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

In September 2026, a traveller reported receiving an account and card, but said funding it was possible only through cryptocurrency or with help from Vietnamese people. The bank and branch were not specified.

In September 2026, a visitor reported that Vietcombank requested a visa valid for six to twelve months when they tried to open an account.

In September 2026, an applicant reported that BIDV initially agreed to open an account, but they did not have a SIM card. The next day, another staff member refused, citing an embargo affecting the applicant’s country; the message did not specify which country.

In September 2026, a participant reported being advised to try a non-state commercial bank with a branch in the city centre. They had not tested this option, and neither a specific bank nor the city was named.

In September 2026, a visitor to Vietcombank reported that, when applying for a tourist account, staff required documentation for every transfer into the account.

On 30 September 2026, a traveller reported opening a Vietcombank account in about half an hour using a 90-day EV stamp at 50 Nguyen Tat Thanh in Phan Thiet, not Hanoi. Staff said a Visa card would be issued soon and asked them to wait for an SMS; the report did not yet confirm receipt of the card. Rules change — confirm with an official source before you travel.

In early September 2026, three Techcombank branches reportedly declined an applicant holding an e-visa, passport, and Vietnamese SIM registered in their own name. Staff cited a required visa duration of six months to one year.

A recent Vietcombank customer said that although they had opened an account about a week earlier, the bank could not issue a physical card on an e-visa. Check the requirements separately for account opening and debit-card issuance before visiting.

If you previously opened a Vietnamese bank account but no longer have access to the linked SIM card, restoring access will likely require an in-person bank visit with your passport and account details. Bring the account number if you have it.