Using Vietnam Mobile Wallets : Momo, ZaloPay & VNPay

As digital payments continue to revolutionize how people manage money, Vietnam mobile wallets have become essential tools for both locals and tourists. With mobile payments becoming more common in Vietnam, having a mobile wallet on your phone ensures that you can complete transactions quickly and securely. Whether you’re shopping in Hanoi, enjoying street food in Ho Chi Minh City, or booking transport in Da Nang, using Vietnam mobile wallets like Momo, ZaloPay, and VNPay offers a range of benefits. This guide will explore how these popular mobile wallets work, their features, and why they are an excellent choice for anyone visiting Vietnam.

1. What are Vietnam Mobile Wallets?

Vietnam mobile wallets are digital platforms that allow users to store money on their smartphones. These apps enable users to pay for goods and services, transfer funds to others, and even pay bills—all from the convenience of their phone. With the rise of digital payment methods in Vietnam, Vietnam mobile wallets have become widely accepted at restaurants, shops, transportation services, and even online marketplaces. Some of the most popular Vietnam mobile wallets are Momo, ZaloPay, and VNPay, all of which offer unique features and wide usage across the country.

💻 You can read more: Vietnam Digital Payments : A Guide for Tourists

2. Why Use Mobile Wallets in Vietnam?

👉 Convenience and Accessibility

One of the biggest advantages of Vietnam mobile wallets is their convenience. Tourists and locals alike can make payments instantly with just a few taps on their smartphones. No more fumbling with cash or searching for ATMs. The widespread use of mobile wallets in Vietnam means you can use them almost everywhere—whether at a local market, a shopping mall, or a cafe.

💻 You can read more: Hanoi Hidden Cafes: Discover Unique & Instagrammable Coffee Spots

👉 Security and Fraud Protection

Another key benefit of Vietnam mobile wallets is their enhanced security. Mobile wallets use advanced encryption technology to protect users’ personal and financial data. Payments are typically authenticated through PIN codes, facial recognition, or fingerprints, making them safer than carrying cash or using a credit card. Furthermore, most mobile wallets offer fraud protection, ensuring that if there is an issue with a transaction, the company will take steps to resolve it.

👉 Cashless Transactions

With Momo, ZaloPay, and VNPay, users can complete cashless transactions. This is especially convenient for tourists who may not want to carry large amounts of Vietnamese Dong while traveling. Instead, you can make payments on the go, without worrying about exchanging currency or dealing with small change.

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3. Popular Vietnam Mobile Wallets

3.1. Momo: Leading the Way in Vietnam Mobile Payments

Momo is one of the most widely used Vietnam mobile wallets. Known for its simplicity and ease of use, Momo allows users to store funds, pay for goods, transfer money, and even pay bills. Whether you’re buying street food, shopping in a local store, or booking a taxi, Momo is accepted almost everywhere.

Key Features of Momo:

• 📍 Top-up options: You can add money to your Momo wallet via bank transfer or cash deposits at convenience stores.
• 📍 Bill payments: Use Momo to pay utility bills, such as electricity, water, and internet bills.
• 📍 Secure and Fast: Momo offers secure transactions, with two-factor authentication required for payment authorization.
• 📍 Wide acceptance: Momo is accepted by millions of merchants in Vietnam, including small street vendors, making it an ideal choice for tourists.

💻 You can read more: eSIM Vietnam: Stay Connected Without the Hassle

3.2. ZaloPay: Integrated with Vietnam’s Leading Messaging App

ZaloPay is another popular Vietnam mobile wallet that offers seamless payment options. Integrated with Zalo, one of Vietnam’s most widely used messaging apps, ZaloPay is a convenient option for users who already use Zalo for communication. ZaloPay allows users to pay for goods, transfer money to family and friends, and even split bills.

Key Features of ZaloPay:

• 📍 Easy Integration with Zalo: If you’re already using the Zalo messaging app, ZaloPay integrates smoothly with your account, making it easier to access and use.
• 📍 Money Transfers: ZaloPay allows you to send money to anyone in Vietnam who has a Zalo account.
• 📍 Bill Payment and Recharges: Pay for mobile phone top-ups, utility bills, and even ticket bookings directly from the app.
• 📍 Discounts and Promotions: ZaloPay regularly offers special discounts, promotions, and cashback offers at participating merchants.

