costs in your monthly budget for HCMC student accommodation. These health and safety apps help you stay prepared, protected, and focused on studies and student life.

6. News & Cultural Insights

Keeping up with local news and cultural trends helps international students feel more connected and navigate life in Vietnam confidently:

• VNExpress International → Read English-language news for accurate updates on Vietnam’s culture, economy, and society.
• Zing News (use with Google Translate) → Access local Vietnamese news for deeper insight into daily life and trends.
• TikTok Vietnam → Discover fun trends, local cuisine, and student life tips in an engaging format.

Cultural Tip: Following news and cultural content helps international students understand laws, housing costs, lifestyle changes, and social norms in HCMC. These apps and resources are essential tools in your digital toolkit, supporting a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable student experience in Vietnam.

Online Resources & Communities

Navigating life as an international student in Vietnam goes beyond apps—knowing where to find accurate information and connect with others is equally crucial. Below, we highlight key official sources, active Facebook groups, and useful websites that form an essential part of the digital toolkit and resources for international students in Vietnam, helping you manage visas, academics, housing, and social life with confidence.

1. Official Sources from Universities, Embassies, and Government Agencies

Always rely on official websites for visa requirements, student regulations, or academic updates. University portals, embassy announcements, and government sites provide accurate, up-to-date information, helping you avoid common pitfalls that often arise from following random advice online.

Here are some key official websites that international students in Vietnam can consult:

• Ministry of Education and Training (MOET): https://en.moet.gov.vn  – for academic policies, regulations, and updates.
• Immigration Department of Vietnam: https://immigration.gov.vn – for visa, residence permits, and travel regulations.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA): https://mofa.gov.vn – for diplomatic guidance and consular services.
• Vietnam Government Portal: https://vietnam.gov.vn – for official announcements and government information.
• Vietnamese Embassy in your home country: Check the embassy website for visa procedures, citizen support, and consular services.

Referring to these sources helps international students stay informed, manage official requirements efficiently, and avoid mistakes from unreliable advice online.

2. Facebook Communities for Expats and International Students

Beyond official websites, online communities offer practical support and social connections. Facebook groups such as “Expats in Vietnam”, “Expats living & working in Vietnam” or “International students in VietNam” are valuable for asking questions, finding events, discovering student-friendly housing tips, and connecting with peers who understand life abroad.

While these communities provide quick advice and cultural insights, it’s important to double-check information since not all posts are verified. These Facebook groups help you stay informed, social, and supported.

3. Helpful Websites

Alongside apps and communities, certain websites are essential resources for international students in Vietnam:

• Vietnam-Visa: https://evisa.gov.vn – simplifies visa applications and extensions, helping students navigate legal requirements with confidence. You can also check the Immigration Department for updates on visas and residence permits.
• Vietnam Insider: https://vietnaminsiders.com – offers practical tips on local life, culture, and student-friendly events. Stay updated on news and insights beyond the classroom. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/vietnaminsider.vn.
• JHouse: https://jhouse.vn – A trusted platform for international students to find safe, affordable apartments with transparent contracts, and you can also explore the JHouse Blog for guides on student housing, budgeting, and living in Vietnam.

Together, these websites make student life abroad smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.

Why Choose JHouse

Finding a reliable home is one of the biggest challenges in student life abroad. Many international students in Vietnam risk renting through Facebook groups or informal listings, leading to unclear contracts, safety concerns, or hidden costs.

JHouse solves these pain points by offering verified apartments tailored for international students: secure, budget-friendly, and fully supported in English. Alongside essential apps & resources for international students in Vietnam, JHouse helps you save time, avoid stress, and enjoy peace of mind—so you can focus on studying, building friendships, and experiencing life fully in your new home.

Read more: JHouse – Where Great Homes Meet Great People

Final Thoughts: Thriving in Vietnam as an International Student

Success as an international student in Vietnam goes beyond the classroom — it’s about living confidently, safely, and connected. The essential apps & resources for international students in Vietnam help you navigate daily life with ease, from managing transport, food, and finances to staying in touch with peers and exploring new communities.

Your apartment plays a key role too: a safe, affordable, and reliable home lays the foundation for a smooth, enjoyable student experience — let JHouse help you find a home that supports your journey.

Start with the right digital tools and trusted online platforms to make your transition seamless, focus on studying, and fully embrace life in Vietnam, so that your student journey can be smarter, simpler, and more rewarding.

JHouse Content Team

The in-depth content development team on housing services for foreigners & Vietnamese in Vietnam. The content is simple, easy to understand, and logically arranged to bring readers useful topics and information from real experiences.