How to pay without cash in Vietnam?

Going cashless in Vietnam is increasingly common, particularly in cities, through QR code scanning (MoMo, ZaloPay), international card payments (Visa/Mastercard), and apps like Grab. For tourists, linking cards to apps or using travel cards (Revolut/Wise) is best, though small street stalls still rely on cash.

How to pay cashless in Vietnam?

2. Popular Digital Payment Methods in Vietnam

1. 2.1. Mobile Wallets: A Simple and Fast Option. Mobile wallets like MoMo, ZaloPay, ViettelPay, VNPay,… are more popular mobile payments in Vietnam. ...
2. 2.2. QR Code Payments. QR code payments are also very popular in Vietnam. ...
3. 2.3. Bank Cards. ...
4. 2.4. International Payment Methods.

Is it better to pay 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.

What is the best way to pay for things in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, cash is still king but credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in the cities. In Hanoi and Saigon, most restaurants, shops and hotels will take credit, but smaller places like street food stalls are usually cash only.

Do you need cash when visiting Vietnam?

Cash remains essential, but cards work well in urban areas. The best strategy is to carry a combination of both while exploring Vietnam's diverse destinations. If traveling outside major cities, cash is the safest bet. However, in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, cards and mobile payments are increasingly common.

Vietnam's NEW law just changed everything!

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.

What is the most used payment method 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.

How to avoid ATM fees in Vietnam?

Choose to pay in Vietnamese Dong

If an ATM asks you what currency you want to be charged in, choose to pay in the same currency you're withdrawing. This will help you get better exchange rates and avoid DCC fees.

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. 

What items are not allowed in Vietnam?

Prohibited items include:

• Explosives and items containing explosives.
• Flammable substances in the form of gases, liquids or solids.
• Oxidizers, organic peroxides and related items.
• Corrosives, infectious or toxic substances and related items.
• Radioactive materials, magnetized materials.

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.

What is the best debit card to use in Vietnam?

Mastercard Debit or Credit Card in Vietnam. Mastercard is also widely accepted, slightly behind Visa but still reliable. It works for both point-of-sale transactions and ATM withdrawals. Mastercard debit cards are a good option if you prefer to spend your own money and avoid credit.

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 do tourists pay 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.

What is the 20% credit card rule?

Simply put, the 20/10 rule advises that you should avoid accumulating long-term debt that exceeds 20% of your annual income, and you should avoid debt payments of more than 10% of your monthly income.

How to go cashless 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.

How much cash should I take to Vietnam for 3 weeks?

For a more comfortable backpacker experience in Vietnam, it's best to budget around $50 per day. This way, you'll have more money to spend on things like food, drinks, activities and hotel rooms. For a comfortable mid-range experience in Vietnam, it's best to budget $60 to $100 per day for your entire costs.

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!

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.