Zalo
Zalo is the dominant messaging app in Vietnam, used by the vast majority of the population for chat, calls, and increasingly for payments and mini-apps.
What it helps with
- Messaging Vietnamese contactsZalo is the main messenger in Vietnam; landlords, drivers, shops and colleagues expect to be reached there.
- Free callsVoice and video calls are free over data.
- Official business accountsMany shops, clinics and government offices use Zalo Official Accounts for notices and bookings.
About Zalo
Beyond basic messaging and voice/video calls, Zalo has grown into a broader platform hosting mini-apps for payments (ZaloPay), official business accounts, and news content, making it central to daily digital life for most Vietnamese users.
Key Features
- Messaging & Calls: Send messages and make voice or video calls to Zalo contacts.
- Mini-Apps: Access integrated services like ZaloPay and official business accounts without leaving the app.
- Official Accounts: Follow businesses, government agencies, and services through verified official accounts.
- Group Chats: Create and manage group chats for family, friends, or work.
How to Get Started
- Download Zalo from Google Play or the App Store.
- Register with a phone number and confirm by SMS.
- Add contacts by phone number or QR code.
- Start chatting, calling, or exploring integrated mini-apps.
Before you use it
- Sign-up: Registration needs a phone number for SMS; a Vietnamese number is the most reliable.
- Good to know: Contacts are added by phone number or QR code, the usual way to exchange contacts in Vietnam.
English available
Local number needed
78
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Zalo work with a foreign bank card in Vietnam?
- Not reliably - a foreign card may be declined. Check the notice above, or plan to use a local payment method.
- Is Zalo available in English?
- Yes, Zalo has an English-language interface.
- Do I need a local phone number to use Zalo?
- Yes, Zalo requires a local phone number to register.
- Do I need local ID or residency for Zalo?
- No, Zalo doesn't require local ID or residency for visitors.
- Where can I use Zalo?
- iOS · Android · Web
- How much does Zalo cost?
- Free messaging and calls