Banking & Money

Can you receive an international SWIFT transfer into a Vietnamese bank account opened on a tourist visa?

In September 2026, a traveller responding to this question reported receiving a transfer successfully, although collecting the money at the bank was difficult: staff nearly refused but ultimately released the funds. Rules change — confirm with an official source before you travel.

1 source · 33 days ago

Does Vietcombank in Vietnam ask about the source of funds and how you use your account?

In September 2026, someone trying to open a Vietcombank account reported being told that every incoming payment needed documentary support; in October, another account holder reported a call asking about account use and the source of funds. Rules change — confirm with an official source before you travel.

2 sources · 1 day ago

Is it worth travelling across Hanoi to get a better currency exchange rate?

Chasing a better exchange rate only makes sense if the gain on your amount clearly exceeds the time and transport cost. If a bank or exchange point is nearby, exchanging locally is usually more practical.

1 source · 6 days ago

Which Hanoi banks are most practical for foreigners to open an account, get a bank card, or exchange cash?

Recent reports suggest trying different Vietcombank or BIDV branches for cash exchange, as service can vary by office. Vietcombank may open an account, but issuing a physical card and cash withdrawals can depend on the branch’s rules.

2 sources · 27 days ago

Can international visitors open a bank account and get a debit card in Hanoi with an e-visa?

Recent reports indicate that Vietcombank and Techcombank branches in Hanoi may refuse account opening or debit-card issuance to visitors on an e-visa. Techcombank branches reportedly required a visa valid for at least 6–12 months.

1 source · today

How can I add cash to a BIDV bank account in Hanoi when ATMs do not accept cash deposits?

Based on travelers' experience in September 2026, adding cash to your own BIDV account in Hanoi as a tourist is close to impossible: the ATMs have no deposit option and a branch refused to process a cash deposit. The working option participants name is a transfer from a Vietnamese account — from a Vietnamese acquaintance or via a P2P transfer — handing them the cash separately. One participant said that any other way of depositing money would require a tourist to prove where the funds came from.

1 source · 22 days ago

What's the best way to pay in Vietnam: cash, cards, or QR payments?

Best combo: carry cash USD/EUR for exchange (better rates than banks) plus QR payments via the venue's WiFi, accepted almost everywhere. UnionPay cards work but transactions aren't always reliable.

2 sources · 55 days ago

How to exchange currency and withdraw cash in Hanoi, Vietnam (which foreign cards work at ATMs)?

Best exchange rates are at gold/jewelry shops (tiệm vàng), not banks or malls; Russian MIR cards don't work at Hanoi ATMs, so bring cash or a UnionPay card; you can open a local VND account with just a foreign passport at banks like Vietcombank.

2 sources · 85 days ago

Can you exchange money or withdraw cash at Hanoi airport late at night, and where exactly on arrival?

Russian roubles cannot be exchanged anywhere at Hanoi airport — travelers reported this in September 2026, so for first expenses carry US dollars or a card that works. One group arriving with only dollars agreed with a taxi driver to take them to their hotel for $8, then withdrew dong at a VRB ATM near the hotel using a Russian-issued card (7% fee). In August 2026 another traveler found that her Russian-issued card and US dollar cash were not accepted at the airport, while a card from a different Russian issuer worked.

2 sources · 22 days ago

Where to exchange money or withdraw cash in Hanoi, Vietnam?

In Hanoi, jewelry stores typically offer the best exchange rates for USD to VND. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals. For peer-to-peer cash-out via Vietnamese QR payment, look for local exchange services.

3 sources · 3 days ago