💻 You can read more: Vietnam SIM Card for Tourists: The Ultimate Guide

3.3. VNPay: A Trusted Option for Online and Offline Payments

VNPay is a well-established Vietnam mobile wallet known for its wide range of payment services. In addition to being accepted at many retail outlets and restaurants, VNPay is also commonly used for paying bills, topping up mobile phone credits, and making online purchases. Its ease of use and reliability make it a favorite among both locals and tourists.

Key Features of VNPay:

• 📍 Multi-platform Support: VNPay is available on both Android and iOS, making it easy for tourists to download and use.
• 📍 Bill Payments: Easily pay bills for electricity, water, internet, and more through the app.
• 📍 Mobile Top-ups: VNPay allows users to recharge their mobile phones directly from the app.
• 📍 Wide Acceptance: It is widely accepted at restaurants, online stores, and even in taxis.

💻 You can read more: Comparing Vietnam’s Mobile Networks: Viettel, Vinaphone & MobiFone

4. How to Set Up and Use Vietnam Mobile Wallets

Setting up and using Vietnam mobile wallets like Momo, ZaloPay, and VNPay is simple, even for tourists. Each of these wallets offers user-friendly apps that are easy to download and install, and they come with features designed to make transactions smooth and secure. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up and use each of these popular mobile wallets in Vietnam.

4.1 How to Set Up Momo Mobile Wallet

Momo is one of the most widely used Vietnam mobile wallets. Here’s how to get started with it:

1. 👉Download the Momo App:
   • 📍 Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
   • 📍 Search for Momo and click Install to download the app.
2. 👉Create an Account:
   • 📍 Once installed, open the app. You’ll be asked to sign up by entering your phone number.
   • 📍 After entering your number, you will receive a verification code via SMS. Enter the code to complete the sign-up process.
3. 👉Link Your Bank Account:
   • 📍 After logging in, you will need to link a bank account or top-up your Momo wallet. Momo supports linking a Vietnamese bank account or using cash deposits at convenience stores.
   • 📍 To link a bank account, click on the “Bank” option in the app and follow the instructions to connect your account.
4. 👉Add Money to Your Momo Wallet:
   • You can top up your Momo wallet through several methods:
     • 📍 Bank transfer
     • 📍 Cash deposit at participating convenience stores or partner locations (e.g., Circle K or VinMart)
   • Simply click on the “Top-up” button in the app and choose your preferred method.
5. 👉Make Payments with Momo:
   • 📍 Once your wallet is funded, you can use Momo to pay for goods and services.
   • 📍 To make a payment, simply select “Pay” in the app, scan the QR code provided by the merchant, or enter the payment details directly if no QR code is available.
   • 📍 Confirm the transaction by entering your PIN or using biometric authentication (if enabled).
6. 👉Transfer Money to Others:
   • 📍 You can also transfer money to friends or family using Momo. Just select the “Transfer” option, enter the recipient’s phone number, and specify the amount. The transfer will be instant.

4.2 How to Set Up ZaloPay Mobile Wallet

ZaloPay is another popular Vietnam mobile wallet, integrated with the Zalo messaging platform. Here’s how to set it up:

