How to pay in Vietnam: dong, QR scanning, cards and ATMs

You pay in Vietnam mainly with Vietnamese dong (VND), and some Thai mobile banking apps can scan Vietnamese QR codes under the Thailand–Vietnam QR payment linkage. Most hotels, restaurants and tour operators accept international debit and credit cards, ATMs that take foreign cards are common, and cash still matters for street vendors and small purchases.

What currency does Vietnam use, and are there coins?

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong, written ₫ or VND, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism. Notes come as small paper bills and larger polymer bills, and no coins are used.

Look carefully at the zeros on each note before you hand it over, and check your change every time, because several notes look alike. For the exchange rate, use your bank app or the exchange counter on the day you travel.

Can Thai travellers scan QR codes to pay in Vietnam?

Yes, if your bank takes part. The Bank of Thailand and the State Bank of Viet Nam launched the interoperable QR payment linkage on 26 March 2021, so Thai tourists can scan QR codes with a mobile banking app to pay merchants in Vietnam.

According to the joint press release, in phase 1 Bangkok Bank app users could scan Viet QR Codes at TP Bank and BIDV merchants. The switching operators are NAPAS in Vietnam and National ITMX in Thailand, and Kasikornbank, Krung Thai, SCB, Krungsri and CIMB Thai were listed as joining later. For the current list of banks that work, check your own bank app directly.

How far do debit and credit cards go in Vietnam?

Cards work widely in tourist businesses. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism says most hotels, tour operators, restaurants, grocery stores and spas accept international debit and credit cards, and many businesses and taxi services accept Visa contactless.

• Switch on overseas use for your card in the bank app before you fly, and turn on transaction alerts.
• Ask whether the shop takes cards before ordering, especially at small shops and markets.
• If the terminal asks which currency to charge, choose dong to avoid a second currency conversion.
• Carry at least two cards and keep them in separate places in case one is lost or blocked.

Where can you withdraw or exchange cash in Vietnam?

ATMs that accept international cards stand just outside the arrival gates at major airports and are common in cities. Exchange counters sit inside international airports before the exit gates.

Why does your phone need data when you pay and withdraw?

Scanning a QR code with a Thai banking app needs a live connection throughout, because the app has to reach your bank to confirm the payment. With no signal you cannot complete the scan, even if the shop shows a QR code.

Bank OTP codes and card payment confirmations also depend on data or a mobile signal, and a ride-hailing app such as Grab with a linked card needs to be online too. Open your bank app and test a login before you leave the airport.

Having data ready from the moment you land keeps payments and withdrawals smooth. For preparing internet for the whole trip, see “Going to Vietnam: how to get online and what to prepare”.

Do you tip and bargain in Vietnam?

Tipping is not a set rule or a normal part of Vietnamese culture, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism. It is not expected at restaurants or cafes, but it is increasingly common at beauty salons and for private guides, and it is appreciated. Bargaining is common at markets.

1. 1Voordat je vliegtEnable overseas card use, check whether your bank supports scanning Vietnamese QR codes, and set alerts.
2. 2Op de luchthavenGet online, test your bank app, and exchange a small amount or use an ATM outside the arrival gates.
3. 3In de stadUse cards or QR where accepted, cash at street stalls and markets, and always count your change.

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