Is there Amazon in Vietnam? (2025)

The e-commerce shopping platform, Amazon, has become a household name in the United States and many other countries worldwide. But what about Vietnam? If you’re planning to travel or move to Vietnam and are wondering about the availability and functionality of Amazon in Vietnam you’ve come to the right place. I’ve been to Vietnam and navigated the apps there. In this article, I’ll dive into everything you need to know about Amazon in Vietnam, including its services, shipping options, and local alternatives.

Is there Amazon in Vietnam? (2024)

Does Amazon Prime work in Vietnam?

Amazon Prime is known for its fast shipping, streaming services, and exclusive deals. However, if you’re an Amazon Prime member in the US, you’ll find that the service doesn’t work the same way in Vietnam. While you can still access some of the benefits like Amazon Prime Video, the two-day shipping that Amazon Prime provides in the US is not available in Vietnam. This is mainly because Amazon doesn’t have a strong physical presence in Vietnam to support this.

In Vietnam, Amazon Prime Video does offer a selection of movies and TV shows. However, the content library is limited compared to what’s available in the US due to regional licensing restrictions. If you’re an Amazon Prime user, you might want to explore VPN options. With a VPN you can access Amazon Prime Video, although this comes with its own set of legal and technical challenges.

What is the equivalent of Amazon in Vietnam?

Even though Amazon is not fully operational in Vietnam, several local e-commerce platforms offer a similar shopping experience. Here are a few of the most popular ones:

Lazada

Lazada is one of the largest online shopping platforms in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. It offers a wide range of products from electronics and fashion to groceries and home decor. Lazada often has sales and promotions, and is a go-to platform for many people in Vietnam.

Shopee

Another popular shopping platform in the Vietnamese e-commerce market is Shopee. It provides a user-friendly app and website with a vast selection of products. Shopee is known for its competitive pricing and frequent sales events like its annual shopping festivals.

Tiki

Tiki is a local Vietnamese e-commerce site that started as an online bookstore but has since expanded to various product categories. It is highly trusted in Vietnam for its reliable service and fast delivery options.

Sendo

Sendo is another popular shopping platform in Vietnam. It offers a wide range of products and is known for supporting local Vietnamese sellers. Sendo often features local brands and unique products that are not easily found on other platforms.

These platforms provide alternatives to Amazon, with local services and support that cater to people in Vietnam.

Does Amazon ship to Vietnam?

One of the most common questions about Amazon in Vietnam is whether Amazon ships to Vietnam. The answer is yes, but with some limitations.

Amazon Global

Amazon Global is a service that allows international shipping of certain products to countries like Vietnam. However, not all items listed on Amazon are eligible for international shipping. When shopping on Amazon, you can filter the search results to show only items that can be shipped internationally.

Shipping Costs and Times

Shipping costs to Vietnam can be quite high, depending on the size and weight of the package. Additionally, delivery times can be lengthy, often taking several weeks. Customs clearance can also add to the delivery time, and you might have to pay import duties and taxes upon receiving the package.

Third-Party Forwarding Services

Another option is to use a third-party forwarding service. These services provide you with a US-based shipping address, receive your packages, and then forward them to your address in Vietnam. While this can be a more expensive option, it allows you to purchase items from Amazon that otherwise wouldn’t ship directly to Vietnam.

Does Amazon have an office in Vietnam?

Currently, Amazon does not have a physical office or warehouse in Vietnam. This absence is a significant factor in the limited availability of Amazon’s services in the country. Without a local office, Amazon cannot provide the same level of service and logistics support that it offers in countries (like the US) where it has a physical presence.

However, Amazon is in other Southeast Asian countries, such as Singapore. Amazon’s locations in Singapore serve as a regional hub and may influence future expansion.

Why is there no Amazon in Vietnam?

There are several reasons why Amazon has not established a full-fledged operation in Vietnam! Here are some of the reasons:

Market Competition

The Vietnamese e-commerce market is highly competitive, with strong and trusted local competition like Lazada, Shopee, Tiki, and Sendo. These companies have deep local knowledge and established networks. This makes it challenging for Amazon to enter Vietnam and compete.

Regulations in Vietnam

Vietnam has strict regulations regarding foreign companies operating within its borders. These regulations can make it difficult for international companies to set up and operate smoothly. Compliance with local laws, customs regulations, and tax policies can be hard for outsiders.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure and logistics in Vietnam are still developing. Major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have relatively good infrastructure, but there are many rural areas in Vietnam. These rural areas can be challenging to service. This creates significant challenges for Amazon, since they on efficient delivery systems.

Local Preferences

Vietnamese consumers have strong preferences for local platforms. These platforms have tailored their services to meet the specific needs and preferences of Vietnamese shoppers. Amazon would need to make significant changes to their platforms to cater to people in Vietnam.

Final notes: Is there Amazon in Vietnam

Overall, even though Amazon is not fully integrated into Vietnam, there are still ways to access Amazon’s services. Amazon Prime does not work as it does in the US, and shipping to Vietnam can be costly and time-consuming. However, several local platforms provide good alternatives for online shopping in Vietnam.

If you’re planning a trip or move to Vietnam, it’s helpful to get familiar with these local platforms ahead of time. They offer a wide range of products, affordable pricing, and services that can make your shopping experience as smooth as you’re used to with Amazon. Although Amazon isn’t fully established in Vietnam, local, popular online shopping platforms will be available to you during your stay.