1. 👉Download the ZaloPay App:
   • 📍 Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
   • 📍 Search for ZaloPay and click Install.
2. 👉Create an Account:
   • 📍 Open the app and log in using your Zalo account. If you don’t already have a Zalo account, you can create one by entering your phone number and following the prompts.
   • 📍 Once logged in, the app will ask you to verify your identity by entering a verification code sent via SMS.
3. 👉Link Your Bank Account:
   • 📍 To use ZaloPay for payments, you need to link your bank account. Choose the “Bank Accounts” option in the app and follow the instructions to connect your Vietnamese bank account to ZaloPay.
   • 📍 ZaloPay supports a wide range of Vietnamese banks, including Vietcombank, Techcombank, and Sacombank.
4. 👉Add Funds to ZaloPay:
   • 📍 You can top-up your ZaloPay wallet through bank transfer, credit/debit card, or via cash deposits at partner locations.
   • 📍 To add money, simply tap on the “Add Money” button in the app, select your preferred method, and follow the steps.
5. 👉Making Payments with ZaloPay:
   • 📍 To pay for goods and services, scan the QR code displayed by the merchant or enter the payment details manually.
   • 📍 Confirm your payment by entering your PIN or using the biometric security feature if enabled.
   • 📍 ZaloPay can be used at many stores, restaurants, and even for transportation services.
6. 👉Send Money to Friends:
   • 📍 You can transfer money to friends or family who also use ZaloPay. Tap on the “Send Money” feature, enter the recipient’s phone number or Zalo ID, and specify the amount to transfer.

4.3 How to Set Up VNPay Mobile Wallet

VNPay is another widely used Vietnam mobile wallet, especially for bill payments and online shopping. Here’s how to set it up:

1. 👉Download the VNPay App:
   • 📍 Visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and search for VNPay. Click Install to download the app to your device.
2. 👉Create an Account:
   • 📍 Open the VNPay app and sign up with your phone number or email. You’ll receive a verification code via SMS to complete the registration.
3. 👉Link Your Bank Account:
   • 📍 After creating your account, you’ll need to link a Vietnamese bank account to use VNPay for payments. Choose the “Link Bank” option in the app and select your bank from the list.
   • 📍 Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the linking process.
4. 👉Add Funds to Your VNPay Wallet:
   • 📍 You can top-up your VNPay wallet via bank transfer, or by using credit/debit cards. Alternatively, you can also add funds through participating convenience stores and partners.
   • 📍 Tap the “Top-up” button in the app, choose your preferred method, and follow the instructions to add funds.
5. 👉Make Payments with VNPay:
   • 📍 To make payments at stores, restaurants, or online, simply open the VNPay app, scan the merchant’s QR code, or enter the payment amount manually.
   • 📍 Confirm the transaction with your PIN or use fingerprint authentication to approve the payment.
6. 👉Pay Bills and Transfer Money:
   • 📍 VNPay is also great for paying utility bills, topping up your mobile phone, or even transferring money to others.
   • 📍 To pay bills, tap on the “Bills” option, choose the type of bill, enter the details, and confirm the payment.
   • 📍 For money transfers, simply select the “Transfer” option, enter the recipient’s phone number or account details, and specify the amount.

5. Tips for Tourists Using Vietnam Mobile Wallets

👉 Check for Language Support: Most Vietnam mobile wallets like Momo, ZaloPay, and VNPay offer English language support. Make sure to switch to the English version if needed to avoid confusion while using the app.

👉 Top-Up Your Wallet in Advance: If you’re planning to use a mobile wallet throughout your stay in Vietnam, it’s a good idea to top up your wallet in advance. You can do this through a bank transfer or by visiting a convenience store that supports cash deposits for Momo or VNPay.

👉 Be Aware of Transaction Fees: Some Vietnam mobile wallets may charge a small fee for certain services, such as transferring money to another account or withdrawing funds from your wallet. Always check the fees before completing a transaction.

👉 Use Mobile Wallets for Discounts: Many merchants offer discounts or cashback when you use Momo, ZaloPay, or VNPay for payments. Keep an eye out for these promotions to save on your purchases.

💻 You can read more: Troubleshooting Internet Problems in Vietnam: Tips & Solutions

6. Conclusion

As a tourist in Vietnam, using Vietnam mobile wallets like Momo, ZaloPay, and VNPay is a convenient, secure, and cost-effective way to make payments. These mobile wallets allow you to make cashless transactions at thousands of locations throughout the country, from street food stalls to upscale shops. Whether you’re paying bills, sending money to friends, or simply purchasing goods, digital wallets offer a seamless experience. By setting up one or more of these wallets before your trip, you can make your time in Vietnam much more convenient and enjoyable.