How to pay in Vietnam for foreigners?

For foreigners, paying in Vietnam requires a mix of cash and card, with cash being king for street food and local markets, while cards are accepted at hotels and malls. Vietnamese Đồng (VND) is the currency; USD is rarely used officially. Digital QR codes (using apps like Momo or ZaloPay) are rapidly replacing cards in cities, but cash remains necessary in rural areas.

Is it better to use cash or card in Vietnam?

As mentioned above, despite Vietnam's growing embrace of digital payments, cash remains essential in many everyday situations. Even in cities, there are still places where paying in cash is the only option. You'll need it for public buses, temple donations, and entrance fees.

Should I exchange money before I travel to Vietnam?

It's not a terrible idea, but you don't really need to exchange all your money into VND before arrival. Many people just bring USD and exchange at official counters in Vietnam for a better rate.

What is the payment app in Vietnam for foreigners?

MoMo and ZaloPay are mobile wallets in Vietnam that let users top up money, scan QR codes, and pay for everyday services like food delivery, shopping, and bills. VietQR, on the other hand, is a unified QR code system that connects banks and wallets, so users can scan one code and pay from any supported app.

Which payment method is used in Vietnam?

Physical cash, the Đồng, remains the dominant payment method for the majority of all transactions in Vietnam. However, e-wallets like Momo and ZaloPay are extremely popular and are used for QR payments, P2P transfers, and a vast range of other services.

Best ways to EXCHANGE MONEY in Hanoi, Vietnam | Vietnam Travel Guide

Is it better to use USD or dong in Vietnam?

US dollar is a widely accepted currency in Vietnam and most goods and services can be paid for in Dongs or Dollars. It is good to carry a combination of both at all times.

Can foreigners use ZaloPay?

By the end of 2025, Zalopay also plans to roll out a new feature enabling international visitors in Vietnam to make QR payments using Visa and Mastercard issued in any country, further strengthening global payment connectivity.

How do you pay for stuff in Vietnam?

While cash is used for small purchases and street vendors in Vietnam, most establishments accept payments from major credit card providers such as Visa. Hotels, tour operators, boutiques, restaurants, grocery stores, and spas all generally accept international debit and credit cards.

How much is 1 pound to a dong?

£ 1 GBP = ₫ 35236.8239 VND

Last updated Monday, 19 January 2026 13:53. Rates shown are interbank rates. eurochange rates will differ.

Is it better to buy Vietnamese dong in the UK or Vietnam?

If you can exchange for dong easily in your home country, we recommend doing so. But, you do have plenty of options to get hold of dong in Vietnam.

What is the 2/3/4 rule for credit cards?

The 2/3/4 rule for credit cards is a guideline, notably used by Bank of America, that limits how many new cards you can get approved for: no more than two in 30 days, three in 12 months, and four in 24 months, helping manage hard inquiries and credit risk. It's a strategy to space out applications, preventing too many hard pulls on your credit report and helping maintain financial health by avoiding over-extending yourself. 

How much is the ATM fee for foreigners in Vietnam?

📌The best ATMs in Vietnam for foreigners are TPbank and VPbank because you can withdraw money without a fee Most ATMs in Vietnam charge a withdrawal fee between 20.000 and 50.000 VND (0.8-2$). 📌Visas and Mastercards will always be accepted by ATMs.

How to pay as a foreigner in Vietnam?

Visiting Vietnam is now simpler than ever with VNPAY, the country's leading super app. Designed with international travelers in mind, the app allows you to register in minutes using an international phone number, link your Visa/Mastercard/JCB, and enjoy seamless cashless payments across the country.

Does ZaloPay have an English version?

Full English-language support every step of the way.

Can you use contactless in Vietnam?

If you're travelling through bigger cities, you'll notice how many Vietnamese businesses support contactless payments. They've also become more popular for health reasons.

What can I buy with 5,000 dong in Vietnam?

Street Snacks - A Paradise Starting from Just 5,000 Vietnamese Dong. Banh trang tron, bubble tea, fried fermented pork rolls, Vietnamese sweet soup (che thap cam)… all can be found for just 5,000 to 25,000 Vietnamese Dong per item. With 100,000 Vietnamese Dong, you can enjoy a true “street food buffet” experience!

Which ATM is best for withdrawal in Vietnam?

Most Vietnam ATMs charge local withdrawal fees ranging from 20,000 VND to 55,000 VND (~S$0.99 to S$2.72) VPBank is the most ideal when withdrawing cash in Vietnam as it charge no fees (as of 9 July 2025) ATM withdrawal limits typically range from 20,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND per transaction.

Is Vietnam cheap for the UK?

For UK visitors, Vietnam is considered to be a relatively cheap destination to travel to. The cost of living in Vietnam is relatively low, and this is reflected in the prices of food, accommodation and transport.