How to Buy from Vietnam Online: Shopee, Instagram & Local Sellers
Why Shop Online from Vietnam?
Vietnam is a hotspot for fashion, beauty, and unique local products. From trendy clothing on Instagram to budget-friendly tech gadgets on Shopee.vn, Vietnam’s ecommerce market is rapidly growing.
However, most Vietnamese sellers:
- Don’t ship internationally
- Require a local Vietnamese address
- Require Vietnamese payment methods
For international buyers, the easiest way to shop is through a proxy buying and shipping service, which handles local payments and shipping to your country.
Top Vietnamese Online Shopping Platforms
- Shopee Vietnam (Shopee.vn)
Shopee is Vietnam’s largest ecommerce platform, offering everything from electronics and cosmetics to clothing and home essentials. It is popular for its low prices and frequent flash deals.
Challenges for international buyers:
- Requires a Vietnamese phone number and address to register
- Payments accepted only via local methods such as MoMo, bank transfer, or Cash on Delivery (COD)
- No international shipping options
How to shop Shopee Vietnam from abroad:
Use a proxy service to purchase the item locally and forward it to your address.
- Tiki.vn
Originally a book retailer, Tiki now sells electronics, beauty products, home goods, and more. It is known for quality assurance and fast domestic delivery.
Challenges for foreign buyers:
- Requires Vietnam-issued bank cards
- Shipping limited to within Vietnam
Proxy services allow international buyers to access Tiki’s products safely and take advantage of competitive pricing.
- Instagram Sellers in Vietnam
Instagram is widely used by Vietnamese fashion brands, handmade accessory makers, thrift stores, and skincare resellers.
Popular categories:
- Korean-style clothing (ulzzang)
- Custom phone cases and tote bags
- Handmade jewellery
Challenges for international buyers:
- Most sellers communicate only in Vietnamese
- Payment often requires bank transfer or MoMo
- No direct international shipping
Using a proxy service allows you to communicate with sellers, pay via local methods, and ship items overseas.
- Facebook Marketplace & Live Selling
Many Vietnamese sellers operate exclusively via:
- Facebook pages
- Live-stream selling
- Facebook groups focused on beauty, fashion, or toys
Accessing these sellers is difficult without a local proxy who can handle language and payment barriers.
Popular Vietnamese Products to Buy
What to look for when shopping from Vietnam:
- Fashion: Trendy local brands, Korean-style clothing (ulzzang)
- Beauty: K-beauty, J-beauty, Vietnamese skincare products
- Handmade Goods: Artisanal crafts, jewelry, tote bags
- Electronics: Affordable gadgets, Bluetooth devices
- Homeware: Local kitchenware, décor, organizers
- Collectibles: Anime figures, K-pop merchandise, vintage tech
- Snacks: Local coffee, dried fruits, sauces, and other treats
Challenges for International Buyers
No International Shipping
Most Vietnamese platforms ship only within Vietnam, and overseas checkout is not supported. This makes direct purchases impossible for international shoppers.
Local-Only Payment Methods
Vietnamese sellers often accept payments through local methods, which are difficult for foreigners to use:
- MoMo: Vietnam’s leading mobile wallet, widely used on Shopee.vn and Tiki.vn. Registration requires a Vietnamese phone number and bank account.
- ZaloPay: Integrated with Zalo, Vietnam’s most popular messaging app. It is domestic-focused and inaccessible to most international buyers.
- Bank Transfers & Cash on Delivery (COD): Accepted by many sellers but require a physical presence or trusted intermediary in Vietnam.
Why Proxy Services Matter
Because foreign-issued credit cards are rarely accepted, shopping directly on Vietnamese sites is nearly impossible. Proxy buying services provide local accounts and phone numbers, allowing them to purchase items on your behalf and ship them internationally.
Common Mistakes International Buyers Make When Shopping from Vietnam
Shopping from Vietnam can be exciting, but many international buyers encounter problems due to unfamiliarity with local platforms, payment methods, and shipping logistics. Avoiding these common mistakes can save time, money, and frustration.
- Buying Without Checking Seller Credibility: Not all sellers are trustworthy. Some listings may exaggerate product quality or stock availability. Always check seller ratings, reviews, and past customer feedback before making a purchase.
- Ignoring Product Descriptions and Variations: Many products have multiple sizes, colours, or versions. Failing to select the correct variation or read detailed descriptions can result in receiving the wrong item.
- Underestimating Shipping and Handling: International shipping from Vietnam can be complex. Without using a proxy, buyers may face missing tracking, or customs issues. Consolidating packages through a service like Com&Buy can reduce costs and simplify shipping.
- Not Understanding Local Payment Requirements: Most Vietnamese platforms accept MoMo, ZaloPay, local bank transfers, or COD. Attempting to pay directly with foreign credit cards often leads to failed transactions or account restrictions.
- Buying Without Verifying Stock: Popular items may sell out quickly. Contacting the seller or using a proxy to confirm availability can prevent disappointment and wasted time.
By avoiding these mistakes and using a trusted service like Com&Buy, international buyers can enjoy a smooth and secure shopping experience in Vietnam, accessing quality products without the usual hassles.
Why Use Com&Buy for Vietnam Shopping?
Shopping from Vietnam can be tricky due to language barriers, local-only payment methods, and shipping limitations. Com&Buy solves these problems for international buyers by offering:
- Local Payment Handling: Com&Buy pays Vietnamese sellers on your behalf using local payment methods like MoMo, ZaloPay, and bank transfers.
- Package Consolidation: Combine multiple purchases into one shipment to save on international shipping costs.
- Reliable Communication: Our team contacts sellers in Vietnamese to clarify product details and confirm orders.
- Secure Shipping: Items are safely shipped from Vietnam to your country with tracking and insurance options.
- Time-Saving: You don’t need to navigate Vietnamese platforms, register local accounts, or figure out domestic shipping logistics.
With Com&Buy, international shopping from Vietnam is fast, safe, and hassle-free.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using Com&Buy for Vietnam Orders
Step 1: Create Your Com&Buy Account
Sign up using the registration form or log in via Facebook to create your account.
Step 2: Set Up Your Address
Update your delivery address:
- Go to “Modify Address Book Entries”
- Click “New Address” and fill in your details
- Click “Save” to complete
Step 3: Find Your Product
Browse Vietnamese shopping sites and check the following before buying:
- Seller rating and credibility
- Product condition and description
- Domestic shipping details
Once confirmed, copy the product URL.
Step 4: Submit a "Buy for Me" Request
On Com&Buy, click "Buy For Me", then enter:
- Product URL
- Product name
- Price
- Seller’s name
- Quantity and variations
Click “Add to Cart” to add the product.
Step 5: Top Up Your Account
Ensure you have enough credits in your Com&Buy account. You can top up via:
- HitPay (major credit cards, GrabPay, ShopeePay, PayNow, QRPH)
- WeChat Pay, PromptPay, TrueMoney, LinePay, UPI
- Bank transfers via DBS, PayNow/PayLah!, or Wise remittance for overseas users
Step 6: Confirm and Place Your Order
Review your cart and confirm your order. Com&Buy will purchase the item on your behalf and notify you once it arrives at the Vietnam warehouse.
Step 7: Consolidate and Ship to Your Country
Coordinate with the Com&Buy team to consolidate multiple packages for maximum savings. Items will then be safely shipped to Singapore or worldwide.
Need Assistance?
If you need help for a Vietnam proxy order, contact us today. Our team can assist with buying, shipping, and consolidating your packages to ensure a smooth international shopping experience.
