{"id":2680,"date":"2025-06-09T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/vietgohan.com\/?p=2680"},"modified":"2025-05-02T20:38:22","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T11:38:22","slug":"20250609-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vietgohan.com\/en\/20250609-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Use Credit Cards in Vietnam? Complete Guide to Card and Cash Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, one important question is: Can you use credit cards there?<\/strong> While Vietnam has made major strides toward becoming more cashless, physical currency is still widely used<\/strong>, especially in local settings. In this guide, we\u2019ll cover everything you need to know about credit card acceptance in Vietnam, where cash is still king, how to exchange money, and the best ways to manage both.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Overview: Is Vietnam Cashless or Card-Friendly?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vietnam is gradually moving toward a cashless economy, especially in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang<\/strong>. In areas frequented by tourists, credit cards are accepted in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Hotels (3 stars and up)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Upscale restaurants and caf\u00e9s<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Shopping malls<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Ride-hailing apps like Grab<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Convenience stores like Circle K<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    However, cash remains essential<\/strong> in many day-to-day situations\u2014especially when visiting traditional markets, local eateries, or taking taxis on the street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Where Credit Cards Are Accepted\u2014and Where They\u2019re Not<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    Location or Situation<\/th>Card Use<\/th>Notes<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Airports and hotels (mid-range+)<\/td>\u2705 High<\/td>Often required for deposits<\/td><\/tr>
    High-end restaurants and caf\u00e9s<\/td>\u2705 High<\/td>10% service charge may apply<\/td><\/tr>
    Shopping malls (e.g., Vincom)<\/td>\u2705 High<\/td>Signature or PIN entry may be needed<\/td><\/tr>
    Convenience stores (e.g., Circle K)<\/td>\u2705 Moderate<\/td>Small purchases sometimes prefer cash<\/td><\/tr>
    Local food stalls and street food<\/td>\u274c<\/td>Cash only<\/td><\/tr>
    Taxis (street-hail)<\/td>\u274c<\/td>Use Grab for app-based card payments<\/td><\/tr>
    Traditional markets (e.g., Ben Thanh)<\/td>\u274c to \u26a0\ufe0f<\/td>Cash preferred; some offer QR payment<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    \u3000<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Best Credit Cards for Vietnam Travel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    What to Look For:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • \u2705 Visa or Mastercard<\/strong> (most widely accepted)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • \u2705 Travel insurance included<\/strong> (ideally automatic)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • \u2705 Contactless payment support<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • \u2705 Low foreign exchange fees<\/strong> (under 2%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • \u2705 ATM cash withdrawal capability<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Recommended Cards:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • EPOS Card (Japan)<\/strong> \u2013 Free annual fee, travel insurance included<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Rakuten Card (Visa)<\/strong> \u2013 Widely accepted and offers point rewards<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • SMBC NL Card<\/strong> \u2013 Contactless-ready with mobile app support<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Wise or Revolut (Prepaid)<\/strong> \u2013 Excellent exchange rates, easy app control<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        \n

        \u26a0\ufe0f Note: JCB cards are not widely accepted in Vietnam\u2014bring a Visa or Mastercard as your main card.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

        4. When and How to Use Cash in Vietnam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Even in urban areas, you\u2019ll often need cash for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Local food stalls (meals often cost 30,000\u2013100,000 VND)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Small taxis or motorbike rides<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Public restrooms (2,000\u20135,000 VND)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Tips for spa staff, bellboys, and other service workers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Traditional markets and souvenir vendors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Money Exchange Tips:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          • Exchange rates are better in Vietnam<\/strong> than at Japanese airports<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Popular exchange spots in HCMC: Nguyen An Ninh Street<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • ATMs are widely available<\/strong>, but may charge 20,000\u201350,000 VND per withdrawal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Carry small bills (10,000\u201350,000 VND)<\/strong> for daily purchases and tipping<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            5. Smart Strategy: How to Balance Card and Cash<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Use credit cards for:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            • Hotels, flights, and large purchases<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Grab rides or online food delivery<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Shopping in malls or chain stores<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Paying at restaurants with receipts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Use cash for:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              • Meals at local eateries and food vendors<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Short rides and local transportation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Market haggling and small souvenirs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Tips and minor service charges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Suggested Daily Budgeting:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                • 70\u201380%<\/strong> of major payments via card<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • 20\u201330%<\/strong> in cash for day-to-day local interactions
                  \u2192 200,000\u2013400,000 VND (approx. $8\u201316 USD)<\/strong> per day in cash is a good baseline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  Conclusion: Use Both Credit and Cash for a Hassle-Free Trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Vietnam is becoming more credit-card friendly, especially in cities and tourist areas. But cash is still a necessity<\/strong> for smooth daily travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  To ensure a stress-free trip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • Carry a Visa or Mastercard<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Use a trusted ATM<\/strong> or city exchange service<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Always have small bills on hand<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Be mindful of potential scams or skimming\u2014use cards carefully<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    With the right mix of credit card convenience and cash readiness<\/strong>, you\u2019ll enjoy the best of Vietnam\u2019s vibrant culture and hospitality without financial frustration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \uff08Photo by Unsplash.com\uff09<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                    If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, one important question is: Can you use credit cards there? While Vietnam has made major strides toward becoming more cashless, physical currency is still widely used, especially in local settings. In this guide, we\u2019ll cover everything you need to know about credit card acceptance in Vietnam, where cash […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2677,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"http:\/\/vietgohan.com\/?p=2676","_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[23],"class_list":["post-2680","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-23","en-US"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t