How can a foreign visitor or expat open a Vietnamese bank account and get a debit card in Ho Chi Minh City?
Based on 2 discussions with 4 participants · Last activity: 4 days ago
TL;DR
Based on travelers’ experience, Vietcombank may open an account with your passport, a Vietnamese phone number registered in your name, and a self-declared local address. An e-visa can improve your chances of getting a physical debit card, which has an extra fee.
What the community said
At Vietcombank, a traveler reported opening an account using a passport and a Vietnamese SIM registered in the account holder’s name. No rental contract was requested, and the local address was entered on the form. The mobile app supports QR payments; a physical card can be ordered separately for an additional fee.
5 days ago Vietcombank
Bring your passport and a Vietnamese mobile number registered in your own name. Having a valid e-visa may improve the chance of receiving a debit card as well as an account.
8 days ago e-visa
With BIDV, this experience suggests that you mainly need to visit a branch for the initial account opening. Once the account is set up, it can still be used after repeated trips out of Vietnam for visa runs.
15 days ago BIDV
If an ATM keeps your card, go first to the bank branch where that ATM is located. Staff can more easily retrieve a card from an ATM on their premises; bring your passport for identification.
19 days ago Bank branch