Vietnam's Online Marketplace: Complete Guide to Digital Trading 2025

With the growth of Vietnam’s expat community, there has been an increase in various ways to buy and sell goods, find housing etc. This has been addressed through the development of various online marketplaces tailored to different needs, from popular expat Facebook groups to well-established local apps like Chợ Tốt. However, navigating these online spaces requires understanding how to use each platform effectively, knowing the red flags for potential scams, and learning where to find quality items. Here’s an in-depth guide to Vietnam’s online marketplace options for expats, with practical tips to help you find great deals and avoid common pitfalls.

Popular Online Platforms for Expats in Vietnam

Several online platforms are widely used by both locals and expats for buying and selling goods. Each has its own benefits and best use cases.

Chợ Tốt: Chợ Tốt (meaning “Good Market” in Vietnamese) is one of the largest and most trusted online marketplaces in Vietnam. It offers a wide variety of categories, including electronics, furniture, vehicles, real estate, and job postings. The platform is available as a website and an app, with an easy-to-navigate interface that supports both Vietnamese and English. Chợ Tốt is especially popular for finding pre-owned items like motorbikes, which are essential for many expats.

Facebook Groups: Facebook is a central hub for the expat community in Vietnam. Groups like “Hanoi Massive” and “Expats in Ho Chi Minh City” are filled with posts offering second-hand items, apartments for rent, job opportunities, and services tailored to expats. These groups are typically open to anyone, making it easy for expats to connect with others and find items or services specifically for foreigners.

Shopee and Lazada: While primarily known as e-commerce platforms for new goods, Shopee and Lazada are invaluable for items like household goods, electronics, and even imported food. Both platforms frequently offer discounts and promotions, and they come with buyer protection, making them safer options for online shopping.

Zalo Marketplace: Zalo is Vietnam’s most popular messaging app, similar to WhatsApp, and it has a built-in marketplace that allows users to post classified ads. While Zalo is primarily used by locals, it’s a valuable platform for expats who are comfortable using Vietnamese or have some local language support.

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Finding the Best Deals on Chợ Tốt

Chợ Tốt is often the go-to platform for expats looking for deals on essentials like motorbikes, furniture, and household appliances. Here’s how to make the most out of this platform:

Use Specific Search Terms: When looking for an item, be specific in your search terms. For example, if you’re looking for a “second-hand Yamaha motorbike,” type in exact terms to get relevant results. Chợ Tốt allows users to filter results by location, price range, and condition (new or used), which helps narrow down your options.

Negotiate Prices: Haggling is common in Vietnamese culture, and the same applies to online marketplaces. When contacting a seller, don’t hesitate to negotiate the price. Start by offering around 10-15% lower than the listed price, as sellers often expect this.

Beware of Fake or Stolen Goods: Always inspect the product in person, especially for high-value items like motorbikes or electronics. Ask for documents or receipts, and look up the item’s market price to ensure you’re not overpaying. When buying motorbikes, confirm that the ownership papers are legitimate and that the vehicle is in good condition.

Use the Platform’s Chat Feature: Chợ Tốt has a chat feature that lets you message sellers directly without sharing your personal contact details. This is a safer way to communicate before meeting in person and is an added layer of security.

Making the Most of Expat Facebook Groups

Facebook groups have a wealth of resources for expats looking to buy, sell, and connect within the community. Here’s how to use them effectively:

Join Relevant Groups: Popular expat groups include “Hanoi Massive”, “Expats in Ho Chi Minh City”, “Expat Women Vietnam”, and “Buy and Sell in Vietnam”. Each group has its own focus, so it’s useful to join multiple ones to cover various needs, whether for buying, socializing, or finding housing.

Post Clearly and Be Responsive: If you’re selling something, post clear photos and an honest description of the item’s condition. Include a price, your general location, and a preferred way to contact you. If you’re buying, respond promptly to sellers, as items in these groups can go quickly.

Beware of Scams and Fake Profiles: Facebook groups are generally open, which means scammers can infiltrate them. Always check the seller’s profile for authenticity, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Fake accounts often have few friends or photos, so be wary of these profiles.

