How do foreign tourists pay for things in Vietnam (cards, cash, local bank account)?
Based on 2 discussions with 3 participants · Last activity: 15 days ago
TL;DR
Apps like Freedom/Revolut don't support QR payments in Vietnam — use a Union Pay card (e.g. from a foreign bank), bring cash USD, or use money changers who deliver cash to your hotel. For longer stays, opening a local Vietnamese bank account (possible with an e-visa) is the simplest option.
What the community said
For living in Vietnam long-term, opening a local Vietnamese bank account is enough — this is possible if you have an e-visa, no need for a full Vietnamese card.
17 days ago Vietnamese bank account (requires e-visa)
Practical ways to pay in Vietnam: bring cash USD with you, use a Union Pay card (e.g. issued by a foreign bank), or use money changers who deliver cash directly to your hotel.
21 days ago Union Pay card / USD cash / money changers
Apps like Freedom (and similar fintech neobanks) don't work for QR payments in Vietnam — they're built for other markets and simply lack this functionality here.
22 days ago