Credit cards for Asian trips: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Bali
Destination-by-destination notes on how far cards go, where cash is still needed, the QR and local wallets visitors often meet, and transit cards, plus criteria for choosing a card for Asia and official sources.
Quick answer
- In the big cities and tourist areas of Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Bali, credit cards and tap-to-pay are commonly accepted, but small shops, markets, street food and many local transport options still use cash or local QR. How common each is varies by country and changes over time.
- Always carry a backup card and a small amount of local cash, and check your card's terms for foreign fees. Every country here differs, so use your issuing bank's pages and official local sources.
Cards for Asia: what to expect overall
Payment habits in Asia vary a lot. In some places you can tap a card at almost every shop, elsewhere cash still matters, and many places have QR codes or local wallets widely used by residents. Visitors can sometimes use them, sometimes need a local account, so check before relying on one.
| Destination | Cards, commonly | What to add |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | Big cities and malls take cards; small shops and night markets often use cash | Local cash and a transit card |
| Hong Kong | Cards widely taken in shops and malls; some small eateries prefer cash or a transit card | A transit card and a little cash |
| Singapore | Tap-to-pay widespread, including some transit; some food centres may prefer cash or QR | A little cash for small stalls |
| Malaysia | Cards taken at malls and ordinary shops, but markets, street stalls and remote areas often use cash or local QR | Cash and a transit card or ride app |
| Vietnam | Cards taken in hotels and large malls, but small shops and markets often use cash or local QR | Local cash as the main backup, plus a spare card |
| Bali (Indonesia) | Hotels, larger shops and tourist-area venues commonly take cards; small shops, markets and remote areas often use cash or local QR | Local cash and a spare card |
Using a card in Taiwan
In big cities, department stores, convenience stores and chains commonly take cards, but night markets, small restaurants and some sights mainly use cash. Transit in many cities has a stored-value card that is usually more convenient than buying single tickets. Check current rules on the transit or card operator's site.
Using a card in Hong Kong
Most shops, malls and restaurants take cards and tap-to-pay, but some small local eateries may take only cash or a transit card. Hong Kong's stored-value transit card works for many services beyond travel, which is convenient, but check the issuer's terms for buying and refunding it.
Using a card in Singapore
Tap-to-pay is very widespread, including on some transit that accepts card taps directly. Some food centres and eateries may use cash or local QR and not accept foreign cards, so ask before ordering. Check the transit rules on the official site.
Using a card in Malaysia
Malls and ordinary shops in big cities commonly take cards, but street stalls, markets and remote areas often use cash or local QR that may need a local account. Carry some cash and check whether the transport you use needs a specific card or app.
Using a card in Vietnam
Hotels, large malls and venues in tourist areas commonly take cards, but small shops, markets, street food and many local rides use cash or local QR. Carry local cash as the main fallback and check the total each time before paying. See our ATM guide if you plan to withdraw cash.
Using a card in Bali
Hotels, resorts, larger shops and restaurants in tourist areas commonly take cards, but small shops, markets, roadside places and remote areas may need cash or local QR, and some places may add a card fee. Check the final amount before confirming and carry some local cash.
Local QR and wallets: can visitors use them?
In many countries here, residents use QR and in-app wallets heavily, but whether a visitor can use them depends on your app or account. Some foreign apps or wallets support cross-border scan-to-pay, while others need a local account. Check with the app provider or your bank. For an overview, see our guide to QR payments abroad.
- Do not rely on QR alone; keep a card and cash as a backup.
- Check before you go whether your app or card supports the places you want to pay.
- Scan only the shop's own QR and check the recipient name before confirming.
Transit cards, cash and backups
- Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and several cities have transit cards or direct tap systems; check the rules on official sites.
- In Malaysia, Vietnam and Bali you may need a ride-hailing app, cash or a specific card. Check what applies where you will stay.
- Always carry a little local cash and do not keep everything in one place.
- If a terminal asks baht or local currency (DCC), decide from your card's terms; see our DCC guide.
Choosing a card for Asia: criteria, not a ranking
We do not recommend or rank any bank's card. What to compare:
- The foreign transaction fee and exchange margin in your card's terms.
- A network your destination accepts; check current information from the network and bank.
- Contactless and phone wallet support.
- Alerts and a card-lock function in the app.
- A way to contact the bank if there is a problem.
See our guide to choosing a travel credit card for a fuller comparison method.
Staying online for alerts and maps
Getting alerts, locking a card and finding card-friendly places on a map all need mobile data. A data-only eSIM bought and installed online is one option; see current plans for your destination on the eSIM page.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Can I use a credit card in Taiwan?+
In big cities, malls and convenience stores cards are commonly accepted, but night markets and small shops often use cash, so carry local cash and a transit card.
Can I use a credit card in Hong Kong?+
Most shops, malls and restaurants take cards, but some small places take cash or a transit card, so carry a little cash.
Can I use a credit card in Singapore?+
Tap-to-pay is very widespread, but some food centres or small stalls may use cash or local QR. Ask before ordering and keep a little cash.
What should I know about cards in Malaysia and Vietnam?+
Malls and hotels commonly take cards, but small shops, markets and local transport often use cash or local QR. Carry local cash and a backup card.
Is it safe to use a credit card in Bali?+
Nothing can guarantee it, but you can lower risk by turning on alerts, keeping the card in sight, using ATMs inside banks or busy places, and checking the amount before confirming.
Can visitors use local QR payments?+
It depends on the app or wallet you have. Some support cross-border scanning, others need a local account. Check with the provider before you go and do not rely on it alone.
How do I choose a credit card for Asia?+
Look at foreign fees, the accepted network, contactless and wallet support, alerts and card lock, and how to contact the bank. We do not rank any card.
Instagram and TikTok have no web share button, so we open your phone's share sheet or copy the link instead.