Use a Cash Transaction or Trusted Payment Method: Cash is commonly used for transactions in Vietnam, but if you prefer digital payments, use methods like MoMo or bank transfer, which are popular locally. Avoid sharing sensitive information like your bank details.

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Staying Safe and Avoiding Scams

Scams can be a concern on online marketplaces, especially for high-demand items like electronics, rental properties, and motorbikes. Here are some key tips for staying safe:

Meet in Public Places: Always arrange to meet in a public, well-populated area when buying or selling. Coffee shops or mall entrances are safer options than secluded locations. Bring a friend if you’re uncomfortable meeting alone.

Check Rental PropertiesThoroughly: For expats looking to rent, real estate scams are a known issue. When possible, work with reputable real estate agents or through referrals from other expats. If you’re renting directly from a landlord through an online post, check the property in person and review the lease terms carefully before signing.

Avoid Advance Payments for Goods: Don’t make any advance payments for items you haven’t seen, particularly for high-value goods like motorbikes or electronics. Scammers may ask for a deposit, and then disappear. If a seller insists on an advance payment, consider it a red flag.

Verify the Product’s Authenticity: For electronics, household items, or branded products, there is a risk of counterfeits. Double-check the product’s details and test it if possible. For electronics, reputable platforms like Lazada and Shopee are generally safer as they offer buyer protection.

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Additional Tips for Finding Quality Items and Good Deals

Finding quality items can take time and effort, but there are several strategies that can help:

Consider Buying in Bulk: For certain items, like household goods or personal care products, buying in bulk can lead to significant savings. Platforms like Shopee and Lazada often offer bulk buying options, which can be especially useful for expats who want to stock up on essentials. Additionally, buying larger quantities of things like toiletries or cleaning supplies can save time and money in the long run.

Use Price Comparison Tools: Before making a purchase, especially for higher-ticket items like electronics, it’s smart to compare prices across multiple platforms. You can use price comparison websites or apps, or simply search for the product on different sites like Shopee, Lazada, or even Chợ Tốt. This can help you spot the best deal, including discounts and free shipping offers.

Local apps beyond Chợ Tốt: Exploring Other Options While Chợ Tốt is one of the most popular marketplaces for expats in Vietnam, other local apps and websites also offer great value for buying and selling goods, particularly in specific categories.

Tiki: Tiki is a Vietnamese e-commerce platform similar to Shopee and Lazada but with a focus on books, electronics, and household products. It’s particularly known for its fast delivery service and reliable customer support. Expats can find a wide range of both local and international brands at competitive prices.

Binh Minh Digital: This is a trusted app for buying electronics, appliances, and gadgets. Binh Minh Digital offers great deals on new and refurbished electronics like laptops, phones, and cameras, often with warranties included. It’s an excellent option for expats looking to purchase more tech-savvy items in Vietnam.

Thegioididong: Known for its extensive selection of electronics, mobile phones, and appliances, Thegioididong has a strong presence in Vietnam. The app also provides detailed product reviews, ensuring you have access to useful insights before making your purchase. It's a good option for expats looking for trusted electronics retailers.

Navigating Vietnam’s online marketplace as an expat can be both exciting and rewarding, with plenty of opportunities to find great deals on products and services that fit your lifestyle. From well-established platforms like Chợ Tốt and Facebook groups to trusted local apps like Tiki and Lazada, there are many avenues to explore.

However, as with any online marketplace, it’s important to stay vigilant and aware of potential scams, particularly when buying high-ticket items like electronics, motorbikes, and rental properties. By taking the time to understand how each platform works, negotiating prices where possible, and staying cautious when making payments, you can enjoy the convenience and cost-saving potential of Vietnam’s online marketplace with confidence.

Whether you’re looking for second-hand furniture, an affordable motorbike, a place to live, or simply a good deal on daily necessities, the vast online marketplace in Vietnam offers everything you need. With a bit of effort and patience, you’ll be able to tap into the best deals and make your expat experience in Vietnam even more enjoyable. Happy shopping!