What app should I use for messages and calls in Vietnam?

Hey teachers! Planning your Vietnamese adventure and wondering, "What app should I use for messages and calls?" Forget Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. In the land of phở and stunning landscapes, there's a clear communication champion: Zalo. With a whopping 87% usage rate in 2022 [Source: Tech in Asia], Zalo is the key to unlocking seamless communication with colleagues, students, and your new Vietnamese friends.

Developed by the Vietnamese tech giant VNG, Zalo offers a comprehensive suite of features beyond simple messaging:

• Free Calls and Video Chat: Communicate seamlessly with colleagues, students, or your homestay family through voice and video calls.
• Group Chats: Coordinate lesson plans or extracurricular activities with fellow teachers through group chats.
• Newsfeed and Zalo Pay: Zalo integrates a social media aspect with a newsfeed and even facilitates cashless transactions through Zalo Pay – perfect for splitting bills or sending students small rewards.
• Vietnamese-centric Features: Zalo caters to Vietnamese users with features like karaoke mode, lucky money envelopes for special occasions, and a sticker library filled with local references.

Navigating Zalo:

Downloading and setting up Zalo is a breeze. The app is available for Android and iOS, and the interface is intuitive even for non-Vietnamese speakers. Here are some additional tips:

• Phone Number Verification: Zalo requires phone number verification, so invest in a local Vietnamese SIM card.
• Embrace Stickers: Stickers are a big part of Vietnamese communication. Explore Zalo's extensive sticker library to add a touch of fun and informality to your messages.
• Learn Basic Phrases: While Zalo offers features in English, mastering a few key Vietnamese phrases like "Xin chào" (Hello) and "Cảm ơn" (Thank you) goes a long way.

By mastering Zalo and understanding other communication channels, you'll be well on your way to fostering strong relationships with students, colleagues, and friends in Vietnam. Remember, communication is a two-way street. Embrace the learning process, and your efforts will be rewarded with deeper cultural immersion and a truly enriching teaching experience.

#lifeinvietnam #appinvietnam #foreigners #vietnam #teachinginvietnam