How to Buy from Vietnam Online: Shopee, Instagram & Local Sellers
Why Shop from Vietnam Online?
Vietnam is becoming a hotspot for fashion, beauty, and unique local products. From trendy clothing on Instagram to affordable tech gadgets on Shopee.vn, Vietnam’s ecommerce scene is booming. However, most sellers don’t ship internationally, and many platforms require a local address and Vietnamese payment method.
If you’re an international buyer, the only realistic way to shop from Vietnam is through a proxy buying and shipping service.
Top Vietnamese Online Shopping Platforms
- Shopee Vietnam (Shopee.vn)
Shopee is Vietnam’s most popular ecommerce site, selling everything from electronics and cosmetics to clothing and household items. It’s known for cheap prices and regular flash deals.
But here's the catch:
You need a Vietnamese phone number and address to register.
Payments only accepted via local methods like MoMo, bank transfer, or Cash on Delivery (COD).No international shipping.
How to shop Shopee Vietnam from abroad:
Use a proxy service to place the order, receive it locally in Vietnam, and forward it to you.
- Tiki.vn
Tiki started as a book retailer but now sells electronics, beauty products, home goods, and more. It's known for quality assurance and fast domestic shipping.
Why it's tricky for foreigners:Requires Vietnam-issued cards.
Shipping only available within Vietnam.Proxy buyers can help you access Tiki’s trustworthy sellers and competitive prices.
- Instagram Sellers in Vietnam
Instagram is a huge platform for Vietnamese fashion brands, handmade accessories, thrift stores, and skincare resellers.
Popular categories:
- Korean-style clothing (ulzzang)
- Custom phone cases and tote bags
- Handmade jewelry
- Resold K-beauty and Japanese goods
Challenges for foreign buyers:
- Vietnamese language only
- Manual bank transfer or MoMo payment
- No shipping options beyond Vietnam
Your proxy can contact sellers, pay via local methods, and ship to your country.
- Facebook Marketplace & Live Selling
Many Vietnamese sellers operate exclusively through:
- Facebook pages
- Live-selling streams
- Facebook groups (for beauty, fashion, or toys)
These sellers are hard to reach unless you have a proxy who understands Vietnamese.
What to Look For:
- Fashion Trendy local brands, ulzzang/Korean styles
- Beauty - K-beauty, J-beauty, Vietnamese skincare brands
- Handmade Goods - Artisanal crafts, accessories, tote bags
- Electronics - Affordable gadgets, Bluetooth devices
- Homeware - Local kitchenware, decor, organizers
- Collectibles - Anime figures, K-pop merch, vintage tech
- Snacks - Local brands, coffee, dried fruits, sauces
Even if you find the perfect item on Shopee or Instagram, buying it is not straightforward.
No International ShippingMost Vietnamese platforms only ship within the country. Overseas checkout is not supported.
Local-Only Payment Methods
You’ll see options like:- Vietnam’s Payment Landscape for Ecommerce: What You Need to Know as an International Buyer Vietnam’s ecommerce ecosystem heavily relies on local payment methods that are largely inaccessible to foreigners. Understanding these payment options helps explain why proxy buying services are essential for international shoppers.
- MoMo — Vietnam’s Most Popular E-wallet
MoMo is the leading mobile wallet app in Vietnam, used by millions for everything from grocery shopping to paying bills. It links directly to Vietnamese bank accounts, allowing seamless instant payments. Sellers on platforms like Shopee.vn and Tiki.vn widely accept MoMo because it’s convenient and fast. However, to register for MoMo, you need a local Vietnamese phone number and bank account, which are typically unavailable to international buyers. - ZaloPay — Integrated with Vietnam’s Top Messaging App
ZaloPay is another growing e-wallet connected to Zalo, Vietnam’s most popular chat application. It offers similar payment features as MoMo but remains largely domestic-focused, making it difficult for foreigners to use. - Bank Transfers and Cash on Delivery (COD)
Many sellers accept traditional bank transfers via Vietnam’s largest banks such as Vietcombank and VietinBank. COD remains very common too, where customers pay cash upon delivery. Both these methods require a physical presence or trusted intermediary in Vietnam, which is where proxy services step in.
Why This Matters for International Buyers
Because foreign-issued credit cards are hardly accepted, you cannot shop directly on Vietnamese sites without local payment options. Proxy buying services hold local payment accounts and phone numbers, enabling them to buy on your behalf seamlessly. This arrangement removes the biggest barrier to shopping in Vietnam from abroad.
How the Proxy Buying Process Works
- Send product links or screenshots to the proxy
- Proxy confirms price + service fee
- You make payment
- Proxy places the order
- Items arrive at their Vietnam address
- You choose shipping method
- Parcel is shipped to you
- Receive your items safely at your door!
What a Proxy Service Can Do:
- Talk to the seller - In Vietnamese
- Pay with local methods - MoMo, bank transfer, COD
- Buy on your behalf - Shopee, Tiki, Instagram, FB
- Receive at Vietnam address - Local warehouse or office
- Inspect / photograph items - Optional
- Ship internationally - With tracking
- Combine multiple parcels - Save on shipping
Common Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I buy directly from Shopee Vietnam with my own account?
A: No — you need a local phone number, payment method, and address.
Q: Do Instagram sellers in Vietnam ship internationally?
A: Almost never. Most only offer COD or local bank transfer.
Q: Can I use Credit Card to buy from Vietnam sellers?
A: Not directly. But your proxy can accept credit card for your convenience.
Q: How much does a proxy service cost?
A: Depends on the service. Usually a flat fee per item or percentage of item value. Some charge consolidation or photo fees separately.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam has a growing online shopping scene filled with stylish clothing, unique handmade goods, and popular cosmetics — but access is limited to those living locally. If you’re outside of Vietnam, using a proxy buying service is the safest and most efficient way to get the products you want.
Whether you’re eyeing a trendy outfit from a Vietnamese Instagram seller or limited-time deals on Shopee.vn, a reliable Vietnam proxy shopper can help bridge the gap.
Ready to Shop from Vietnam?
Use a Buy For Me & Ship For Me service to start shopping like a local in Vietnam
